These delightful Polar Bear Cookies are not only adorable but also incredibly soft and chewy. Topped with homemade buttercream frosting, they make for a fantastic treat at any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy winter nights. Their unique appeal lies in their charming design and delicious flavor, making them a favorite among both kids and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cute Appearance: These cookies are shaped like polar bears, making them perfect for festive celebrations.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: The combination of butter and cream cheese creates an irresistibly soft cookie that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Frosting Options: You can customize the buttercream frosting to suit any theme or occasion, adding sprinkles or colors as desired.
- Fun for All Ages: Decorating these cookies can be a fun activity for families, allowing everyone to get creative.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create these delightful treats.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin baking your Polar Bear Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it enjoyable.
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: This tool ensures smooth blending of ingredients, especially when creaming butter and sugar together.
- Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets helps in even cookie baking, preventing uneven browning.
- Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper makes it easier to remove cookies without sticking.
Ingredients
These adorable buttercream polar bear cookies are incredibly soft and chewy and are topped with the most delicious homemade buttercream frosting.
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 Decorating
- 1 cup coarse sanding sugar
- 30 large chocolate chips
- Round black sprinkles
- Round red or pink sprinkles
How to Make Polar Bear Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and cream cheese. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add in granulated sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; continue mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This helps prevent spreading while baking.
Step 3: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 4: Shape and Bake Cookies
- Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Use a polar bear-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
- Place cutouts onto prepared baking sheets, allowing space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool Cookies
- Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.
Step 6: Prepare Buttercream Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
- Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy whipping cream; mix until fluffy. Adjust consistency as needed.
Step 7: Decorate Cookies
- Spread or pipe buttercream frosting onto cooled cookies. Use coarse sanding sugar for snow-like effects, chocolate chips for eyes, and sprinkles for noses.
Enjoy your Polar Bear Cookies as delightful treats that bring joy to any gathering!
How to Serve Polar Bear Cookies
Serving Polar Bear Cookies can be a delightful experience, especially during festive occasions. These cute cookies not only taste amazing but also add a whimsical touch to any dessert table.
With Hot Cocoa
- Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat on chilly days.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for adorable party favors at holiday gatherings.
With Milk
- Pair with a glass of cold milk to enhance the rich flavors and chewy texture of the cookies.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange several Polar Bear Cookies on a colorful dessert platter, adding seasonal decorations for an eye-catching display.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Serve Polar Bear Cookies at holiday parties or family gatherings as a fun treat that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Polar Bear Cookies
To achieve the perfect Polar Bear Cookies, consider these essential tips that will elevate your baking game.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and optimal texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Gently mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
Watch Baking Time: Bake until the edges are lightly golden; this prevents overbaking and keeps them chewy inside.
Customize Decorations: Use different colors of sprinkles or chocolate chips to create unique designs for any occasion.
Best Side Dishes for Polar Bear Cookies
Polar Bear Cookies can be paired with various side dishes to create a delightful dessert spread. Here are some great options:
Fruit Salad
A colorful mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and balance to the sweetness of cookies.Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Set up a DIY sundae bar with toppings like hot fudge, nuts, and whipped cream for an interactive dessert experience.Cheese Platter
A selection of mild cheeses can complement the sweetness of the cookies, providing a savory contrast.Coffee or Tea
Serve with cups of coffee or tea to enhance the flavors while providing a warm beverage option.Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies make an excellent pairing with Polar Bear Cookies, satisfying chocolate lovers.Mini Cupcakes
Offer bite-sized cupcakes in festive flavors as another sweet treat that complements your cookie spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your Polar Bear Cookies from turning out perfectly.
- Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or cream cheese can result in a dense cookie. Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Not Measuring Accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you’re using the correct amounts of flour and sugar.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly.
- Forgetting to Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading and enhance the flavors in your Polar Bear Cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Polar Bear Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Polar Bear Cookies
- Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with wax paper to keep them from sticking together.
Reheating Polar Bear Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for just a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Polar Bear Cookies?
To make Polar Bear Cookies, follow our detailed recipe that includes butter, cream cheese, sugar, and flour, topped with delicious buttercream frosting.
Can I customize my Polar Bear Cookies?
Absolutely! You can modify the frosting colors or add different sprinkles to create unique designs for any occasion.
How long do Polar Bear Cookies last?
These delicious cookies can last about a week in the refrigerator and are great for freezing up to three months!
Are Polar Bear Cookies suitable for kids?
Yes! These adorable cookies are perfect for kids’ parties and holiday gatherings, making them fun treats everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
Polar Bear Cookies are not only adorable but also versatile enough for various occasions. Their soft texture and delicious homemade frosting make them irresistible. Feel free to customize the decorations or use different flavors in your frosting. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Polar Bear Cookies
Polar Bear Cookies are a delightful treat that combines adorable design with a soft, chewy texture. Topped with creamy homemade buttercream frosting, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy winter nights. Their whimsical polar bear shape is sure to charm both kids and adults alike, making them an ideal addition to your dessert table. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies encourage creativity in the kitchen while delivering delicious flavors that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: About 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup full fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (for frosting)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature (for frosting)
- 1 cup coarse sanding sugar (for decorating)
- 30 large chocolate chips (for decorating)
- Round black sprinkles (for decorating)
- Round red or pink sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough by creaming room temperature butter and cream cheese. Add granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine with wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour in plastic wrap.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness, cut into polar bear shapes, and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool completely before decorating with buttercream frosting and toppings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading. Customize decorations with different colors of sprinkles or chocolate chips.