Polar Bear Cookies

Introduction

There’s just something magical about holiday baking, don’t you think? The kitchen fills with sweet aromas, the laughter of family members around the table, and the fun of decorating treats together. One of my absolute favorite holiday cookie recipes is Polar Bear Cookies. These cute little creatures are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a delight for the eyes. If you’re looking to add a little whimsy and fun to your cookie spread this season, these cookies are sure to steal the show.

What I love most about Polar Bear Cookies is that they’re not just adorable—they’re also incredibly simple to make. The soft sugar cookie base is a perfect canvas for decorating, and you don’t need a fancy piping kit or a ton of skills to get the details right. I remember the first time I made these with my niece. We were in the kitchen, rolling out dough and giggling as we shaped each cookie into a bear face. Those moments are what make baking so special, and this recipe is a great way to create memories while making something super cute!

These cookies are also versatile, so if you’ve got kids, they’ll love the opportunity to get hands-on with the decorating part. And let’s not forget—they’re delicious! The sweetness of the sugar cookies pairs perfectly with the creamy white icing and the candy decorations that bring each polar bear to life.

Let’s dive into the recipe, so you can make these fun Polar Bear Cookies with your family or friends this holiday season. I promise, you’ll love them just as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these Polar Bear Cookies, and I can’t wait to share them with you! Here’s why I think this recipe is a must-try:

• Easy to Make: No complicated techniques here! You don’t need any fancy skills to make these cookies. Just a simple sugar cookie dough, some frosting, and a few candy decorations. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll feel like a pro by the time these cookies are done.
• Fun to Decorate: Decorating cookies is such a fun, hands-on activity. If you’ve got kids, they’ll absolutely love getting involved in making each cookie their own polar bear masterpiece. The best part? You can go as simple or as detailed as you want!
• Perfect for the Holidays: These cookies are so festive and fun, they’re bound to be a hit at your holiday parties, cookie swaps, or family gatherings. Not only do they taste great, but they also look adorable, making them the perfect addition to any festive table.
• Customizable: Want to make your polar bears with different colored scarves, or add some “snow” with a bit of powdered sugar? Go for it! This recipe is perfect for mixing things up and making the cookies your own.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time for dough)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies (depending on size)

Nutrition Facts (per cookie):
Calories: 180
Carbs: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Polar Bear Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients. Trust me, once you’ve got these on hand, you’re halfway there!

Sugar Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This will give the cookies their structure, ensuring they hold up while decorating.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – A small pinch of salt brings out the sweetness of the sugar.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The base of the dough, providing that rich, buttery flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds the sweetness and helps create a nice crumbly texture.
• 1 large egg – The egg binds everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that classic cookie flavor.

For Decorating:

• White frosting (store-bought or homemade) – To create the polar bear’s face. The thicker, the better for shaping.
• Mini chocolate chips – For the eyes and noses of your polar bear.
• Pink or red candy (like Skittles or M&Ms) – For the bears’ scarves or hats (optional, but adds a cute pop of color).
• Black icing – For the polar bear’s mouth (optional).
• Coconut flakes or powdered sugar – For a snowy effect (optional but fun!).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started! Here’s how to make your own Polar Bear Cookies.

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. You can use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
• Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies may be tough.
• Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 2: Roll and Cut Out the Cookie Shapes

• Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter), cut out your cookies.
• Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Decorate the Polar Bear Faces

• Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to get creative with the decoration!
• Spread a layer of white frosting on each cookie. Make sure to cover the entire surface, but keep it a little thicker where you want the bear’s face.
• For the eyes, press mini chocolate chips into the frosting. You can also use black icing if you prefer more detailed eyes.
• Add a small mini chocolate chip for the nose of your polar bear.
• If you’re using pink or red candy for scarves, place a piece near the bottom of each cookie.
• Optionally, you can also use black icing to pipe a small mouth for the polar bear.
• For an extra snowy touch, sprinkle a little shredded coconut or powdered sugar over the top for a wintry effect.

Step 4: Let the Cookies Set

• Allow the frosting and decorations to set before serving. This will ensure everything stays in place and doesn’t smear.

How to Serve

These Polar Bear Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or even as a fun activity for kids during the winter months. Here are a few ideas for serving them:

• Serve on a festive platter with other holiday treats like gingerbread men or snowman-shaped cookies.
• Pair with hot chocolate or a cozy cup of tea for a sweet holiday treat.
• Wrap them up in clear bags with a cute ribbon for a fun gift idea.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Polar Bear Cookies turn out perfectly:

1. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough maintain its shape during baking, which is especially important for cookies that need to be decorated.
2. Frosting Texture: If the frosting is too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar until it thickens up. You want it to stay in place while you decorate.
3. Use Parchment Paper: It’s essential for easy removal of the cookies after baking. Plus, it helps prevent them from sticking to the tray.
4. Decorating Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off to pipe the frosting or any small details like the polar bear’s mouth.
5. Storage: If you make these cookies ahead of time, store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They keep their shape and flavor, so they’re perfect for making in advance!

Recipe Variations

While I love these classic Polar Bear Cookies, you can easily switch things up to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

• Vegan Option: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. The frosting can be made with powdered sugar, coconut milk, and vegan margarine.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the flour blend’s instructions to ensure it works well for cookies.
• Fun Add-ins: Add chocolate chunks or crushed peppermint to the cookie dough for a little extra flavor inside the cookies.
• Different Decor: Instead of coconut flakes, try using white sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Polar Bear Cookies in advance?

Yes, you can! In fact, these cookies are a great make-ahead treat. You can prepare the sugar cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling, cutting, and baking. Once baked, the cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to make them even earlier, you can freeze the cookies after they’ve been baked and cooled. Just store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them out and decorate as usual.

2. Can I use store-bought cookie dough for Polar Bear Cookies?

While I always recommend homemade dough for the best texture and flavor, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough if you’re short on time. Just make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from spreading too much while baking. If you’re using store-bought dough, it may also affect the decorating process slightly, so just be aware!

3. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If your frosting is too runny, simply add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be thick enough to spread easily but not so thin that it runs off the edges of the cookies. If you’re using a store-bought frosting, you may want to beat it with a hand mixer for a fluffier consistency before using it.

4. Can I use other candies for the bear’s face and accessories?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your candy choices. Instead of mini chocolate chips, you could use mini M&Ms or black licorice for the eyes and nose. For scarves or hats, you can use anything from Skittles to colored sprinkles, or even fruit leather for a fun touch. The best part about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable!

5. Can I decorate the cookies with royal icing instead of frosting?

Yes, royal icing works wonderfully for cookie decorating! It dries harder than regular frosting, which can help your decorations stay in place better. Just be sure to make the royal icing a little thicker for the base layer to hold up well when you add candy decorations. If you want more control over intricate details, royal icing can be piped through a fine tip to create precise designs.

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Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Polar Bear Cookies adds a little extra cheer to your holiday baking this year! They’re such a fun and easy treat that everyone will love, from the little ones who can’t wait to decorate, to the adults who will appreciate the delicious taste. Baking is all about creating memories, and there’s no better way to do that than by sharing a batch of these adorable cookies with your family and friends.

If you decide to give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out! Feel free to share your photos on social media or leave a comment below. And don’t forget to pass on the recipe to anyone who loves getting creative in the kitchen. Happy baking, and here’s to many more delicious and whimsical treats in the future!