Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars

Introduction

Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars are the ultimate treat for those who love the rich flavor and striking appearance of red velvet cake, but in a no-bake form! These bars are soft, decadent, and packed with the signature flavor of red velvet, complete with a slight tang from cream cheese and a touch of cocoa. The cookie dough base is studded with chocolate chips, and the creamy frosting on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

I first made these bars when I was craving something sweet but didn’t feel like baking. The result was a hit with my family and friends, who couldn’t get enough of the smooth, indulgent texture. The best part? You can make them in no time and store them in the fridge for an easy, on-demand dessert.

Whether you’re looking for a showstopper for a party or a simple treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests!

Perfect for:

• Special occasions like birthdays or holidays
• Parties or family gatherings
• Dessert tables
• Red velvet lovers
• No-bake dessert enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars

Here’s why Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars will become your new favorite dessert:

• No-Bake Convenience: These bars are easy to prepare and don’t require any baking, making them perfect for when you want a quick and indulgent treat.
• Rich Red Velvet Flavor: With the perfect balance of cocoa and cream cheese, these bars deliver all the flavor you love from a red velvet cake.
• Decadent and Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet, chocolate-chip-studded dough.
• Visually Stunning: The deep red color of the dough makes these bars as beautiful as they are delicious, a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
• Customizable: You can add extra ingredients like chopped nuts, or switch up the type of chocolate chips used to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars:

• For the Cookie Dough:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Red sprinkles (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter and Sugar: The combination of butter and both white and brown sugars creates a rich, soft cookie dough base for the bars.
• Red Food Coloring: The red food coloring is what gives these bars their signature bright red hue, making them visually striking.
• Cocoa Powder: A small amount of cocoa powder enhances the red velvet flavor without overpowering the tangy cream cheese.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: The mini chocolate chips offer just the right amount of sweetness and texture to balance the tangy cream cheese frosting.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich, tangy frosting perfectly complements the sweet, soft cookie dough base, creating a delicious contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang to make removal easier later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla and Food Coloring: Beat in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Press into Pan: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

7. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
8. Spread the Frosting: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cookie dough layer in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to cover the dough completely.
9. Chill the Bars: Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to firm up the cookie dough and frosting.

Serve the Bars:

10. Cut and Serve: Once the bars are chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Cut into squares and serve. Optionally, sprinkle with red sprinkles for extra flair.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars

Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways:

• As a Dessert Plate: Serve these bars as part of a dessert spread at a party or gathering.
• For Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or holidays, these vibrant bars will be the star of any dessert table.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Gift-Giving: These bars are easy to package up and make great homemade gifts for friends and family.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars

Here are some tips to ensure your Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars are perfect every time:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing the dry ingredients into the wet, be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dough dense.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
• Chill the Bars Well: The bars need time in the fridge to firm up and hold their shape. Don’t skip this step for best results.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the dough and frosting to taste.
• Customize the Frosting: Add a little more vanilla extract or a splash of lemon juice to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

Recipe Variations for Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars

Here are some variations you can try for Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars:

• Nutty Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for a crunchy contrast.
• Mini Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars: Use a mini muffin tin to make bite-sized versions of these bars.
• Chocolate Ganache Topping: Instead of cream cheese frosting, top the bars with a rich chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
• Vegan Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars: Replace the butter with dairy-free margarine and use a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting.
• Red Velvet and Cheesecake Swirl Bars: Swirl the cream cheese frosting into the dough before chilling for a cheesecake-inspired treat.
• Red Velvet Cookie Dough Truffles: Roll the dough into balls and dip them in chocolate for bite-sized truffles.
• Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace the cream cheese frosting with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting for a citrusy twist.
• Red Velvet Cookie Dough Brownies: Add a layer of brownie batter on the bottom of the pan before spreading the cookie dough on top.
• Peppermint Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars: Add peppermint extract to the dough or frosting for a festive flavor.
• Red Velvet Cookie Dough with White Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips for a slightly different taste.

Freezing and Storage for Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars

• Freezing: These Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars freeze well. After cutting them, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled for the best texture and freshness.

Special Equipment for Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help you achieve a smooth, fluffy texture for the dough and frosting.
• Parchment Paper or Foil: Line your baking pan with parchment paper or foil to make removal easy.
• 8×8-inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for these bars, ensuring they set properly.
• Spatula: A spatula will help you evenly spread the dough and frosting in the pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for perfect results.
• Cooling Rack: Use a wire rack to cool the bars if necessary before cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions for Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, these bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. They’ll keep well and stay fresh.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Just scoop it into the pan and freeze before adding the frosting.
3. Can I use a different food coloring?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with other food colors, but red velvet is traditionally red, so it’s best to stick with red for the classic look.
4. What can I substitute for the cream cheese frosting?
   You can replace it with buttercream frosting or chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
5. Are these bars gluten-free?
   Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars are an irresistible treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With the deep, rich flavor of red velvet and the creamy frosting topping, these no-bake bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves indulgent sweets. The soft, doughy base loaded with mini chocolate chips adds just the right touch of sweetness, while the frosting provides a tangy balance.

Perfect for special occasions or just a fun indulgence, these bars will quickly become a crowd favorite. Serve them at your next get-together, and you’ll be the star of the show!

Can’t wait to see how your Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bars turn out! Be sure to take a picture, share it on social media, and tag me—I’m excited to see your sweet creations! Happy baking!