Red Velvet Bear Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s as adorable as it is delicious, I’ve got you covered with this fan-freaking-tastic Red Velvet Bear Cookies Recipe. These little cuties aren’t just pretty faces—they’re packed with that classic red velvet flavor and have the perfect chewy texture you’ll adore. Trust me, whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day or just because, these bear-shaped treats will steal the show and bring a smile to anyone’s face.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together to create that classic red velvet flavor with a subtle cocoa hint. When you’re gathering your ingredients, make sure your cocoa powder is good quality and sifted well—that little step really makes a difference in the texture and color of your cookies.

• All-purpose flour: Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for the best measuring accuracy.
• Cocoa powder: Use sifted natural cocoa for that gentle chocolate undertone that complements the red velvet flavor.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents create the light, tender crumb that makes the cookies so enjoyable.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled—you’ll want that rich, creamy fat that adds moisture and flavor.
• Granulated and brown sugar: I find that the mix of sugars gives these cookies a deeper sweetness and chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of this brings warmth and rounds out the flavor.
• White vinegar: Helps balance the batter acidity and reacts with the baking soda to make the cookies light and tender.
• Egg: Binds all the ingredients and adds richness.
• Red food coloring: This is your star for that vibrant red hue; add more for a brighter color, less for a softer tone.
• Melted milk or dark chocolate: For the bear’s eyes and nose—choose what you enjoy most.
• Melted white chocolate: Perfect for the snouts and ears; you can tint it with oil-based food coloring to add blush.
• Oil-based food coloring: Important for coloring chocolate without it seizing—if you don’t have it, I’ll share a trick below.

Variations

I’m all about making this Red Velvet Bear Cookies Recipe your own. Sometimes I like a little twist, whether to suit dietary needs or just to experiment with flavors and presentation. Feel free to play around—you’ll be surprised how a small change can make these even more special.

• Vegan Version: I discovered that swapping out butter for a great quality vegan butter and skipping the egg works wonderfully with a bit of plant milk to bind the dough—results in a chewy and just as tasty cookie.
• Color Play: Try swapping the red food coloring for pink or burgundy shades to match different themes or seasons; my kids loved when I used a soft pink for a spring celebration!
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder enhances the cocoa flavor and gives a grown-up twist I’m really into lately.
• Chocolate Swirl Faces: Swap the classic white and dark chocolate decorations for fun patterns or colors; it’s a cute way to make bears unique for each recipient.

How to Make Red Velvet Bear Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients Carefully

Start by whisking together your flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. I love doing this step separately because it ensures even distribution, so every bite tastes just right. The cocoa powder especially benefits from sifting—it avoids clumps and gives a smoother dough.

Step 2: Cream Sugars and Butter Like a Pro

In your stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the melted and cooled butter with granulated and brown sugar on medium speed until everything comes together nicely. Scrape the bottom and sides of your bowl to catch any sugar that sticks. Then, add vanilla extract, white vinegar, the egg, and your red food coloring. Mix until you get a smooth, vibrant dough—feel free to add more red coloring here to get your perfect shade. This step is where the magic really happens, trust me!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry, then Chill

Dump in all those dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. You don’t want to overmix here—stop as soon as the flour disappears. Cover the dough and pop it in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling is a game changer. It firms up the butter again and lets the flour hydrate properly, making your cookies chewier and the dough way easier to handle when shaping the bears.

Step 4: Shape Your Bears with Love

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), and line two baking trays with parchment paper or silicone mats. Use a small cookie dough scoop or your hands to form balls about 1½ tablespoons each and place them about 3 inches apart. Don’t forget to save some dough for ears—take about 1 teaspoon of dough and split it into two smaller balls for each bear’s ears, then gently place them on top of the larger dough ball. This is my favorite part because these little details make all the difference in cuteness!

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges look set but the centers are still slightly puffed. I love to underbake just a little because it keeps the centers chewy, which I personally can’t resist. When done, let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this step keeps them from breaking when you decorate.

Step 6: Add Those Bear Faces

This is where you get to have some real fun! Using a piping bag, toothpick, or cookie scribe, paint the snouts and ears with melted white chocolate. I usually tint a bit of this white chocolate with oil-based pink or red food coloring to create adorable blush spots. If you don’t have oil-based food dye and notice your chocolate seizing or getting grainy, don’t panic—I discovered that stirring in a teaspoon of neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) helps bring it back to a smooth consistency. Use melted milk or dark chocolate for the eyes and noses to give your bears personality. It feels so satisfying to see your cookies come alive!

How to Serve Red Velvet Bear Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple—those sweet little white chocolate snouts with a blush of pink make these bears look irresistibly cuddly. Occasionally, I sprinkle on some edible glitter for a festive touch or use tiny heart sprinkles for Valentine’s Day. These simple garnishes bring out the personality of each cookie without overpowering the delicate texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of hot cocoa. For something a little fancy, I serve them alongside a berry compote or whipped cream, which adds a nice contrast to their rich cocoa flavor. Sometimes, friends have even enjoyed them with coffee or tea at brunch, making these bears versatile for many moments.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found that arranging these Red Velvet Bear Cookies Recipe treats nestled in a little basket lined with red and white gingham cloth adds a charming rustic touch for gifting. For Valentine’s Day, I’ve packaged them in clear cellophane bags with ribbon and cute tags—everyone loved receiving their own batch of bears! You could also serve them on a dessert platter accented with fresh strawberries or rose petals to up the wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Red Velvet Bear Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and chewy for up to a week. To keep them fresh, I recommend placing a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture and keeps those cookies tasting just-baked for longer. This little trick seriously saved me more than once!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies several times with great results. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. They still taste fresh without losing that chewiness. It’s perfect for prepping ahead of holidays or special events.

Reheating

If you like your cookies slightly warm, pop a few on a baking sheet and heat them at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This softens them nicely without overbaking. Alternatively, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does the trick, but be careful not to melt the chocolate decorations! I prefer the oven method for that gentle warming effect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Bear Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it combines nostalgia, creativity, and deliciousness all in one bite-sized package. Baking these bears always brings out smiles and feels like crafting little edible hugs, especially around Valentine’s Day or any celebration. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and share some sweet joy with these charming treats—you’ll love the result as much as I do!

Print