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Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, light or dark
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese
- 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
- 1–2 tablespoons cream (if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined.
- Spread dough evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top looks set.
- Cool the cookie bars completely in the pan.
- For frosting, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Sift in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy.
- Spread frosting on cooled cookie bars and slice into squares.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best texture.
Avoid overmixing once the flour is added to maintain softness.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 40