If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich flavor, delightful texture, and a festive touch, the Red Velvet Oreo Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Valentine’s Day Sprinkles Recipe is the perfect treat to whip up. These bars marry the classic red velvet cake’s tender crumb with the irresistible crunch of Oreos, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s crowned by charming Valentine’s Day sprinkles for that extra pop of joy. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a day when you want to feel a little extra sweet, this recipe brings warmth and celebration right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and this recipe keeps things simple yet thoughtful. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting those moist, flavorful bars with creamy frosting and festive flair.
- 3 ¼ cups flour: The sturdy base that provides structure and chewiness to the bars.
- ¼ cup Hershey’s cocoa powder: Adds that classic chocolatey depth essential to red velvet flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, keeping your bars light and tender.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: For richness and moistness, works like a charm when creamed with sugar.
- 1 ½ cups sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the light, fluffy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind your ingredients and add moisture for that perfect crumb.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring: Delivers that signature vibrant red hue without altering texture.
- 16 Oreos, chopped: For delightful pockets of sweet crunch throughout the bars.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Key to the luscious frosting that perfectly complements the bars.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Adds creaminess and body to the frosting.
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a dreamy consistency.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with subtle aromatic notes.
- 5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: Smooths and lightens the frosting for easy spreading.
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day sprinkles: For that festive, colorful, and joyful finish.
- ½ cup chopped Oreos (for topping): Adds crunchy texture and Oreo flavor on top.
How to Make Red Velvet Oreo Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Valentine’s Day Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get the perfect baking environment ready. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, which ensures your bars will come out cleanly and makes cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, kosher salt, and baking powder. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to blend smoothly into the batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl and a hand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial for creating the right texture in your bars.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly combined. These additions help with the structure and bring depth to your dough.
Step 5: Incorporate the Red Food Coloring
Now beat in the red gel food coloring, ensuring an even, vibrant red that’s classic for red velvet. Using gel coloring is ideal because it won’t thin your batter.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients. Beat gently until just combined — you want that tender texture, so overmixing is a no-go here.
Step 7: Fold in Half of the Chopped Oreos
Gently fold in half of your chopped Oreos into the dough. The Oreo chunks add delightful bursts of crunch and flavor that make these bars so special.
Step 8: Assemble in the Pan
Press your dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a smooth surface. Then sprinkle the remaining chopped Oreos on top, introducing even more texture and visual appeal.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This timing ensures the bars are moist yet fully set.
Step 10: Let Cool Completely
Once baked, allow your bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is essential before frosting, so your frosting doesn’t melt and slide off.
Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Frost
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is creamy and fluffy. Spread this dreamy frosting generously over your cooled bars, then top with Valentine’s Day sprinkles for that festive finishing touch.
How to Serve Red Velvet Oreo Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Valentine’s Day Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles add instant charm and whimsy, but why stop there? A light dusting of cocoa powder or a few full Oreo cookies on the side can enhance the presentation. These garnishes invite smiles and make your bars look as wonderful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pairing these luscious bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple glass of cold milk perfectly balances the rich cream cheese frosting. For a heartier dessert platter, include fresh berries or mini chocolate-dipped strawberries, especially fitting for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into neat squares or fun heart shapes for a festive touch. Serve them on a pretty platter lined with doilies or parchment stamped with Valentine’s motifs. Wrapping individual bars in cellophane with a ribbon makes a sweet gift idea or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making them a wonderful make-ahead treat to enjoy over several days or share with friends.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars uncut or sliced into portions. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars slightly warm, gently reheat a portion in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Be careful not to heat too long, or the frosting may soften too much. Alternatively, serve cold for a refreshing contrast to creamy frosting.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Oreos for another cookie?
Absolutely! While Oreos are iconic in this recipe, try chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter cookies for a unique twist. Just chop them into small pieces for the best distribution throughout the bars.
Is it necessary to use gel food coloring?
Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides bright color without thinning the batter. Liquid food coloring can work but may affect texture slightly. If you prefer natural options, beet juice powder can add a subtle red tint.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives. The texture may be a bit different, but the bars will still be delicious, especially with vegan-friendly Oreos.
How do I get the frosting nice and smooth?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. Beat them thoroughly before adding powdered sugar to achieve a creamy, lump-free frosting.
Can these bars be made without the sprinkles?
Yes! The sprinkles add festive charm, especially for Valentine’s Day, but the bars are delicious even without them. You can also use chopped nuts or leave the top plain for a more classic look.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that impresses instantly yet feels like a warm hug, don’t hesitate to try the Red Velvet Oreo Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Valentine’s Day Sprinkles Recipe. It brings together familiar favorites in a playful and indulgent way, perfect for celebrations or any day that calls for a little extra sweetness. Trust me, once you make these bars, they’ll become your go-to treat for sharing smiles and making memories.
Print
Red Velvet Oreo Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Valentine’s Day Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and festive Red Velvet Cookie Bars combining the classic smoothness of red velvet with chunks of Oreos both inside and on top, finished with a creamy cream cheese frosting and colorful Valentine’s Day sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a visually stunning and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup Hershey cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
- 16 Oreos, chopped into small pieces (divided)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day sprinkles
- ½ cup chopped Oreos (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, kosher salt, and baking powder until evenly combined and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Food Coloring: Beat in the red gel food coloring until the dough is uniformly vibrant red.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Add Oreo Pieces: Gently fold in half of the chopped Oreos into the dough using a spatula to distribute them evenly without breaking.
- Press Dough and Top: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining chopped Oreo pieces over the top of the dough.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting and Decorate: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream, beating until light and fluffy. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Finish by sprinkling Valentine’s Day sprinkles and additional chopped Oreos on top for a festive look.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Do not overmix the flour into the batter to keep the bars tender.
- The frosting can be adjusted in thickness by adding more heavy cream if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow bars to reach room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
