Red Velvet Cookie Bars

INGREDIENTS

3 cups

all purpose flour

1/4 cup

unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa

1/2 tsp

salt

1 tsp

baking powder

1 cup

unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups

granulated sugar

large eggs

2 tsp

pure vanilla extract OR 2 tsp. vanilla paste

1 tbsp

red food coloring

For Frosting:

1/4 cup

unsalted butter, softened

6 oz

cream cheese, softened

salt

2 cups

powdered sugar

1 tsp

pure vanilla extract OR 1 tsp. vanilla paste

1 cup

M&M's® Red Velvet candies