Polar Bear Cookies

Introduction

There’s something about festive cookies that just brings out the magic of the season. And when you’re making cookies that look like cute little polar bears, it’s impossible not to smile. These Polar Bear Cookies are not only adorable, but they’re also super fun to make. Whether you’re baking with kids, surprising your friends with a festive treat, or just in need of something that screams holiday cheer, these cookies are the perfect choice.

I first came across the idea of these cookies during a snowy afternoon when I was craving something sweet to enjoy with a hot cocoa. After seeing a picture of a polar bear-shaped treat online, I couldn’t resist trying to make them myself. The result? A batch of the cutest cookies I’ve ever made, and they’ve since become a holiday favorite in my household. The combination of soft, chewy cookies and the playful polar bear faces always brings a little extra joy to any holiday gathering.

What I love most about these cookies is that they’re not just cute—they’re also delicious. You’ve got that perfect sugar cookie texture with a sweet, buttery flavor that pairs so well with the white chocolate “fur” and mini chocolate chip eyes. It’s like a warm hug in cookie form! Whether you’re baking them for a party, sending them as a gift, or just treating yourself, these Polar Bear Cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these Polar Bear Cookies should be at the top of your baking list:

• Adorable and Fun: These cookies are just so cute! The polar bear faces are a hit with everyone, especially kids. You’ll have a blast decorating them and turning each cookie into its own little character.
• Easy to Make: While they may look fancy, these cookies are actually really easy to put together. The dough is simple to make, and the decoration process is fun rather than complicated.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking with kids, or just enjoying a festive treat, these cookies are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer. They’re also great for cookie exchanges!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery sugar cookies and creamy white chocolate is irresistible. Plus, the mini chocolate chips create those cute little polar bear eyes, adding a perfect amount of sweetness.

Imagine pulling these out of the oven, the sweet aroma filling your kitchen, and then turning them into adorable polar bear faces. Not only will they be the star of your holiday dessert table, but they’re sure to leave everyone smiling!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (20 minutes prep, 15 minutes chill time, 25 minutes bake time)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on how large you make them.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your adorable Polar Bear Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your dough, making these cookies soft and chewy.
• 1 tsp baking powder: To give the cookies that perfect rise.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The key ingredient to making these cookies rich and buttery.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens up the dough, making it the perfect sugar cookie base.
• 1 large egg: Adds structure and helps bind the dough together.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds that lovely aromatic flavor to the dough.

For the Decoration:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips: These are melted to create the polar bear’s fluffy fur.
• Mini chocolate chips: These become the polar bear’s eyes—so cute!
• Black decorating gel or icing: For drawing on the polar bear’s nose and adding little details to the face.
• White sprinkles (optional): To give the polar bears a little extra sparkle.

I always make sure to use high-quality white chocolate chips for that smooth, creamy “fur,” and mini chocolate chips because they’re the perfect size for the eyes. The black decorating gel is a game changer—it’s the perfect tool for adding those little polar bear noses and facial details without the hassle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s break down how to make these Polar Bear Cookies from start to finish:

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

• Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside for now.
• Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s a crucial step because it helps create a soft and tender cookie.
• Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. You should have a nice, smooth batter by now.
• Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—it can make the cookies tough. You want the dough to be soft and a little sticky.
• Chill the dough: This step is optional, but I highly recommend it. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

• Form the cookies: Once your dough is chilled, use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to form small balls of dough. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Flatten the dough: Gently flatten each ball of dough with the palm of your hand. You can also use the bottom of a glass to get an even, round shape. These cookies will spread slightly, so don’t worry if they aren’t perfect circles at this point.
• Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. They may look a little soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Decorate the Polar Bears

• Melt the white chocolate: While the cookies are cooling, melt the white chocolate chips. You can do this in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted.
• Dip the cookies: Once the cookies are cool, dip the tops of each one into the melted white chocolate, covering the entire surface. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the cookies back on the cooling rack.
• Add the eyes: While the white chocolate is still soft, place two mini chocolate chips on each cookie for the polar bear’s eyes. You can gently press them into the chocolate to help them stick.
• Draw the noses and mouths: Using the black decorating gel or icing, draw little noses and mouths on each polar bear cookie. Don’t worry about making them perfect—every polar bear is unique!
• Add sprinkles: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few white sprinkles over the chocolate to mimic snowflakes or give the fur a little sparkle.

Step 4: Let Them Set

• Allow the white chocolate to fully set before serving the cookies. You can speed up the process by placing the cookies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Once they’re set, they’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve

These Polar Bear Cookies are perfect for so many occasions, and here are a few ways to serve them:

• Serve at a Holiday Party: These cookies will definitely be the showstopper at your next holiday party. Set them on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats.
• Cookie Exchange: If you’re participating in a cookie exchange, these are a fun and unique choice that’s sure to get compliments.
• With a Hot Drink: Serve these cookies with a cup of hot chocolate or even a cozy chai latte. They’re the perfect pairing for your favorite winter drink!

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your Polar Bear Cookies come out perfectly every time:

1. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, which is especially important for the decoration.
2. Use Quality White Chocolate: When it comes to the white chocolate topping, quality matters. Go for real white chocolate chips (not the imitation stuff) for a smooth and creamy texture.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
4. Be Creative with the Decorations: You can switch up the decorations to make the polar bears unique. Use candy eyes or swap the black gel for melted dark chocolate for the noses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes! These Polar Bear Cookies can be made in advance. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cookies will stay fresh and delicious, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure the white chocolate is fully set before storing or freezing.

2. What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips for the eyes?

No worries! If you don’t have mini chocolate chips, you can use regular chocolate chips, broken pieces of dark chocolate, or even candy eyes if you prefer. Just make sure whatever you use is small enough to create the polar bear’s adorable eyes.

3. Can I substitute the white chocolate with something else?

While white chocolate gives the cookies their signature look and taste, you can use milk chocolate or even dark chocolate if you prefer. Keep in mind that it will change the flavor and appearance of the cookies, but the taste will still be fantastic. If using dark chocolate, consider adding a bit of powdered sugar or a sweeter chocolate to balance out the richness.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily make these cookies gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking to ensure the cookies hold together well. You may need to adjust the texture or flavor slightly, but they should still taste delicious!

5. What’s the best way to decorate the polar bear faces?

Decorating Polar Bear Cookies is the fun part! After dipping the cookies in melted white chocolate, immediately press two mini chocolate chips into the chocolate for the eyes. For the nose, use black decorating gel or icing to draw a small oval. If you want to get extra creative, you can add little pink candy pieces or edible glitter to make your polar bears even more festive!

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Conclusion

There’s no better way to bring some fun and festivity into your baking than with these Polar Bear Cookies. They’re perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just because you want to add a little cheer to your day. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen, especially if you’ve got little ones who love to help decorate. The combination of soft, chewy sugar cookies, white chocolate fur, and mini chocolate chip eyes makes these cookies irresistible.

Baking these Polar Bear Cookies is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your home. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and always bring smiles to everyone who sees them. So, go ahead—get in the kitchen, have some fun, and spread a little holiday cheer with these adorable treats. Happy baking, and I hope these Polar Bear Cookies bring as much joy to your home as they’ve brought to mine!