Introduction
These delightful Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a decadent treat that bring a burst of color and flavor to any occasion! With their rich, red hue and soft texture, they are not only visually stunning but also wonderfully indulgent. Each bite offers a tantalizing mix of buttery goodness and sweet chocolate, making them perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create some cookie magic!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 cookie bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside as your dry ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, quite the inviting sight!
- Beat in the egg, followed by the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined, creating a vibrant, luscious mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookie bars tender.
- Fold in both the white chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly in your prepared baking pan. It’s thick, but that’s what makes it scrumptious!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of baking treats!
- Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy the delightful sights and smells as you slice up your masterpiece!
Notes or Tips
- For a pop of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
- If you want a richer chocolate flavor, you can increase the cocoa powder to 2 tablespoons.
- These cookie bars store well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead dessert!
Cooking Techniques
When creaming butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy texture. This step is essential as it incorporates air, which helps your cookie bars to rise beautifully. Be careful not to overmix when adding the dry ingredients; gentle folding will yield a softer, more tender cookie.
FAQ
Can I use different food coloring?
Yes! While red is classic for red velvet, you can experiment with other colors for a fun twist. Just make sure to use gel food coloring for a more vibrant result.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
No problem! You can substitute them with regular chocolate chips or omit them altogether. The cookie bars will still be delicious!
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they’re a burst of joy in every bite! Perfect for any occasion, they’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. The combination of creamy white chocolate and soft, chewy cookie base creates a satisfying dessert that will leave you wanting more. Bake a batch today and watch them disappear!