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Chewy Red Velvet Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese

Decadent and chewy red velvet cookie bars featuring a tangy cream cheese swirl and white chocolate chips.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Red Velvet Batter
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring gel preferred
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips optional
Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Wire rack
  • Offset spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk melted butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a large bowl until smooth.
  3. Beat in eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and red food coloring until uniform.
  4. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
  6. Spread two-thirds of the red velvet batter into the pan.
  7. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter layer.
  8. Drop remaining batter by spoonfuls over the filling and swirl with a knife to marble.
  9. Sprinkle with white chocolate chips.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set.
  11. Cool completely in the pan before lifting and cutting into 16 bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the chewiest texture, slightly underbake until just set.