Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to bake something sweet, and these Red Velvet Bear Cookies are as adorable as they are delicious! Shaped like tiny teddy bears, these cookies add a fun and festive touch to your dessert spread. Their rich red color, soft texture, and classic red velvet flavor make them a delightful treat for loved ones. Whether you’re making them for kids, a special someone, or simply for yourself, these cookies are sure to spread love and joy!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp red food coloring
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
1 tsp white vinegar
For Decoration:
½ cup cream cheese frosting
White icing for details
Small heart-shaped candies (for decoration)
Mini chocolate chips or candy pearls (for eyes and nose)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Stir in white vinegar and mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape the cookies: Roll dough into small balls—one large for the bear’s body, a smaller one for the head, and even tinier ones for the ears, arms, and legs. Gently press them together on the baking sheet.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until set. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
Decorate: Use cream cheese frosting to add details like a belly patch, attach heart candies, and use white icing or mini chocolate chips for facial features.
Serve and enjoy! These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without altering the dough consistency.
Don’t overbake! The cookies should be slightly soft when removed from the oven, as they will firm up while cooling.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm twist.
These Red Velvet Bear Cookies are a whimsical and tasty way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. With their cute bear shape and delicious red velvet flavor, they’re bound to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them yourself, these cookies bring sweetness and joy to any occasion. Happy baking!