Irresistible Small Batch Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (No Cake Mix!)

If you’re a devoted fan of classic red velvet cake, prepare to fall in love with these homemade Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars. Crafted from scratch without a single trace of cake mix, these delightful bars offer all the rich, cocoa-infused flavor you crave, perfectly complemented by a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. What makes them even better? They’re a small batch recipe, baked conveniently in a loaf pan, ensuring minimal leftovers and maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these bars are the epitome of easy indulgence.

As a passionate food blogger, there’s no way I could let February pass by without sharing a truly special red velvet creation. I understand the sentiment – sometimes it feels like every possible dish has been given the red velvet treatment, and the sea of red and pink can be overwhelming. But what if I told you I’ve developed a red velvet recipe that perfectly caters to those moments when you want something spectacular without the fuss? Imagine wanting to decorate cookies, but lacking the time or energy for intricate cut-out shapes, like my Red Velvet Sugar Cookies. That’s precisely why these Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars were born.

Baked in a standard loaf pan, this recipe delivers a modest batch, making it ideal for small households, gifting, or simply curbing those sweet cravings without an abundance of leftovers. Depending on how generously you slice them, you can yield anywhere from 3 to 8 delicious bars. Each bar is generously slathered with a rich, small batch cream cheese frosting, then adorned with charming sprinkles. While they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day with festive red and pink sprinkles, feel free to use any kind you like to enjoy these delightful treats all year round!

The Irresistible Appeal of Small Batch Baking

Every year, it’s the same story: a holiday passes, and I find myself regretting not making enough festive recipes. My collection of sprinkles sits unused, my cute cupcake liners remain in their cupboard, and I feel like I haven’t fully embraced the holiday spirit. This often leads to a last-minute scramble for ideas before the next celebration sweeps in. That’s where small batch recipes like these Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars become a true lifesaver. They allow you to dive into the joy of holiday baking without the commitment of a large cake or a mountain of cookies.

Valentine’s Day, in particular, is an ideal occasion for small batch treats. It’s a holiday focused on showing appreciation, not just to romantic partners, but to all the important people in your life. Imagine pairing a small box of these beautiful Red Velvet Bars with a bouquet of flowers for your significant other. Or perhaps you want to express gratitude to the tireless mail carrier who braves the snow, or the dedicated crossing guard bundled up against sub-zero temperatures. Valentine’s Day is about spreading love in all its forms, and a thoughtful, homemade small batch dessert is a perfect way to do just that.

So, What EXACTLY Does Red Velvet Taste Like? Decoding the Flavor

Red velvet cake is more than just a red-colored chocolate cake. Traditionally, it’s a rich cocoa-flavored cake distinguished by the inclusion of buttermilk, vinegar, and, of course, a vibrant red food coloring. The flavor profile is often described as a mellow, slightly tangy chocolate, as it relies on cocoa powder rather than melted chocolate, giving it a subtle depth without being overtly “chocolatey.” The combination of buttermilk and vinegar reacts with the cocoa, enhancing the red hue (in traditional recipes, before modern food coloring) and contributing to its characteristic moist crumb and subtle tang.

When translating this iconic flavor to cookie bars, the challenge lies in adapting the liquid components. Since cookies typically don’t contain the same amount of liquid as cakes, my recipe for these Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars focuses on capturing the essence of red velvet through a careful balance of unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder and red food coloring. The cocoa provides that familiar mellow chocolate note, while the food coloring delivers the signature vibrant red. The texture is that of a delightful sugar cookie bar – soft, chewy, and perfectly complemented by the creamy frosting. It’s a distinct flavor experience that stands apart from a regular chocolate cookie, offering a unique blend of sweetness, subtle cocoa, and visual appeal.

The Art of Cream Cheese Frosting: A Perfect Pairing

It’s almost impossible to imagine red velvet without its iconic companion: cream cheese frosting. The tangy, sweet, and incredibly creamy nature of cream cheese frosting perfectly cuts through the subtle richness of the red velvet, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that’s truly addictive. For these small batch cookie bars, I’ve naturally crafted a matching small batch cream cheese frosting. This ensures you have just the right amount to lavishly top your bars without any waste, and it keeps the entire project manageable and efficient. The smooth, velvety texture of the frosting melts in your mouth, providing a delightful contrast to the chewy cookie bar beneath.

Baking Tips for Flawless Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars

Achieving the perfect Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bar is quite simple with a few key tips:

• Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet, mix just until a dough forms. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookie bars.
• Proper Pan Prep: Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper is crucial. It ensures easy removal of the baked bars and makes cleanup a breeze. Leave an overhang on the sides to create “handles” for lifting.
• Achieve the Perfect Red: The amount of red food coloring can vary based on the brand and your desired intensity. Start with the suggested amount and add a tiny bit more if you want a deeper hue.
• Cool Completely: This is perhaps the most important tip for frosted bars. Do not attempt to frost the bars until they are completely cooled. Warm bars will melt the cream cheese frosting, leading to a messy rather than beautiful dessert.
• Even Spreading: The dough will be slightly sticky. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon (lightly greased if needed) to spread it evenly into the prepared loaf pan.

More Red Velvet Delights to Explore

If these cookie bars ignite your passion for red velvet, you might also enjoy these other recipes:

• Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake
• Small Batch Red Velvet Cupcakes

Discover More Delicious Cookie Bar Recipes

If you loved this convenient and flavorful Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bar recipe, be sure to explore my other irresistible cookie bar creations. Cookie bars are fantastic because they offer all the taste of your favorite cookies with a fraction of the effort, making them perfect for any occasion when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert without the fuss of individual cookies.

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
• Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
• Gingerbread Cookie Bars
• Coconut Lime Meltaway Cookie Bars
• Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownie Cookie Bars
• S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies Bars

Yield:
8 squares

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

If you love red velvet cake, then you’ll love these homemade Small Batch Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars from scratch without cake mix, complete with a small batch of cream cheese frosting and sprinkles.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1 recipe Small Batch Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda.
3. In another large bowl, beat together the sugar and butter until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and food coloring until smooth, about 1 minute.
5. Gradually beat in the flour mixture until a dough forms (do not overmix).
6. Spread the dough evenly into the pan with an offset spatula (it will be slightly sticky). Bake about 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to pull away and a toothpick comes out of the center clean. Cool completely before topping with cream cheese frosting.

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Conclusion: Your New Favorite Easy Dessert

These Homemade Small Batch Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a testament to the fact that incredibly delicious treats don’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. They offer the beloved flavor of red velvet cake in a convenient, easy-to-make bar format, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, sharing with a loved one, or simply enjoying a moment of pure bliss. With their vibrant color, soft and chewy texture, and the irresistible tang of cream cheese frosting, these bars are destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fall in love with these effortlessly charming and utterly delicious Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars. Happy baking!