Red Velvet Bear Cookies

Introduction

Red Velvet Bear Cookies are the perfect combination of fun, festive, and absolutely delicious. Inspired by the classic red velvet cake, these soft, chewy cookies have a rich cocoa flavor and a vibrant red hue that makes them stand out wherever you go. The cute bear shapes add a playful touch, making them perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a special event, a holiday treat, or just because. They’re not only a treat for your taste buds but also a delight for the eyes!

What I love most about these cookies is how they combine the rich, velvety taste of red velvet cake with the whimsical design of little bear shapes. When I made them for the first time, I couldn’t help but smile at how adorable they looked—and tasted even better than I imagined! The sweet, creamy filling between each cookie adds a luscious touch that takes the whole treat to the next level.

These cookies are always a hit at parties or family gatherings because of their vibrant color and fun design. Plus, their soft and chewy texture makes them so irresistible that it’s hard to stop at just one. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, giving them as gifts, or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, Red Velvet Bear Cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet moments to everyone who tries them. So, next time you’re in the mood for something playful and indulgent, whip up a batch of these bear-shaped beauties!

Perfect for:

• Holiday celebrations
• Birthday parties
• Baking with kids
• Sweet snacks for any day
• Fun dessert ideas

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Bear Cookies

Here’s why Red Velvet Bear Cookies will quickly become your favorite cookie recipe:

• Adorable Bear Shape: These cookies are irresistibly cute! The bear shape makes them perfect for kids, parties, and adding a fun touch to any gathering.
• Velvety Red Color: The signature red velvet color not only makes these cookies visually appealing, but it also adds a richness that complements the deep cocoa flavor.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies are soft and chewy, with just the right balance of tenderness and a slight crispness around the edges, making every bite enjoyable.
• Cream Cheese Filling: The sweet and tangy cream cheese filling between the cookies adds a delightful layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the red velvet base.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special holiday, birthday, or just an afternoon treat, these cookies are a delightful choice for any time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these adorable Red Velvet Bear Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons 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 teaspoon vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Red Food Coloring: Essential for that vibrant red hue that gives these cookies their signature appearance.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds depth and richness to the flavor, giving the cookies a subtle chocolate undertone that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese filling.
• Cream Cheese: The tangy and creamy filling balances the sweetness of the cookies, giving them that irresistible combination of flavors.
• Butter: Provides a rich, soft texture and flavor to both the cookies and the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and flavor of the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Red Velvet Bear Cookies is easy, and here’s how you do it:

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add the Egg and Red Food Coloring: Add the egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.

Chill the Dough:

6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle and shape.

Shape the Cookies:

7. Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
8. Cut Out the Bear Shapes: Using a bear-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure the cookies are spaced about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

10. Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
11. Chill the Filling: Refrigerate the cream cheese filling for 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly, making it easier to spread.

Assemble the Cookies:

12. Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Press gently to seal.
13. Serve or Store: Enjoy the cookies immediately or refrigerate them for a firmer filling.

How to Serve Red Velvet Bear Cookies

These Red Velvet Bear Cookies can be served in a variety of ways:

• At a Party: Serve these adorable cookies as a fun and festive treat at any party or gathering, whether it’s a birthday, holiday celebration, or themed event.
• With Milk: Pair the cookies with a cold glass of milk to enhance the rich, velvety flavor of the cookies.
• As a Gift: These cookies make an excellent homemade gift. Pack them in a cute tin or box to give to friends and family.
• On a Dessert Table: Add them to a dessert table filled with other themed treats for a cute and colorful display.
• For Kids’ Snack Time: With their playful bear shapes, these cookies are perfect for a fun snack during the afternoon.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Bear Cookies

Here are some tips to make your Red Velvet Bear Cookies even better:

• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so it gives a vibrant red hue without affecting the dough’s consistency.
• Chill the Dough Longer: If you’re in a hurry, you can chill the dough for less time, but for better results, refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies light and soft.
• Customize the Filling: For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or sprinkles to the cream cheese filling.
• Make Mini Versions: If you want to make smaller cookies, simply use a smaller bear-shaped cookie cutter for bite-sized treats.

Recipe Variations for Red Velvet Bear Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Red Velvet Bear Cookies:

• Chocolate Red Velvet Bear Cookies: Add more cocoa powder to the dough for a stronger chocolate flavor.
• Nutella-Filled Red Velvet Cookies: Replace the cream cheese filling with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut variation.
• Coconut Red Velvet Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
• Peppermint Red Velvet Cookies: Add peppermint extract to the filling for a festive, minty version.
• White Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cookies: Add white chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness.
• Caramel Red Velvet Cookies: Drizzle caramel sauce between the cookies for a rich, sweet layer.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Top: Instead of sandwiching the cookies, frost the top of each cookie with cream cheese frosting for a different presentation.
• Raspberry Red Velvet Cookies: Add freeze-dried raspberries to the dough for a fruity, tangy flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice Red Velvet Cookies: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a fall-inspired twist.
• Red Velvet Bear Cupcakes: Use the red velvet cookie dough to make cupcakes, and top them with cream cheese frosting for a cake version of these cookies.

Freezing and Storage for Red Velvet Bear Cookies

• Freezing: If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into a log, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, slice and bake as usual.
• Storage: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The filling may become firmer in the fridge, which can make the cookies even more enjoyable.

Special Equipment for Red Velvet Bear Cookies

Here are some special equipment items that will make making Red Velvet Bear Cookies easier:

• Bear-Shaped Cookie Cutter: A bear-shaped cookie cutter is essential to get the fun, playful shape of the cookies.
• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer helps ensure the butter and sugar are creamed to perfection and makes mixing the cream cheese filling a breeze.
• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin helps evenly roll out the dough to the perfect thickness.
• Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is great for preventing the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack allows the cookies to cool properly and evenly after baking.

FAQ Section for Red Velvet Bear Cookies

1. Can I use a different filling?
   Yes, feel free to use chocolate ganache, buttercream, or even whipped cream cheese frosting instead of the cream cheese filling.
2. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
   If you prefer, you can make them without food coloring, though they won’t have the signature red velvet appearance.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
   Yes, you can freeze both the unbaked dough and the assembled cookies. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
5. Can I use a different shape for the cookies?
   Absolutely! You can use any cookie cutter you prefer to make different shapes like hearts, stars, or circles.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Bear Cookies are a fun and festive treat that adds a touch of whimsy to any occasion. With their rich red velvet flavor and soft, chewy texture, they are as delicious as they are adorable. Filled with a creamy center, these cookies are perfect for serving at parties, gifting to loved ones, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Their vibrant color and unique shape make them an instant crowd-pleaser, and they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just in the mood for something sweet, Red Velvet Bear Cookies are the ideal choice. They can be easily customized with different fillings or decorations to suit the occasion. The combination of flavors and the fun bear shape makes these cookies a delightful treat that will impress your friends and family.

I can’t wait to see how your Red Velvet Bear Cookies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creative cookie designs! Feel free to share your experience or leave a comment below with any fun variations you tried. Enjoy!