Red Velvet Bear Cookies are an adorable twist on classic red velvet cookies, shaped into cute little bear forms. These cookies have the rich, buttery flavor of red velvet, with a slight cocoa taste and a tangy kick from the buttermilk. The deep red color adds a striking visual appeal, and the soft, chewy texture makes them irresistible. Often, these cookies are decorated with icing or candy to form the bear’s face, making them perfect for themed parties, holidays, or just as a fun treat to brighten someone’s day.
The first time I made Red Velvet Bear Cookies, I was aiming for something festive and whimsical, and they turned out to be a total hit! The flavor of the cookies was rich and comforting, and the bear shape made them extra special. What I love most about these cookies is their versatility—you can decorate them with different facial expressions or use different toppings to customize them for any occasion. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a random fun baking day, Red Velvet Bear Cookies always bring smiles to the table!
Perfect for:
- Birthday parties
- Special occasions
- Valentine’s Day
- Cookie lovers
- Kids and adults alike
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Red Velvet Bear Cookies will become your favorite treat:
- Whimsical Shape: The cute bear shape makes these cookies perfect for parties and themed events.
- Rich Red Velvet Flavor: The perfect balance of cocoa and vanilla, making each bite rich and decadent.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfectly soft yet chewy.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Center: A delightful surprise in every bite with the creamy frosting filling.
- Festive Appeal: The red color and fun bear design make these cookies ideal for holidays and special celebrations.
- Perfect for All Ages: Loved by both kids and adults for their flavor and cuteness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe a breeze to follow.
- Make-Ahead Treat: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for convenience.
- Customizable Designs: Feel free to get creative with the shape and frosting designs.
- Deliciously Sweet: The cream cheese filling adds the perfect balance of sweetness to the cookies.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes for decorating
Ingredient Highlights
- Red Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their signature red velvet color.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides the subtle chocolate flavor in the cookies.
- Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang to the cookie dough for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy frosting that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Red Velvet Cookies:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Food Coloring: Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and red food coloring until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, and then flatten slightly. Use a bear-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
- Bake: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set. Let the cookies cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling:
- Mix Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Fill the Cookies: Turn half of the cookies upside down, and spoon or pipe a small amount of cream cheese frosting onto the center. Place the remaining cookies on top, pressing gently to sandwich the filling inside.
- Decorate: If desired, add mini chocolate chips or candy eyes to the cookies for a cute bear face.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the cookies on a serving platter and enjoy with a cold glass of milk.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Red Velvet Bear Cookies:
- As Party Favors: Pack in cute boxes and give these cookies as party favors for birthdays or holidays.
- With Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- On Valentine’s Day: Serve these adorable cookies as a sweet treat for loved ones.
- As a Fun Dessert: Serve them after dinner for a playful and delicious dessert.
- With Ice Cream: Sandwich the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- As a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon snack or lunchbox treat.
- With a Cup of Tea: Pair these cookies with a cup of tea for a sweet break.
- For Holiday Celebrations: Serve these cookies at Christmas or New Year’s Eve parties.
- As a Gift: Package these cookies in a cute jar or box and gift them to friends and family.
- For Special Occasions: Serve at bridal showers, baby showers, or any celebration where a fun treat is needed.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling time. It helps the dough hold its shape and results in perfectly soft cookies.
- Customize the Bear Design: Use mini chocolate chips or other candy to create unique faces or features for the bears.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth frosting.
- Adjust the Food Coloring: Use more or less food coloring depending on the intensity of red you desire.
- Make-Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Recipe Variations
- Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: Use your favorite cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting for the filling.
- Add White Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
- Mini Bear Cookies: Shape the cookies into smaller sizes for bite-sized treats.
- Nutty Red Velvet Bear Cookies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty crunch.
- Red Velvet Heart-Shaped Cookies: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter instead of a bear for a Valentine’s Day twist.
Special Equipment
- Bear-Shaped Cookie Cutter: Essential for creating the adorable bear shape.
- Electric Mixer: For smooth and fluffy frosting and cookie dough.
- Piping Bag (optional): For neat and easy frosting filling.
- Cookie Sheets: For baking the cookies evenly.
FAQ Section
- Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes, gel food coloring works well for a more vibrant color. - How long do these cookies last?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Thaw before rolling and cutting. - Can I use cream cheese frosting from a store?
Yes, store-bought frosting can be used in place of homemade frosting. - How can I make the cookies softer?
Be sure not to overbake the cookies and store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. - Can I use a different frosting flavor?
Yes, feel free to substitute with vanilla, chocolate, or any frosting flavor you prefer. - Can I make the cookies without a bear cutter?
Absolutely! Use any shape or a simple round cutter instead. - Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to shape. - Can I make these cookies without frosting?
Yes, you can skip the frosting and enjoy them as simple red velvet cookies. - What can I use to decorate the cookies instead of chocolate chips?
Use colorful sprinkles, candy eyes, or edible glitter for decoration.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Bear Cookies are the perfect combination of fun and flavor. With their rich, soft texture and cute bear design, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any celebration. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just because, these cookies are bound to bring joy to your loved ones. So go ahead, bake a batch of these adorable cookies, and enjoy the sweet, whimsical delight of red velvet and cream cheese frosting in every bite!