Polar Bear Cookies

These delightful Polar Bear Cookies are a fun and festive treat perfect for any occasion. With their soft and chewy texture, topped with a creamy buttercream frosting, they are sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings or cozy winter parties. Not only do they look adorable, but their delicious flavor makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for special occasion or simply wanting to enjoy a sweet dessert, these cookies bring joy and warmth to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Adorable Design: These cookies are shaped like cute polar bears, making them a fun addition to any dessert table.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The combination of butter and cream cheese creates a cookie that is wonderfully soft and chewy.
• Easy to Decorate: With simple ingredients for the frosting, decorating these cookies can be a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect forspecial occasion, winter celebrations, or just because; these treats fit any festive mood.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich buttercream frosting pairs beautifully with the sweet cookie base, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Polar Bear Cookies, having the right tools on hand will ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutters (polar bear shape)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a smooth buttercream frosting without lumps.
• Baking sheets: Provide even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies every time.
• Cookie cutters: Help create uniform shapes for your polar bear cookies, ensuring they all look adorable.

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Ingredients

These adorable buttercream polar bear cookies are incredibly soft and chewy and are topped with the most delicious homemade buttercream frosting.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature (170g)
• 1/2 cup or 4 oz. full fat cream cheese, room temp (113g)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch (8g)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder (2g)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)

For the Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (12g)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (454g or 1 lb. box)
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature (60g)

For Decoration

• 1 cup coarse sanding sugar
• 30 large chocolate chips – I used the Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips
• Round black sprinkles
• Round red or pink sprinkles

How to Make Polar Bear Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until creamy.
2. Add granulated sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until fully mixed.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the dough. Place them on lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheets before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl:
1. Beat softened unsalted butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Add heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until smooth.

Step 6: Decorate Your Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Spread or pipe buttercream frosting onto each cookie.
2. Sprinkle coarse sanding sugar over frosted cookies for added texture.
3. Use chocolate chips as eyes with round sprinkles for noses to complete your polar bears!

Enjoy your delightful Polar Bear Cookies with friends and family!

How to Serve Polar Bear Cookies

Polar Bear Cookies are not just a delicious treat; they also make for an adorable presentation. These cookies can be served in various ways that enhance their festive appeal.

Holiday Cookie Platters

• Arrange Polar Bear Cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies for a colorful display that will impress guests.

Gift Packages

• Place these cookies in decorative boxes or bags to create charming gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve Polar Bear Cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa. The sweetness of the cookie complements the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.

Winter Wonderland Theme

• Create a winter-themed dessert table featuring Polar Bear Cookies, snowflake decorations, and blue or white accents to mimic a snowy landscape.

How to Perfect Polar Bear Cookies

To ensure your Polar Bear Cookies turn out soft, chewy, and beautifully decorated, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy blending and a smooth texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix your dough just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling to make it easier to work with.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove them from the oven when they are just set and lightly golden around the edges.

Best Side Dishes for Polar Bear Cookies

Polar Bear Cookies pair well with several delightful side dishes that can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the richness of the cookies. Serve cold for a refreshing contrast.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies, making for a delightful combination.
3. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses like brie or cheddar that offer creamy and savory notes alongside your sweet treats.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.
5. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert experience alongside your Polar Bear Cookies.
6. Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate station with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks to accompany your sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Polar Bear Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a dough that doesn’t mix well, resulting in cookies that aren’t as soft and chewy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements by spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Pull them out when they are slightly golden around the edges; they will continue to cook as they cool.
• Skipping the cooling time: Letting your cookies cool completely before decorating is crucial for proper frosting application. Otherwise, the frosting may melt or slide off.
• Ignoring ingredient substitutions: If you’re out of a specific ingredient, don’t just skip it. Look for suitable alternatives like using fruit juice instead of alcohol or plant-based gelling agents instead of gelatin.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Polar Bear Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Polar Bear Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Polar Bear Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, heating each cookie briefly until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Polar Bear Cookies.

How do I make Polar Bear Cookies?

To make Polar Bear Cookies, follow the recipe’s instructions carefully, ensuring you use room temperature ingredients and measure everything accurately.

Can I customize my Polar Bear Cookies?

Yes! You can add different sprinkles or chocolate chips according to your preference. You could even flavor your frosting with peppermint extract for a festive twist.

How should I store leftover Polar Bear Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer softer cookies.

What is the best way to decorate Polar Bear Cookies?

Use homemade buttercream frosting for decoration and add chocolate chips for eyes and round sprinkles for noses. Get creative!

Can I freeze my decorated Polar Bear Cookies?

Yes! Just ensure they are completely cooled and stored in an airtight container before freezing to maintain their decoration integrity.

Final Thoughts

These delightful Polar Bear Cookies are not only adorable but also incredibly versatile. They are perfect for any festive occasion or winter gathering. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors and decorations, making them truly unique treats that everyone will love!