When you think of Valentine’s Day desserts, nothing quite captures the heart like a sweet treat with stunning crimson hues and velvety textures. These Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookie Bars are the perfect confection to share with loved ones. Rich and indulgent yet surprisingly simple to whip up, these bars feature a sumptuous blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The soft, chewy center meets a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating a heavenly bite that’s sure to entice everyone at the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookie Bars

I remember the first time I baked these cookie bars for a Valentine’s celebration—it was a delightful experiment that turned into an annual tradition. The moment I took them out of the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, promising happiness in each bite. These cookie bars are not only a visual feast with their vibrant red color, but they also bring warmth and comfort that’s hard to resist. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on creating these show-stopping bars that will make your Valentine’s Day truly special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up these delightful bars in just about 45 minutes of prep, making them an excellent last-minute dessert option!
Irresistible Flavor: The comforting flavors of chocolate combined with a touch of cream cheese frosting make every bite a treat.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their striking red color and creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for impressing guests or sharing with friends.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for classroom treats, parties, or just a cozy night in, these bars fit right in on any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is packed with flavor, feel free to explore gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives if needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Holds the bars together for the right texture. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3 tablespoons cocoa powder: Adds a slight chocolate flavor; choose unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa for a richer taste.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with the vinegar to create lift and a tender bite.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a moist texture. It’s best to leave it at room temperature for easy blending.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie bars and creates a lovely texture.
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark): Adds moisture and depth of flavor. Dark brown sugar gives a more robust taste.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive bake. Use room temperature eggs for the best results.
1 large egg yolk: Enhances the chewiness and richness of the bars.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel): Gives the bars their signature color; you can use less if you prefer a subtler hue.
1/2 teaspoon distilled or white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for lift and creates that classic red velvet taste.
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (brick style): Necessary for the luscious frosting, ensuring richness and smoothness.
2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting; sift it if it’s lumpy for a smooth finish.
1-2 tablespoons cream: Adjust to achieve the desired frosting consistency, allowing for smooth spreading.

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This mixture sets the foundation for a perfectly textured bake.

Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until creamy. This step incorporates air, leading to a light texture.

Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add in 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon red food coloring, and 1/2 teaspoon vinegar. Mix until well combined, making sure there are no lumps of butter remaining.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter-sugar mixture. Start on a low speed to prevent a flour cloud, mixing until no dry streaks remain. The dough will be thick and rich.

Spread the Dough: Spoon the dough into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. If the dough sticks to your hands, use a piece of wax paper to press it down smoothly.

Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the middle of your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges start pulling away from the sides and the top looks set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Cool Completely: Let the bars cool fully in the pan or on a wire rack. Patience is key here—frosting warm bars can cause a melty mess!

Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and another 1/2 cup unsalted butter until creamy and free of lumps. Then sift in 2 cups powdered sugar along with 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing on low speed until combined.

Adjust the Frosting: Gradually add in additional powdered sugar until you achieve your desired thickness and sweetness. If it’s too thick, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of cream until smooth.

Frost the Bars: If you used parchment paper, gently lift the cooled bars out of the pan using the overhang and onto a cutting board; otherwise, leave them in the pan. Use a flat-edged knife to spread the delicious cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Oh, and feel free to sprinkle on some festive decorations if you’d like!

Slice and Serve: With a sharp knife, slice the bars into squares. These delicious goodies are now ready for sharing, or you might want to keep them all for yourself!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For freezing, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, storing them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature—I recommend warming them briefly in the microwave to refresh their delightful texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined to maintain the soft, chewy texture of the bars.
Check Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. It helps create the perfect creamy texture in your batter.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs and cream cheese blend more smoothly, providing a richer frosting.
Don’t Cut Too Soon: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting feels too thick, adding a splash of cream will create a beautiful spreadable texture.

Whether you’re baking for someone special or treating yourself, these rich and festive Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookie Bars are sure to bring joy and sweetness into your day. Experiment with the recipe by adding extra ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts if you like, and let your creativity shine! Enjoy each delicious bite, and don’t be surprised if this becomes a favorite addition to your Valentine’s Day celebrations for years to come.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

Absolutely! While red dye is classic for red velvet, you can opt for gel coloring or even natural alternatives like beet juice for a less intense color, although the flavor may vary slightly.

What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?

If you forgot to take your butter out to soften, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to melt it!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make these cookie bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Can I freeze leftover cookie bars?

Yes! These cookie bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 130 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Yield: 15 servings 1x
Category: BROWNIES & BARS
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cookie Bars deliver an irresistible flavor with their soft, chewy texture and rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself, this easy homemade recipe is sure to impress anyone with its delightful taste and appearance.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/4 cup 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, light or dark
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk, in addition to the full egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring, liquid or gel
1/2 teaspoon vinegar, distilled or white vinegar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened but not starting to melt
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, be sure to use brick style
2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sift if lumpy
1/4 teaspoon salt
1–2 tablespoons cream, whipping cream or table cream, if needed

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan, or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking until well mixed.
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Add in the large egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar. Mix until no lumps of butter remain.
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. If necessary, press it down using wax paper to prevent sticking.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and edges start to pull away from the pan.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately for the best results.
Feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top of the cream cheese frosting.