Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Bars are the ultimate Valentine’s Day dessert—sweet, colorful, and ridiculously easy to make. With just 4 ingredients, this family-friendly recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy moms, beginner bakers, or anyone looking for a no-fuss holiday treat.
If you’re as obsessed with red velvet desserts as I am, stick around! You’ll love these red velvet cheesecake bars, red velvet cookies, and the decadent red velvet Oreo balls. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cookie Bars
- Simple and Quick: Just four ingredients and a single bowl.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite candies or add frosting.
- Festive: Bright Valentine colors make these perfect for parties or gifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these easy red velvet cookie bars:
- 1 red velvet cake mix: The base for our cookie bars.
- 1 stick of butter: Adds richness and keeps them moist.
- 2 eggs: Helps bind the batter together.
- 2 cups Valentine M&Ms: For that festive pop of color!
Feel free to get creative by swapping in chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or other seasonal candies.
How to Make Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl:
- Combine the cake mix, butter, and eggs until well blended.
- Fold in the Valentine M&Ms carefully to avoid breaking them.
Step 3: Spread and Bake
Press the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into bars.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the batter dense. Stop as soon as the ingredients come together.
- Customize Your Candies: Use chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or even chopped candy bars.
- Add Frosting: A layer of cream cheese frosting takes these bars to the next level.
- Even Spread: Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly for consistent baking.
Can You Use Other Cake Mix Flavors?
Absolutely! If red velvet isn’t your thing, here are some options:
- Chocolate cake mix: Perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Vanilla cake mix: A lighter option with festive candies.
- Yellow cake mix: A classic base that works with any add-ins.
Keep in mind, the color may vary depending on your cake mix, but the Valentine M&Ms will still add that festive flair.
Storing and Freezing Red Velvet Cookie Bars
Storing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: Extend their freshness by refrigerating for up to a week.
Freezing
- Slice the bars, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw on the counter for a quick dessert anytime.
Fun Variations for Red Velvet Cookie Bars
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars: Add a swirl of cream cheese mixture before baking.
- Holiday-Themed Bars: Swap the Valentine M&Ms for Christmas or Easter versions.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Melted white or dark chocolate adds an elegant touch.
Related Recipes to Try
If you love these red velvet cake mix desserts, check out these crowd-pleasers:
Christmas Cookie Bars
Brownie Cheesecake Bars
Pumpkin Delight Bars
FAQs About Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Bars
What are Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Bars?
They’re an easy, festive dessert made by combining cake mix with butter, eggs, and Valentine M&Ms. Baked in a pan, they’re sliced into bars for easy serving.
Can I Use Other Candies?
Yes! Substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even chopped candy bars.
How Long Do They Take to Bake?
Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until the center is set.
How Do I Store Them?
Keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead?
Yes, prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance. Refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before baking.
Final Thoughts
These Valentine Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re making them for your family, a school party, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, they’re sure to impress.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest for later.
What’s your favorite way to customize cookie bars? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas!
Valentine Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Bars are a quick and festive 4-ingredient dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day. A colorful, easy treat everyone will love
Ingredients
- 1 red velvet cake mix
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups Valentine M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the red velvet cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the Valentine M&Ms, being careful not to break them.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra flair, sprinkle a few additional M&Ms on top of the batter before baking.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookie Bars, Valentine’s Day desserts, 4-ingredient cookie bars, red velvet desserts, easy cookie bars