Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

Adorable Polar Bear Cookies Recipe: Frosty Winter Fun

Sweet memories of arctic adventures spark joy with these polar bear cookies that capture winter’s whimsy in every delightful bite.

Soft, cloud-like treats decorated to resemble adorable arctic friends nestled on your plate.

Baking becomes a playful journey through snowy landscapes with these charming confections.

Gentle frosting techniques and clever design elements transform simple sugar cookies into delectable polar bear characters.

Kids absolutely love helping create these cute edible creatures with their unique personalities.

Decorating becomes an imaginative experience where creativity meets deliciousness.

You’ll find these cookies bring smiles and spark conversation at any gathering.

Grab your apron and let the magical cookie crafting begin!

Best Treats To Pair With Polar Bear Cookies

  • Craft Complementary Hot Beverages: Warm up these adorable polar bear cookies with a creamy hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or a smooth vanilla latte that echoes the cookie's sweet white chocolate coating.
  • Pair with Cool Dairy Companions: Serve alongside chilled milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the cookie's delicate texture and create a delightful temperature contrast.
  • Design a Winter Dessert Platter: Create a playful presentation by arranging these polar bear cookies with white chocolate-dipped pretzels, snowflake-shaped sugar cookies, and peppermint bark for a festive winter treat collection.
  • Match with Complementary Flavors: Include a side of white chocolate raspberry truffles or almond bark to complement the cookie's white chocolate base and provide a sophisticated flavor pairing.

Fun Designs For Polar Bear Cookies

  • Cocoa Polar Bear Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate base, creating a richer flavor profile that complements the white chocolate coating.
  • Arctic Berry Polar Bears: Mix in dried cranberries or blueberries into the cookie dough, providing small bursts of fruity color and tangy sweetness to the cute bear-shaped treats.
  • Cinnamon Spice Bears: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients, giving the cookies a warm winter-inspired taste that enhances the overall sweetness.
  • Coconut Snow Bears: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the white chocolate coating before it sets, creating a textured snowy effect that makes the polar bear cookies look like they're sitting in a winter landscape.

Polar Bear Cookies FAQ

  • Why are these called Polar Bear Cookies?

These adorable cookies are designed to look like cute polar bear faces, using white chocolate coating, marshmallow ears, candy eyes, and a chocolate chip nose to create a whimsical winter-themed treat.

  • Do I need any special baking skills to make these cookies?

Not at all! These cookies are beginner-friendly. The decorating process is simple and fun, making them perfect for baking with kids or creating a playful dessert for winter parties.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The decorated cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container for about 3-4 days at room temperature.

  • What if I can't find candy eyes for decorating?

No worries! You can use white royal icing, small white candies, or even carefully placed white chocolate dots to create the eyes. The key is to be creative and have fun with the decorating process.

Why Polar Bear Cookies Are A Winter Favorite

  • Craft Adorable Winter Treats: These polar bear cookies transform simple ingredients into cute, whimsical desserts that capture winter's charm with minimal decorating skills.
  • Quick and Easy Decorating: Using white chocolate, marshmallows, and candy eyes, anyone can create professional-looking polar bear cookies in under 30 minutes without advanced baking expertise.
  • Delightful Texture Combination: Soft, buttery cookie base paired with smooth white chocolate coating delivers a satisfying crunch and creamy melt-in-your-mouth experience that delights both kids and adults.
  • Perfect Party Showstopper: These playful cookies serve as adorable conversation starters for winter gatherings, holiday parties, children's events, or casual family dessert nights, bringing smiles to everyone's faces.

Everything You’ll Need For Polar Bear Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Provide rich, sweet foundation for cookie texture and flavor. Best when using unsalted butter at room temperature.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture. Fresh large eggs work best.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile. Pure vanilla recommended over artificial.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Create cookie structure and help with rising. Use fresh, sifted flour for smoother dough.
Decoration Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate Chips, Candy Melts: Smooth coating for polar bear look. Choose high-quality white chocolate for better taste.
  • Mini Marshmallows, Candy Eyes, Mini Chocolate Chip: Create adorable polar bear features. Edible decorations add whimsy and character.
  • Sprinkles, Icing: Optional embellishments for extra festive touch. Select colors that complement white coating.

Steps To Create Cute Polar Bear Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Delightful Dough

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend these ingredients until dreamy and smooth:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
Crack in a fresh egg and splash of vanilla extract. In another bowl, mix these dry buddies:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until they become best friends.

Step 2: Roll and Bake the Adorable Treats

Scoop out dollops of dough and roll them into perfect little balls. Place these cuties on the baking sheet, giving them some personal space. Gently pat down each ball with your palm. Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden hue. Let the cookies chill completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Create Magical White Chocolate Magic

Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap in short bursts, stirring between each interval, until silky smooth.

Step 4: Transform Cookies into Cuddly Polar Bears

Dive each cookie into the melted white chocolate, coating every inch. Rest them on parchment paper. While still wet, add these charming details:
  • Two mini marshmallows as perky ears
  • Candy eyes
  • Tiny chocolate chip or pearl for a cute nose

Feel free to jazz up your polar bears with sprinkles, icing scarves, or snowflake designs.

Step 5: Let the Decorations Set

Allow the cookies to rest at room temperature until the white chocolate turns rock solid. Want to speed things up? Slide them into the refrigerator for a quick 10-15 minute chill.

Tips To Make Polar Bear Cookies Stand Out

  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create more defined polar bear shapes.
  • Master Smooth Coating: Use a fork to dip cookies into melted white chocolate, allowing excess to drip off for an even, thin layer that looks clean and professional.
  • Control Chocolate Temperature: Keep white chocolate just barely melted and warm to achieve the perfect dipping consistency without burning or becoming too thick.
  • Create Texture Variations: Experiment with different marshmallow placements for unique polar bear expressions, positioning ears higher or lower for different moods.
  • Prevent Sticking: Dust your hands with powdered sugar when rolling dough balls to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform cookie shapes.

How To Keep Polar Bear Cookies Crisp

  • Refrigerate: Store decorated polar bear cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep cookies fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
  • Thaw: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. This gentle thawing process helps maintain their crisp edges and soft center.
  • Refresh: If cookies seem slightly stale, warm them in the oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore their original crispness and bring back that fresh-baked magic.
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Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

Polar Bear Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Polar bear cookies bring winter’s whimsy to holiday dessert tables with adorable snowflake-shaped treats. Crisp white frosting and cute decorative details make these charming cookies perfect for festive gatherings when you want something sweet and playful.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients (Cookies):

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour

Dry Ingredients (Baking):

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Decoration Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips or candy melts
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Candy eyes
  • Mini chocolate chips or black edible pearls
  • Optional: Red or blue sprinkles
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by preheating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
  1. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, blending until the texture is smooth and homogeneous.
  1. Separately, combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a clean bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a consistent dough. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookie’s delicate texture.
  1. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form uniform dough balls approximately the size of a tablespoon. Roll each ball between your palms to create perfect spheres. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow proper spreading.
  1. Gently press down on each dough ball with your palm, creating a slight flattening effect. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges as an indication of doneness.
  1. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This resting period ensures the cookies firm up and become easier to decorate.
  1. Melt white chocolate using a microwave-safe bowl, employing short 20-second intervals and stirring between each heating cycle until the chocolate achieves a smooth, glossy consistency.
  1. Carefully immerse each cooled cookie into the melted white chocolate, ensuring complete and even coverage. Place the coated cookies on parchment paper for decorating.
  1. While the chocolate coating remains wet, strategically place two mini marshmallows at the cookie’s top edge to create adorable bear ears. Add candy eyes and a mini chocolate chip or pearl to represent the nose.
  1. Optional embellishments like sprinkles or delicate icing can enhance the polar bear’s character. Allow the decorated cookies to set at room temperature until the white chocolate hardens completely.
  1. For accelerated setting, briefly place the cookies in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Once fully set, serve and enjoy these charming polar bear-inspired treats.

Notes

  • Precision matters when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring light, fluffy texture requires room temperature butter and consistent beating for 3-4 minutes.
  • White chocolate coating works best when melted slowly at 50% power in microwave to prevent burning and maintain smooth consistency.
  • Chilling cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and maintains adorable polar bear shape.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, adding 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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