Description
Whimsical red velvet bear cookies combine playful design with rich cocoa flavor. Chocolate lovers will adore these adorable treats that bring joy to dessert tables and spark delightful conversations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 cups (297 ml) all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 cup (45 g) mini chocolate chips (for eyes and noses)
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) melted dark or milk chocolate (optional, for extra details)
Instructions
- Preheat Environment: Set oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix Base: Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, then blend in egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Components: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, then gently fold into wet mixture to create a smooth dough.
- Shape Bear Cookies: Form 1-inch dough spheres for bear heads, attaching smaller 1/4-inch balls as ears by gently pressing them into position.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange bear-shaped cookies on prepared sheets with 2-inch spacing, embedding mini chocolate chips for eyes and nose.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges set and centers remain slightly soft, then rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Decorate (Optional): Use melted chocolate to add personalized facial details and enhance the bear cookie’s character.
Notes
- Manage Moisture Perfectly: Red velvet demands precise moisture balance; avoid overmixing dough to prevent tough cookies and ensure soft, tender texture.
- Choose Quality Food Coloring: Select gel-based red food coloring for vibrant color without thinning cookie dough, guaranteeing rich, deep red hue without compromising consistency.
- Shape Consistently: Use uniform dough ball sizes when creating bear shapes to ensure even baking and consistent cookie appearance, preventing uneven browning or texture variations.
- Handle Delicate Details: Gently attach ear pieces and press chocolate chip features with light touch to maintain bear cookie structure and prevent crumbling during shaping or baking.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 23
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg