Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Looking for a simple, yet absolutely irresistible dessert to celebrate Valentine’s Day? These Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the answer. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bar with the classic flavor of red velvet—topped off with gooey, melty chocolate chips. They’re the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and chocolatey, and they’ll have your heart (and your taste buds) swooning. Easy to make, even easier to devour, these cookie bars are ideal for sharing with loved ones or indulging on your own. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these!

Why You’ll Love Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Here’s why these cookie bars are a must-bake this Valentine’s Day:

• Red Velvet Goodness: The signature tangy, cocoa flavor of red velvet is so cozy and comforting. It’s rich but not overwhelming, with just the right amount of sweetness to make your taste buds dance.
• Chocolate Chips Everywhere: Every bite is packed with warm, melty chocolate chips that perfectly balance the red velvet flavor. It’s a match made in dessert heaven.
• Easy to Make: No need to roll individual cookies—just mix up the dough, spread it in a pan, and bake. Simple, straightforward, and fuss-free!
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookie bars are easy to slice and share with family, friends, or your special someone. They’re also great for Valentine’s Day parties, school treats, or just as a sweet indulgence.
• Festive & Fun: With that bright red hue, these bars are total showstoppers! They’re a fun, festive way to celebrate the holiday while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for these delicious Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:

For the Cookie Bars:

Butter: Softened butter creates a rich, smooth dough that bakes up tender and chewy.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the rich, cocoa flavor.

Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar helps keep the cookie bars soft and chewy.

Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the dough.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds depth to the cookie dough.

Red Food Coloring: The key to that stunning red hue, perfect for Valentine’s Day!

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough and gives the cookie bars structure.

Cocoa Powder: Gives the red velvet flavor a subtle chocolatey richness.

Baking Powder: Helps the cookie bars rise and become soft and chewy.

Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the dough.

Chocolate Chips: Because, well, chocolate makes everything better!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these mouth-watering Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

3. Add the Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the red food coloring. Keep mixing until the dough has a rich red color.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

5. Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Spread in the Pan

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Use a spatula or your hands to smooth the top.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are fine). The bars should be soft but set in the center.

8. Cool & Slice

Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles. You can even chill them for a bit in the fridge for cleaner slices!

9. Serve & Enjoy

Serve the cookie bars as-is, or top them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate, or a few heart-shaped sprinkles to make them extra festive.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways you can jazz them up:

• Serve with Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top for a decadent treat.
• Whipped Cream: Top them with freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
• Festive Toppings: Sprinkle some heart-shaped confetti sprinkles, colored sugar, or a drizzle of white or dark chocolate for a Valentine’s flair.
• Pair with Coffee: A cup of hot coffee or a latte complements the chocolatey richness of these cookie bars perfectly.

Additional Tips

• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a more vibrant, deeper red color than liquid food coloring. Plus, it doesn’t change the consistency of the dough!
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
• Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: To make these bars gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate in these bars?
A1: Definitely! Feel free to use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even chopped-up chocolate bars for a different texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A2: Yes! These cookie bars store well, so you can make them the day before and keep them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Q3: Can I freeze these cookie bars?
A3: Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Q4: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in these bars?
A4: You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to the texture of the cookie bars. Cutting it too much may affect the consistency.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Q6: Can I add other mix-ins?
A6: Yes, you can add other mix-ins like chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a swirl of cream cheese for extra flavor and texture!

Q7: How do I make these bars more festive?
A7: Top them with heart-shaped sprinkles, edible glitter, or drizzle with extra chocolate for a Valentine’s touch!

Q8: Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A8: Cake flour may make these cookie bars a little more tender, but all-purpose flour works best for that chewy, cookie bar texture.

Q9: Can I make these bars in a different-sized pan?
A9: Yes, if you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and might take a little longer to bake. If you use a larger pan, they’ll be thinner, so adjust your baking time accordingly.

Q10: Can I make these bars without the red food coloring?
A10: Yes! If you prefer, you can skip the red food coloring and still enjoy the delicious flavor. The bars will just be a lighter color, but just as tasty!

Conclusion

These Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect way to add some sweetness and love to your celebrations. Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for your family, your friends, or your sweetheart, these cookie bars will bring smiles all around. Go ahead, bake up a batch, and share the love!

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