Gluten-free Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1, 8x8 Pan
Ingredients: 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/4 c. cream cheese, room temperature; 3/4 c. sugar; 2 Tbsp. brown sugar, packed; 2 Tbsp. oil; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1/2 tsp. vinegar; 1 tsp. vanilla; 1 Tbsp. red food coloring or 1/2 tsp. of gel red food coloring; 1 c. + 2 Tbsp. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill 1:1); 1 Tbsp. cocoa; 1 tsp. cornstarch; 1/4 tsp. salt; 4 oz. (1/2 c.) cream cheese, room temperature; 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature; Pinch of salt; 2 c. powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp. vanilla; 1/2 c. marshmallow fluff

Desserts

Jan 30

Written By Kali Terry

Red velvet cake has a way of capturing hearts with its rich color, subtly tangy flavor, and decadent cream cheese frosting. But what happens when you take that beloved red velvet flavor and transform it into something even more accessible, portable, and, dare we say, even better? Introducing the Gluten-Free Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars! This treat combines the tender, sweet cookie base of a sugar cookie with the striking red hue and sophisticated flavor of red velvet, all topped with a velvety, tangy cream cheese frosting.

gluten-free red velvet sugar cookie bars with cream cheese icing and red sugar

Jump to Recipe

These sugar cookie bars are not just a dessert—they’re an experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for a fun bake to share with friends, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these bars hit the spot. They’re easy to make, beautifully festive, and completely gluten-free. A perfect blend of soft, chewy cookie, tangy frosting, and rich flavor, these bars are sure to become your new go-to sweet treat.

Texture: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible

When it comes to the texture of these red velvet cookie bars, we’re talking about the kind of chewiness that makes every bite a joy. Imagine the delicate softness of a sugar cookie, but with a touch of density from the richness of red velvet. These bars are thick enough to give you a satisfying bite, but they melt in your mouth the moment you take a piece. The edges hold a slight crispness that adds a little contrast to the soft center making them utterly irresistible.

Then, there’s the cream cheese icing. Spread generously over the bars, the icing is silky smooth, adding a creamy richness that complements the slight tang of the cookie itself. The combination of the soft cookie base and the creamy, tangy frosting is an experience that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge, they maintain their perfect, tender texture that’s the hallmark of any great dessert bar.

Flavor: A Sweet Yet Tangy Symphony

The flavor of these Gluten-Free Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars is nothing short of magical. They start with the light, sweet flavor of a sugar cookie—familiar and comforting—before the red velvet elements take over. A subtle cocoa flavor adds depth to the cookie base, but it’s not overwhelming. It's just enough to enhance the red velvet flavor without making it too heavy.

The real star, of course, is the cream cheese icing. The tanginess of the cream cheese balances out the sweetness of the cookie, preventing the bars from becoming too sugary. The slight acidity of the cream cheese frosting gives the whole dessert a sophisticated touch, making it feel indulgent yet not overly rich. It’s a perfect marriage of flavors—sweet, tangy, and just a hint of chocolate— that makes each bite feel like a little celebration in your mouth.

And of course, the vibrant red color of the cookie bars adds an extra visual treat. The deep red hue is a visual cue to the flavor you’re about to experience—bright, bold, and fun. Whether you’re serving them at a party or sharing them with loved ones, these bars are sure to stand out in any dessert spread.

Simplicity Meets Elegance: Easy to Make, Hard to Forget

One of the most delightful aspects of these gluten-free red velvet sugar cookie bars is just how easy they are to make. Baking from scratch can sometimes feel like a time-consuming, complicated process. But this recipe simplifies everything. Instead of laboring over individual cookies, you create one big pan of cookie bars. No rolling, no shaping—just mix, spread, bake, and frost.

The ingredients are simple too: gluten-free flour, sugar, butter, eggs, a touch of cocoa powder, and a dash of vanilla. Add a bit of red food coloring, and you've got your classic red velvet base. As for the cream cheese frosting, it’s just cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. These are everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making this a dessert you can whip up in no time.

The ease of preparation doesn’t take away from the elegance of the finished product, though. These bars look as festive and fancy as they taste. The vibrant red color is perfect for holidays, parties, or special celebrations. The swirls of cream cheese icing give them a polished, refined appearance, so you’ll feel like a pastry chef with minimal effort.

When to Make These Gluten-Free Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars

Red velvet is often associated with special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and even birthdays, but these gluten-free sugar cookie bars are so easy to make that they can be enjoyed at any time. Whether you're treating yourself to a quiet afternoon snack, bringing something sweet to a friend’s house, or preparing for a big event, these bars are versatile enough for any occasion.

They’re especially great for events where you want something a bit more festive than regular cookies but don’t want to deal with the intricacies of cake-making. The rich, red color makes them a natural choice for holidays like Valentine’s Day or the Christmas season, and the cream cheese icing gives them a classy vibe that works for baby showers, bridal showers, or other celebrations.

But even beyond the holidays, these bars are a great treat to keep on hand. Bake a batch on a lazy weekend and enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, or pack them up for a picnic or family gathering. Since the bars can be stored for several days or frozen for future enjoyment, they’re as practical as they are pretty.

Fun Ideas for Customizing Your Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars

While the classic red velvet with cream cheese icing is always a winner, there are a few simple ways to mix things up if you’re feeling adventurous:

Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent touch, fold some mini chocolate chips into the cookie batter before baking. The melted chocolate chunks give each bite an extra layer of decadence.
Top with Sprinkles: Add a festive touch to your bars by topping the cream cheese icing with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter. It’s a fun way to make them stand out for birthdays or special holidays.
Swap the Frosting: If you're not a fan of cream cheese icing, you can easily swap it out for a simple buttercream frosting or even a chocolate ganache. Just make sure to balance the flavors so they complement the red velvet cookie base.

Let the baking begin!

stack of red velvet sugar cookie bars with cream cheese frosting

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Always preheat your oven.

- All refrigerated ingredients should be room temperature unless stated otherwise.

- Gel food coloring is much more concentrated than liquid, so be sure to add the reduced amount listed on the recipe if that’s what you use.

- It’s easier to cut and serve these bars if you lift them out of the pan with the parchment paper. Less mess and cleaner lines!

The Gluten-Free Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bar is everything you want in a dessert: easy to make, visually stunning, and most importantly, delicious. With its tender cookie base, the tangy cream cheese frosting, and the vibrant red hue, these bars make a big impression without requiring a lot of effort.

They are the kind of treat that turns any occasion into something a little more special. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because, these gluten-free red velvet cookie bars will never disappoint. The combination of texture, flavor, and simplicity makes them a must-try for anyone who loves a good dessert bar—especially those who prefer to bake without gluten.