RED VELVET BEAR COOKIES
These red velvet bear cookies are soft, chewy, and super cute! With their rich cocoa flavour and adorable teddy bear shape, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, kids’ parties, or sweet gift boxes.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring gel preferred
Optional Decorations:
- Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes for eyes
- Pink or white candy hearts for noses
- Melted chocolate for facial details
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, milk, vanilla, and red food coloring. Mix until combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Shape the Bears:
- Roll dough into small balls—1 large (for the head) and 2 smaller ones (for ears). Arrange them on the baking sheet to form a bear face. Gently press together.
Decorate:
- Press in mini chocolate chips for eyes and candy hearts for noses. You can also add features after baking using melted chocolate.
Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cookie dough can be chilled for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Shaping Tip: Use a small spoon to smooth and press ear pieces together firmly so they don't separate during baking.
- Festive Variations: Try pink or white dough for different themes like Easter or birthdays. You can also dip half the bear face in melted chocolate.
- Serving Ideas: Great for classroom treats, party favours, or gift boxes tied with ribbon.
- Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.