Polar Bear Cookies

These Polar Bear Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion! With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are topped with a rich homemade buttercream frosting that makes them truly stand out. Whether you’re celebrating winter holidays or simply want a fun dessert, these adorable cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cute Presentation: The polar bear design adds a whimsical touch, making them perfect for festive gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a rich, creamy base that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the frosting.
• Versatile Options: These cookies can be customized with different colors or sprinkles to suit any theme or occasion.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these charming cookies without hassle.
• Perfect for Sharing: Each batch yields 30 cookies, making them great for parties, gifts, or just indulging yourself!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Polar Bear Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie cutters (if desired)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy, allowing your cookies to bake evenly.

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 Cookie Dough

• 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 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, cream together:
1. Combine the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar until fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets:
1. Use about one tablespoon of dough for each cookie.
2. Space them about two inches apart.
3. Bake for 14 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
4. Allow cooling on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 4: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

While cookies cool:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy whipping cream.
3. Mix in vanilla extract and salt until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Decorate Your Polar Bear Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Spread or pipe frosting onto each cookie.
2. Press chocolate chips into the frosting as eyes.
3. Use round sprinkles for noses; add coarse sanding sugar as desired.

Enjoy your charming Polar Bear Cookies at your next gathering!

How to Serve Polar Bear Cookies

Polar Bear Cookies are perfect for any festive occasion or cozy gathering. Their adorable design and delicious taste will delight everyone. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your cookie experience even more special.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat that enhances their creamy buttercream topping.

At a Holiday Party

• Display Polar Bear Cookies on a festive platter at holiday gatherings. They make charming additions to any dessert table and are sure to be a hit with guests.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane and tie them with colorful ribbons. These sweet treats make great party favors for birthdays or seasonal celebrations.

Alongside Hot Cocoa

• Serve these cookies alongside warm hot cocoa. The combination of the rich drink and soft cookies creates a cozy winter experience.

For Cookie Decorating Fun

• Set up a cookie decorating station with extra toppings. Let guests add their own unique designs, making it a fun activity for kids and adults alike.

How to Perfect Polar Bear Cookies

To ensure your Polar Bear Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy blending, which leads to a smoother dough.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape while they bake.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.

• Pipe frosting carefully: Use a piping bag for an even application of buttercream frosting on each cookie, ensuring they look adorable and uniform.

• Add sprinkles post-frosting: Sprinkle the coarse sanding sugar and decorative sprinkles immediately after frosting, so they stick better.

Best Side Dishes for Polar Bear Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Polar Bear Cookies can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses balances the sweetness, making it an appealing option for guests who enjoy savory bites.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Offer melted chocolate as a dip for those who want an extra indulgence alongside their cookies.

4. Mini Cupcakes: Small cupcakes in various flavors can complement the taste of Polar Bear Cookies while adding variety to your dessert table.

5. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy and nutritious side that pairs well with sweet cookies.

6. Coffee or Tea: Serve freshly brewed coffee or tea as warm beverages that enhance the experience of enjoying Polar Bear Cookies together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Polar Bear Cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy batter. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature for a smooth mix.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for soft and chewy results.

• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, and imprecise measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure accuracy.

• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies. Remove them when they are lightly golden around the edges for perfect softness.

• Forgetting to chill the dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick. Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Polar Bear Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Polar Bear Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Polar Bear Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Polar Bear Cookies:

How do I make Polar Bear Cookies?

To make Polar Bear Cookies, follow the recipe instructions carefully, mixing ingredients and shaping the dough into bear faces before baking.

Can I customize my Polar Bear Cookies?

Absolutely! You can customize these cookies with different colors of frosting or sprinkles to match any occasion or theme.

What if my Polar Bear Cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough longer before baking or adding slightly more flour next time.

How long do Polar Bear Cookies last?

Polar Bear Cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 3 months if frozen properly.

Can I use vegan substitutes for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free version of Polar Bear Cookies.

Final Thoughts

These delightful Polar Bear Cookies are not only adorable but also incredibly tasty and versatile. Feel free to experiment with decorations and flavors that suit your taste. Whether for holidays or everyday treats, these cookies are sure to be a hit!