Red Velvet Cookie Bars: 5 Irresistibly Sweet Bites

Name: Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel, or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese; 2 1/2–3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1–2 tablespoons cream (whipping or table cream), if needed

Jump to Recipe

If you’re anything like me, Red Velvet Cookie Bars probably make you think of holidays, birthdays, or any moment when you just want something sweet, comforting, and a little extra special. And let me tell you—these bars are exactly that kind of treat. They’re the dessert equivalent of throwing on your comfiest sweater and instantly feeling better about everything on your to-do list.

As a mom, a wife, and someone whose calendar sometimes feels fuller than my fridge, I’m always searching for desserts that look impressive without asking for three hours of my time. That’s why these Red Velvet Cookie Bars are such a lifesaver. They come together easily, bake beautifully in one pan, and deliver that classic red velvet flavor we all adore—without fuss.

So if you’ve been craving something rich, festive, and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting, grab your mixing bowls. We’re making something wonderful today.

If “simple, stunning, and ridiculously delicious” sounds like your kind of dessert, you’re in the right place. These cookie bars are:

Perfect for gatherings – They slice beautifully, travel well, and feed a crowd.
Beginner-friendly – No fancy piping, chilling, or stressful steps.
Moist, soft, and chewy – That signature red velvet texture hits every time.
Smothered in tangy cream cheese frosting – Because honestly, what’s red velvet without it?

Plus, your kitchen will smell like a bakery crossed with a warm hug—and who doesn’t need more of that?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, here’s everything that goes into these irresistible Red Velvet Cookie Bars.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel; use less if you prefer a lighter color)
1/2 teaspoon white or distilled vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (but not melting)
8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese
2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sift if lumpy)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1–2 tablespoons cream (whipping or table cream), only if needed

Okay, friend—grab your apron. Let’s make magic happen.

Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting later. Trust me—future you will be grateful.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

This keeps everything light and lump-free.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks creamy and fluffy. If it reminds you of soft clouds, you’re doing great.

Step 4: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, Color & Vinegar

Beat in:

The egg
The extra egg yolk
Vanilla
Red food coloring
Vinegar

The vinegar helps activate the cocoa and gives that classic red velvet tang. Continue mixing until the butter streaks disappear.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet one. Start mixing on low (to avoid a flour explosion). Stir until you no longer see dry streaks.

Step 6: Press the Dough Into the Pan

Spoon the dough into the pan and press it into an even layer. If the dough sticks to your hands, place a piece of wax paper on top and press using your palms—clean hands, smooth surface, zero stress.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top looks set and the edges begin pulling away from the pan. The goal is soft and chewy—not dry—so don’t overbake.

Let the bars cool completely before frosting. It’s the hardest step, but you’ve got this.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

This is the part where things start to get gloriously decadent.

Step 1: Beat the Butter & Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brick cream cheese until there are no lumps. Smooth and creamy is the goal.

Step 2: Add Sugar, Vanilla & Salt

Sift in 2 cups of powdered sugar, then add vanilla and salt. Beat gently at first (save yourself from a powdered sugar snowstorm).

Continue adding powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, stopping when you reach your perfect thickness. If you need to thin it slightly, add 1–2 tablespoons of cream.

Step 3: Frost Those Beautiful Bars

If you used parchment paper, lift the cooled bars out onto a cutting board. If not, frost them right in the pan—it works just as well.

Use a flat spatula or knife to swirl on the frosting. Add sprinkles if you’re feeling festive!

Slice using a thin, sharp knife. Clean between cuts for the prettiest squares.

Go easy on the food coloring. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
Don’t overbake. The bars will keep cooking in the pan as they cool.
Use brick cream cheese. Tub-style cream cheese is too soft and will make runny frosting.
Press gently. Overpacking the dough can lead to dense bars.
Feeling fancy? Add white chocolate chips to the dough before baking. Heaven.

Usually when life is busy (and let’s be honest, when is it not?), I lean on simple desserts like these. Last month, during a week where I felt like I was running only on coffee and carpool duty, these Red Velvet Cookie Bars absolutely saved dessert night. I mixed them up while helping with homework, popped them in the oven, and boom—instant family favorite.

Red Velvet Cookie Bars topped with creamy frosting stacked on a decorative plate. — These Red Velvet Cookie Bars feature a rich red base and smooth cream cheese frosting—perfect for holidays or anytime you crave something sweet.

Can I make these Red Velvet Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They keep beautifully for several days in the fridge. You can even frost them the day before serving. The flavors deepen overnight.

Can I freeze the bars?

Yes! Freeze them unfrosted for best results. Wrap tightly, then thaw and frost when ready.

Can I use gel food coloring?

Definitely. It’s vibrant and works wonderfully. Just start slow—gel colors are strong.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep your Red Velvet Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Let them sit at room temperature before serving for the softest texture.

Bringing It All Home

Whether you’re planning a party, treating yourself after a long day, or needing a dessert that wows without work, these Red Velvet Cookie Bars are here to deliver. They’re cheerful, comforting, and so easy to fall in love with.

And as always, I’m cheering you on from my cozy kitchen—may your bars be chewy, your frosting be fluffy, and your day feel just a little sweeter thanks to these Red Velvet Cookie Bars.

More Sweet Treats You’ll Love

If these Red Velvet Cookie Bars made your day a little sweeter, I’ve got a few more delicious ideas you have to try next. Each one is perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or treating yourself after a long day (no judgment—we all deserve it!).

If you love easy, crowd-pleasing desserts, these Christmas Cookie Bars are a must-bake. Soft, colorful, and perfect for sharing.
Want something playful and fun? Try these Grinch Cookies—they bring instant cheer to any dessert table.
Craving something soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth? These Peppermint Meltaways will absolutely steal your heart.
And for a cookie that feels a little fancy (but is still super simple), you’ll love these Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies—light, sweet, and stunning on any holiday platter.

Feel free to explore, bake, and enjoy—your next favorite treat is just a click away!