Red Velvet Cookie Bars

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are a simple and delicious treat, combining the rich, tangy flavor of red velvet with the chewy texture of a cookie bar. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil.
3. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
4. Press the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cooled bars with a layer of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
• Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Make it Festive: Add red and white sprinkles or shaped sprinkles to make these bars perfect for holidays like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the red velvet cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade red velvet cake mix instead of the box mix? Yes, you can substitute a homemade red velvet cake mix, but be sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
2. Can I add chocolate chips to the bars? Yes, you can add white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or any type of chocolate to the batter for extra flavor.
3. Can I make these bars without eggs? Yes, you can use an egg substitute like applesauce or flax eggs to make these bars egg-free.
4. How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I make the bars without vegetable oil? Yes, you can use melted butter or a neutral oil like canola oil in place of vegetable oil.
6. What is the best way to store these bars? Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh.
7. Can I add frosting to these cookie bars? Absolutely! A simple cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting would pair wonderfully with these bars.
8. Can I make mini versions of these cookie bars? Yes, you can make smaller bars by pressing the dough into a smaller baking pan and reducing the baking time slightly.
9. How should I cut the cookie bars? Once the bars have cooled, cut them into even squares with a sharp knife. You can also use a pizza cutter for neat edges.
10. Can I use another flavor of cake mix? Yes, you can substitute the red velvet cake mix with chocolate or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cookie Bars are an easy and fun way to enjoy the classic red velvet flavor in a chewy, bar form. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, they make for an excellent dessert or snack that can be enjoyed by everyone. Customize them with frosting or mix-ins for even more deliciousness!

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