Fluffy Polar Bear Cookies Recipe: Adorable Treats for Winter Fun

Crisp winter nights spark childhood memories of delightful polar bear cookies that melt hearts faster than snow.

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever these adorable treats emerge from the oven.

Soft white frosting and creative decorations bring these playful desserts to life with whimsy and charm.

Kids absolutely adore the cute bear faces created with simple ingredients and a touch of imagination.

Marshmallow ears and chocolate chip eyes transform ordinary sugar cookies into magical winter companions.

Simple techniques make these polar bear cookies easy for anyone to craft with joy.

You will love how quickly these delectable treats come together for a delightful winter afternoon surprise.

Festive Matches for Polar Bear Cookies

• Creamy Milk Pairing: Serve cold, fresh whole milk alongside these polar bear cookies for a classic, comforting combination that enhances the soft, sweet texture of the treats.
• Hot Cocoa Companion: Prepare rich, warm hot chocolate topped with marshmallows to complement the cookies' delicate flavor and create a cozy winter-themed dessert experience.
• Vanilla Chai Tea Match: Brew a smooth, spiced vanilla chai tea that balances the cookies' sweetness with its warm, aromatic notes and provides a sophisticated drinking companion.
• White Chocolate Mocha Delight: Craft a creamy white chocolate mocha with a light dusting of cinnamon to echo the cookies' soft, sugary profile and add a gourmet touch.

Polar Bear Cookie Styles

• Gluten-Free Polar Bear Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the soft, delicate texture.
• Vegan Polar Bear Treats: Swap butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and vegan cream cheese. Use egg replacement such as flax egg or applesauce to create an animal-friendly cookie.
• Low-Sugar Polar Bear Cookies: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the cookie's adorable shape and delicious flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Polar Bear Cookies: Incorporate mini white chocolate chips into the dough for an extra creamy and indulgent variation that adds subtle sweetness to the classic polar bear design.

FAQs

• Are these polar bear cookies difficult to make?

These cookies are beginner-friendly and easy to create, even for novice bakers. The step-by-step process is straightforward, and the assembly is simple with basic decorating skills.

• Do I need special baking tools to make these cookies?

You’ll only need standard baking equipment like mixing bowls, electric mixer, rolling pin, and cookie cutters. Basic piping bag or ziplock bag for frosting decoration works perfectly.

• Can kids help decorate these polar bear cookies?

Absolutely! Kids will love adding chocolate chip noses, sprinkle eyes, and decorating with sanding sugar. It’s a fun, creative activity that children can enjoy with adult supervision during the frosting stage.

• How can I ensure my cookies look like cute polar bears?

Use consistent circle sizes for faces and ears, chill dough before cutting to maintain shape, and pipe frosting neatly. The key is patience and gentle handling during the decorative process.

What Brings Smiles with Polar Bear Cookies

• Craft with Ease: Super simple recipe that guides you through each step, making cookie decoration a breeze for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family Fun Project: Engaging activity that brings everyone together, allowing kids and adults to bond while creating adorable polar bear-shaped treats.
• Customize Your Creativity: Flexible recipe lets you personalize decorations with different sprinkles, sugars, and chocolate chip placements for unique polar bear expressions.
• Impressive Party Treat: Eye-catching cookies perfect for winter gatherings, holiday celebrations, or animal-themed parties that will delight guests of all ages.

Polar Bear Cookies Ingredient Guide

Main Ingredients:

Flour: Soft and fine base for cookie dough.

Butter: Rich and creamy core ingredient.

Sugar: Sweet and essential for flavor.

Cream Cheese: Smooth and tangy addition.

Egg: Binding agent for the dough.

Dry Ingredients:

Cornstarch: Helps create soft texture.

Baking Powder: Provides rise to cookies.

Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

Decorating Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar: Smooth frosting base.

Vanilla: Adds warm, sweet flavor.

Chocolate Chips: Perfect for polar bear noses.

Sanding Sugar: Creates sparkly, textured finish.

Sprinkles: Cute decorative details for eyes and cheeks.

Assembling Polar Bear Cookies Step by Step

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend butter with cream cheese until silky smooth. Pour in sugar and whip until the mixture becomes light and airy. Gently incorporate egg and vanilla extract, stirring until everything combines beautifully.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients thoroughly, then slowly fold into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Chill and Prepare Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each section in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours. This helps develop rich flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 4: Shape Adorable Cookie Faces

• 2 1/2-inch circles for faces
• 3/4-inch circles for ears

Carefully attach ears to faces and place cookies on a baking sheet. Chill for 15 minutes to maintain shape.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes until edges turn slightly golden. Remove and allow complete cooling on a wire rack.

Step 6: Craft Fluffy White Frosting

Beat butter until creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cream, creating a smooth, spreadable frosting.

Step 7: Decorate Playful Polar Bears

• Frosted oval for muzzle
• Chocolate chips for nose
• Sprinkles for eyes and cheeks

Serve and watch smiles appear!

Cookie Tips That Shape Adorable Polar Bears Just Right

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and maintain adorable polar bear shape during baking.
• Precision in Cutting: Use exact circle cutters for uniform faces and tiny ears to create perfectly proportioned polar bear cookies every time.
• Sugar Coating Magic: Roll frosted cookies in white sanding sugar for a fluffy, snow-like texture that mimics a polar bear's soft fur.
• Soft Frosting Technique: Pipe frosting gently and smoothly to create clean, delicate details without overwhelming the cookie's cute design.
• Temperature Control: Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating to ensure frosting and decorations stick perfectly and maintain crisp edges.

How to Preserve Polar Bear Cookies and Serve Again

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent soft frosting from melting.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.
• Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent frosting from melting or cookies from becoming hard.

Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet polar bear cookies melt hearts with their adorable arctic charm, bringing whimsical winter magic to dessert tables. Sugar-coated and playfully decorated, these delightful treats let you savor childhood nostalgia in each delicious, bear-shaped bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough:

• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (113g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (56g), room temperature
• 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) fine salt

Frosting:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon (12g) vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) fine salt
• 3 1/2 cups (454g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) heavy cream

Decorations:

• 1 cup white sanding sugar
• 30 large chocolate chips
• Round black sprinkles (for eyes)
• Round red or pink sprinkles (for cheeks)

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Instructions

1. Cream butter and cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Blend in egg and vanilla extract thoroughly.
2. In a separate container, carefully combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt through gentle whisking. Incrementally fold dry ingredients into the creamy wet mixture until fully integrated.
3. Partition the dough into two equal segments, envelop each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm.
4. Carefully roll out chilled dough to approximately one-third inch thickness. Utilize circular cutters to create face and ear shapes – larger circles for facial features and smaller ones for adorable rounded ears. Delicately attach ears to faces, ensuring precise placement.
5. Briefly return assembled cookie shapes to refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes to maintain structural integrity during baking.
6. Position cookies in preheated oven at 350°F, baking for 12-14 minutes until edges develop a subtle golden hue. Allow complete cooling on wire racks.
7. Prepare frosting by whipping butter until exceptionally creamy. Introduce vanilla and salt, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing until achieving silky consistency.
8. Decorate cookies by piping pristine white frosting, strategically placing chocolate chip noses, sprinkle eyes, and delicate cheek accents. Gently dust with sparkling sanding sugar for enchanting finish.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain bear shape during baking.
• Use cold butter and cream cheese for a flakier, more tender cookie texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies soft and prevent tough results.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg