Did you know that red velvet bear cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a feast for the eyes? These adorable cookies have become a favorite in dessert settings, especially at birthday parties and festive gatherings. With their vibrant red color and cute bear shapes, they bring a playful touch to any dessert table. I love how they combine the rich, chocolatey flavor of red velvet with the fun of cookie decorating! Trust me, once you whip up a batch of these delightful red velvet bear cookies, you’ll see why they’re such a hit. They’ll have everyone smiling and reaching for seconds!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Bear Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your cookies, giving them structure and that classic cookie chew.
- 1 cup sugar – Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cocoa flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – For that rich, chocolatey taste that pairs perfectly with the red velvet.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing; this helps create a nice, creamy texture.
- 1 large egg – This binds everything together and adds moisture, keeping your cookies soft.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk – Adds a slight tang and keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring – This is what gives our cookies that vibrant red hue; it’s a must for true red velvet!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise just right and gives them a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A little salt balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
How to Prepare Red Velvet Bear Cookies
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cookies to bake evenly!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You can really feel the excitement building!
- Next, add in the egg, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well until it’s combined and looking gorgeous.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined; don’t overmix! We want that tender cookie texture!
- Once your dough is ready, roll it out and shape it into cute bear forms. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re set and the edges look firm. Wow, the smell is going to be amazing!
- Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make and perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Adorable bear shapes that are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Rich, chocolatey flavor with a delightful red velvet twist.
- Great for parties, holidays, or just a fun afternoon baking project.
- Customize with sprinkles or icing for extra flair!
Tips for Success with Red Velvet Bear Cookies
To make sure your red velvet bear cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skip the buttermilk—it’s key for that tender, moist texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice; just let it sit for about 5 minutes. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; this can lead to tough cookies. And remember, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps them firm up nicely. Trust me, these little tips will make a big difference in your baking success!
Variations for Red Velvet Bear Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your red velvet bear cookies! Try adding a handful of chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a gooey surprise in every bite. For a fruity twist, fold in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for texture and a pop of flavor. You could also top them with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for an extra sweet finish. And hey, if you want to switch it up completely, why not use a bear-shaped cookie cutter with a gingerbread or sugar cookie dough instead? The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes baking so much fun!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your red velvet bear cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last even longer, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to bring back that fresh-baked softness without overdoing it! Trust me, they’re just as delightful as the day you made them!
Nutritional Information for Red Velvet Bear Cookies
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Typically, each red velvet bear cookie contains about 150 calories, 7g of fat, 10g of sugar, and 2g of protein. Enjoy these delightful treats while being mindful of portion sizes, and remember, they’re all about balance and joy in baking!
FAQ about Red Velvet Bear Cookies
Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Absolutely! While red is traditional for red velvet bear cookies, you can use any color you like. Just keep in mind that the flavor might slightly change depending on the coloring used.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with one cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’re good to go!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
They’re done when the edges look firm and the centers are set. A little softness in the middle is okay since they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
Can I decorate these cookies?
Definitely! I love adding icing, sprinkles, or even chocolate drizzle on top for a fun touch. Get creative and make them your own!
Red velvet bear cookies that will melt your heart!
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet bear-shaped cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until combined.
- Roll the dough into bear shapes and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Can add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: red velvet bear cookies, cookies, dessert
