Name: Red Velvet Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box red velvet cake mix; 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 2 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar); 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), softened; 4 oz cream cheese (1/2 brick), softened; 2 tablespoons milk (plus up to 2 more tablespoons if needed); Red and chocolate sprinkles, for topping

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 26 reviews

If you love the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet combined with the irresistible charm of white chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Red Velvet Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. These bars perfectly blend the tender, cake-like texture with the indulgent sweetness of white chocolate chips, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese icing that adds the perfect tangy finish. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert or a delightful treat to share with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several thick square pieces of red velvet cake with two layers each: a rich dark red base with bits of light nuts inside and a thick creamy white frosting on top. The frosting is decorated with small pink and brown sprinkles scattered across the surface. The pieces are arranged on a wire rack with one piece stacked on top of another. The background is a simple grey, making the vibrant red and white colors of the cake stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to making these scrumptious bars. Each component adds its own magic, whether it’s the moist, rich foundation or the creamy, dreamy topping.

Red velvet cake mix: The base that gives these bars their signature color and subtle cocoa flavor.
Butter (1 stick or 1/2 cup): Adds moisture and richness to keep the bars soft and tender.
Large egg: Helps bind the ingredients for the perfect chewy texture.
Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter smooth and helps create that tender crumb.
White chocolate chips (1 cup): Delivers delightful pockets of creamy sweetness throughout.
Icing or powdered sugar (2 cups): The sweet base of the cream cheese icing, balancing the tartness.
Butter (1/2 stick or 4 tablespoons) for icing: Brings silky smoothness to the topping.
Cream cheese (4 oz or 1/2 brick): Adds that classic tangy, velvety flavor to the frosting.
Milk (2 tablespoons, plus extra if needed): Adjusts icing consistency to perfectly spreadable texture.
Red and chocolate sprinkles: For a festive and colorful finishing touch.

How to Make Red Velvet Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Batter

Start by combining the red velvet cake mix, butter, egg, and milk in a large bowl. Use a handheld or stand mixer to blend everything until smooth and fully incorporated. The thick, vibrant red batter is the heart of this recipe, so take your time to get it just right.

Step 2: Layer the Batter and Chips

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later. Spread about two-thirds of your thick batter into the bottom of the pan, smoothing it out evenly. Then sprinkle a generous layer of white chocolate chips on top before carefully spreading the remaining batter over the chips. Don’t worry if the top looks a little rough — it will bake beautifully smooth.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop your prepared pan into a preheated 350°F oven, baking for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is key to achieving that soft yet firm texture that makes these bars so irresistible. Once baked, set the pan aside to cool completely before adding the icing.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Icing

While your bars cool, mix together the powdered sugar, butter, cream cheese, and milk until you get a smooth, spreadable icing. The cream cheese gives this topping a tangy contrast to the sweet bars, bringing balance and decadence with every spoonful. Adjust the milk a bit if needed to reach that perfect consistency.

Step 5: Ice and Decorate

Spread the luscious cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled cookie bars, transforming them from delicious to absolutely divine. Finish by sprinkling the red and chocolate sprinkles on top for that extra pop of color and fun. Now comes the best part — slicing into these beauties and enjoying the first bite!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

The image shows several square red velvet cake pieces with two visible layers on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a rich deep red cake with a soft, moist texture, speckled with small white chunks inside. The top layer is a smooth, thick white frosting that covers the cake completely and is sprinkled with small red and dark brown sprinkles. The cake pieces are resting on a wire rack with a light-colored cloth underneath. The focus is on the front cake slice, showing clear details of the layers and texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of red and chocolate nonpareils or any festive sprinkles adds a joyful, decorative flair. For an elegant touch, a few white chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder can also enhance both presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars shine as a standalone treat but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add indulgence. A cup of hot coffee, latte, or even a smooth glass of milk rounds out the experience perfectly, especially during cozy gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these bars into charming mini desserts by cutting them into bite-sized squares served on a decorative platter. You can also layer them in clear dessert cups with extra whipped cream and berries for an eye-catching treat that’s sure to impress guests at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness for about a week. Proper storage helps maintain the moist, tender crumb and keeps the cream cheese icing luscious without drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the bars before icing, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then gently spread icing before serving for that freshly-made feel.

Reheating

If you prefer warm bars, heat individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings out that soft, melty texture that makes these bars so comforting, especially when paired with a cold glass of milk or hot coffee.

FAQs

Can I use homemade red velvet cake mix instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! While a boxed mix provides convenience and consistent results, a homemade red velvet batter can give you more control over flavor and ingredients. Just make sure the batter is thick enough to hold the white chocolate chips well.

What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?

If you’re not a fan of white chocolate or don’t have any on hand, semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work beautifully too. They add a richer chocolate flavor that pairs nicely with the tangy cream cheese icing.

Is it okay to make the icing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese icing a few hours ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Make sure to bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading to keep it smooth and easy to spread.

How thick should I make the cookie bars?

Using an 8×8 inch pan ensures your cookie bars are thick enough to have that satisfying, chewy texture without baking unevenly. Trying a larger pan might result in thinner bars that dry out faster.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, this recipe scales up well! Just use a larger pan like 9×13 inches for even baking, and adjust your baking time accordingly, usually adding 5 to 10 extra minutes. Keep an eye on the bars and test with a toothpick for doneness.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Red Velvet Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Icing Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less indulgent. Every bite is a perfect harmony of rich red velvet, sweet white chocolate, and tangy cream cheese frosting, making it an instant favorite for every occasion. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and fall in love with these bars just like I did. Happy baking!