Name: Red Velvet Bear Cookies: The Cutest & Tastiest Recipe!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) red food coloring; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 cup buttermilk; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency); Mini chocolate chips (for eyes and nose); Large heart sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Red Velvet Bear Cookies: Prepare to fall in love with the most adorable and delicious treat you'll bake all year! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie, bursting with the classic, slightly tangy flavor of red velvet, all while being shaped like the cutest little bear you've ever seen. These aren't just cookies; they're edible works of art that are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone's face.

Red velvet, with its intriguing history, has long been associated with elegance and indulgence. Some believe it originated during the Victorian era, while others trace its roots back to the Depression era, where bakers used beet juice to enhance the color and moisture of their cakes. Regardless of its exact origins, the distinctive red hue and subtle cocoa flavor have made it a beloved classic in American baking.

What makes these Red Velvet Bear Cookies so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The slight tang from the buttermilk or vinegar in the red velvet recipe balances the sweetness beautifully, while the soft, almost cake-like texture melts in your mouth. Plus, who can resist a cookie shaped like a bear? They're perfect for holidays, birthdays, or simply a fun afternoon baking project with the kids. Get ready to create some unforgettable memories (and cookies!) in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Red Velvet Cookies:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) red food coloring
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency)

For Decoration:

Mini chocolate chips (for eyes and nose)
Large heart sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Preparing the Red Velvet Cookie Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for proper leavening and flavor. Set this mixture aside for later.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which will contribute to the cookies' soft texture. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. Don't rush this step!
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and richness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
Make the Red Velvet Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the red food coloring, cocoa powder, and white vinegar. This mixture creates the signature red velvet color and also helps to activate the cocoa powder, bringing out its flavor. The vinegar also reacts with the baking soda to give the cookies a little extra lift.
Add Red Velvet Mixture to Butter Mixture: Add the red velvet mixture to the creamed butter and sugar and beat until well combined. The mixture should be a vibrant red color.
Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. For example, add 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then 1/2 of the buttermilk, then another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a chewier, less tender cookie.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, which will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle and cut into shapes. You can even chill it overnight!

Cutting and Baking the Bear Cookies

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour to the surface.
Cut Out Cookie Shapes: Use a bear-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. If you don't have a bear-shaped cutter, you can use a round cutter and then shape the dough slightly to resemble a bear. You can also use a knife to carefully cut out the shapes by hand.
Place Cookies on Baking Sheets: Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each cookie. This allows for even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking together.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies.
Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them on the baking sheet first helps them to firm up and prevents them from breaking.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, as it can create a cloud of dust.
Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker frosting, use less milk. If you prefer a thinner frosting, use more milk.
Beat Until Fluffy: Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until it is light and fluffy. This will incorporate air into the frosting, making it easier to spread.

Decorating the Red Velvet Bear Cookies

Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a knife, a spatula, or a piping bag to apply the frosting.
Add Eyes and Nose: Place two mini chocolate chips on each cookie to create the eyes. Then, place one mini chocolate chip below the eyes to create the nose.
Add Heart Sprinkles (Optional): If desired, add a large heart sprinkle to the center of each cookie for decoration.
Let the Frosting Set: Allow the frosting to set for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will prevent the frosting from smudging.
Enjoy! These Red Velvet Bear Cookies are best enjoyed fresh. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Red Velvet Bear Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they're an experience. From the vibrant color and the melt-in-your-mouth texture to the adorable bear shape, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, the red velvet flavor is perfectly balanced – not too sweet, with just a hint of cocoa that complements the cream cheese frosting beautifully. Second, the bear shape adds a playful touch, making them perfect for kids' parties, holiday gatherings, or simply a fun baking project on a rainy afternoon. And third, the recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginner bakers. But the real magic lies in the versatility of these little bears. While the cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing with red velvet, don't be afraid to experiment! A simple vanilla glaze would also be delicious, or you could even try a chocolate ganache for an extra decadent treat. For a festive twist, sprinkle the frosted cookies with red and green sprinkles during the holidays. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add a touch of peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing winter flavor. Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! These Red Velvet Bear Cookies are perfect on their own with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter, adding a pop of color and a touch of whimsy. For a more sophisticated presentation, try arranging them on a tiered cake stand with other miniature desserts. They're also fantastic as party favors – simply package them in small cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. And let's not forget the joy of gifting a batch of freshly baked cookies to a friend or neighbor! It's a simple gesture that's sure to brighten their day. Beyond the frosting variations, you can also play around with the cookie dough itself. Consider adding chocolate chips for an extra layer of richness, or chopped nuts for a bit of crunch. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure to adjust the liquid accordingly, as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more moisture. You could even try using different food colorings to create a rainbow of bear cookies! Imagine a platter filled with pink, blue, and green bears – how fun would that be? I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own batch of adorable Red Velvet Bear Cookies. I'm confident that you'll love them as much as I do. And remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don't be afraid to get creative and put your own personal touch on these little bears. Now, it's your turn! I can't wait to hear about your baking adventures. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you come up with your own creative twists? Please, share your experiences in the comments below! Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what you changed, and how your cookies turned out. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you'll love. Happy baking!