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Red Velvet Peppermint Cookie Bars

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Red Velvet Peppermint Cookie Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines a rich, velvety texture with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and optional crushed candy canes, these bars bring festive cheer to any gathering. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, they are not just desserts but sweet memories waiting to be created.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
  4. Fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. For the frosting, beat cream cheese until creamy, gradually add confectioners' sugar until smooth and fluffy. Spread over cooled cookie bars.
  7. Optional: Top with crushed candy canes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Substitute peppermint extract with vanilla for a less festive flavor. Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra decadent touch. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Find it online: https://cookedtotaste.com/irresistible-red-velvet-peppermint-cookie-bars-recipe/