Red Velvet Oreo Cookie bars

Although we made these cookies thinking about Valentine's Day, let's agree they are perfect for any day or celebration. If you have a Oreo lover in your life or if you love red velvet (as I do), you are going to be loving these cookies. They are not only delicious but easy to make and a treat that everyone in your family is going to enjoy.

Ingredients

For the cookies

• 3 ¼ C flour
• ¼ C Hershey Cocoa powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
• 1 ½ C Sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp red gel food coloring
• 16 Oreos, chopped into small pieces

For the frosting

• 1 - 8oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
• 3 ½ C Powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 5 tbsp Heavy whipping cream
• 1 C Valentines Day Sprinkles
• ½ C chopped Oreos

Preparation

Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Using a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder.
3. Using a large bowl and hand mixer, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined.
5. Beat in the red food coloring.
6. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients until combined.
7. Fold in half of the Oreos into the dough.
8. Press dough into the pan and sprinkle the remaining Oreos on top.
9. Bake for about 20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Allow to cool completely​

Frosting

1. Using a standing mixer, beat together until creamy the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and heavy whipping cream until creamy and stiff peaks.

1. Spread the frosting evenly onto the bars.
   
2. Sprinkle the Valentines Days sprinkles and chopped Oreos onto the frosting.
   
3. Cut into bars and enjoy!

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