When you think of winter treats, Polar Bear Cookies surely come to mind. These enchanting cookies are not just adorable; they offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will warm your heart during the chilly months. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family events, or simply sharing with friends, this recipe will create cookies that look as splendid as they taste. You’ll find that making Polar Bear Cookies isn’t just a baking project—it’s a means of spreading joy and cheer.
Why We Love This Polar Bear Cookies Recipe
What sets Polar Bear Cookies apart is their whimsical design, making them a fantastic choice for exciting occasions. You can unleash your creativity while shaping these cookies into cute bears, ensuring everyone who sees them can’t resist. The creamy texture from the addition of cream cheese, paired with the buttery goodness, creates a napkin-worthy cookie that’s soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges.
The decorations also lend themselves to creativity. With chocolate chips for eyes and sprinkles for detail, you can customize each cookie to your liking. These cookies are not just a treat; they are a canvas for creativity and an opportunity to share sweet moments with loved ones. Whether it’s a festive gathering or just a cozy night in, Polar Bear Cookies bring warmth and fun to the table.
Ingredients about Polar Bear Cookies
To craft these delightful Polar Bear Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (170g)
- 1/2 cup full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature (113g)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature (56g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2g)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (3g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (226g)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (12g)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (3g)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (454g or 1 lb box)
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, at room temperature (60g)
- 1 cup coarse sanding sugar
- 30 large chocolate chips (preferably dark chocolate)
- Round black sprinkles
- Round red or pink sprinkles
How to Make Polar Bear Cookies Directions
Creating your Polar Bear Cookies is an exciting adventure! Here’s a step-by-step guide that will ensure your baking journey goes smoothly.
Preparing the Cookie Dough
- Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixtures are well combined, creamy, and light in color. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy—this could take another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla: Mix in your large egg and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and fine salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Your cookie dough should be soft but manageable.
Chilling the Dough and Shaping Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop, take portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for spreading. You can flatten them slightly for a more bear-like appearance.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Buttercream Frosting
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt. Beat this mixture until creamy.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Cream: Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Decorating Your Polar Bear Cookies
- Frost the Cookies: Once your cookies are cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie.
- Add Decorating Touches: While the frosting is still soft, sprinkle coarse sanding sugar on top. Place two chocolate chips as eyes and use round black and red or pink sprinkles for the nose and cheeks to bring your polar bears to life.
- Set and Serve: Allow the cookies to set for a bit before serving.
How to Serve Polar Bear Cookies
Serving Polar Bear Cookies can be just as fun as making them. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy these frosty delights.
- At Festive Gatherings: Present your Polar Bear Cookies on a decorative platter during holiday parties, kid’s celebrations, or seasonal gatherings. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser, inviting smiles from guests of all ages.
- As a Gift: Package these adorable cookies in cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for a charming homemade gift. Your friends and family will appreciate the personal touch and the delicious treat!
- As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy them with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee while warming up on a cold day. The creamy frosting and soft cookie texture pair perfectly with your favorite warm beverage.
- Cookie Decorating Party: Organize a cookie decorating party with children or friends. Set up a station with extra sprinkles, edible glitter, and different types of frosting, allowing everyone to create their unique Polar Bear Cookies—this activity will surely create lasting memories!
Expert Tips: Polar Bear Cookies
For those looking to perfect their Polar Bear Cookies, consider the following expert tips:
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a well-mixed batter, leading to a better texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is vital. It helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Every oven is different, so check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested bake time. You want the edges to be just golden with soft centers.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Don’t hesitate to switch up the design! Use edible markers for drawing, or add a scarf made from fondant for extra flair.
- Give the Frosting Time: After frosting, let your cookies sit, allowing the frosting to firm up slightly. This makes handling and transporting them much easier!
How to Store Polar Bear Cookies
To enjoy your Polar Bear Cookies for longer, proper storage is crucial. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature: If you plan on consuming the cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies. Just ensure you place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Refrigerated cookies maintain quality for about a week.
- Freezing: To keep cookies for an extended period, consider freezing them. Place layers of parchment paper between stacks of cookies in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Frozen cookies can last up to three months. To enjoy, just pull a few out and let them thaw at room temperature.
Variation of Polar Bear Cookies
If you want to mix things up, consider trying these fascinating variations of Polar Bear Cookies:
- Flavored Variants: Add a hint of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate-flavored bears, or switch the vanilla for almond extract to create a different flavor profile altogether.
- Nutty Twist: Incorporate finely chopped nuts or chocolate pieces into the dough for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting.
- Dipped in Chocolate: After frosting your cookies, dip the bottom half in melted chocolate for a decadent treat. Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for a festive touch.
- Gingerbread Bears: For a holiday twist, try a spiced version of the cookie using ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. These will make your Polar Bear Cookies seasonal and desirable!
- Fruity Options: Try incorporating citrus zest (like lemon or orange) into your frosting for a refreshing lemony bear. The contrast of zesty frosting with the sweet cookie will create a delightful taste experience.
FAQ
What are Polar Bear Cookies?
Polar Bear Cookies are delightful, soft-baked cookies made with cream cheese and butter, frosted with a rich, creamy buttercream, and decorated to resemble cute polar bears. They’re perfect for festive gatherings and can be customized in various flavors.
How should I store Polar Bear Cookies?
Store your Polar Bear Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you may refrigerate them or freeze them for up to three months—just ensure to separate layers with parchment paper.
Can I use a different frosting recipe for Polar Bear Cookies?
Absolutely! While the buttercream frosting is delicious, feel free to experiment with other types of frosting, such as a cream cheese frosting, ganache, or even a glaze for a different twist on your Polar Bear Cookies.
Can I make Polar Bear Cookies in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cookies in advance and store them properly. You can also prepare and freeze the cookie dough ahead of time, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever you want!
Are there gluten-free options for Polar Bear Cookies?
Certainly! To create gluten-free Polar Bear Cookies, use gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, especially baking powder, are gluten-free as well.
Polar Bear Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 170g
- 1/2 cup full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature 113g
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 300g
- 1 large egg, at room temperature 56g
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 8g
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 375g
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch 8g
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2g
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 3g
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 226g
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 12g
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 3g
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 454g or 1 lb box
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, at room temperature 60g
Decorating Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse sanding sugar
- 30 large chocolate chips preferably dark chocolate
- 1 pack round black sprinkles
- 1 pack round red or pink sprinkles
Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until creamy and light in color, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until fluffy for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and fine salt.
- Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be soft but manageable.
Chilling the Dough and Shaping Cookies
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a medium cookie scoop, take portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten cookies slightly for a more bear-like appearance.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Making the Buttercream Frosting
- In a medium bowl, combine unsalted butter with vanilla extract and fine salt, beating until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Decorating Your Polar Bear Cookies
- Spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cooled cookie.
- Sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar while the frosting is soft. Add chocolate chips for eyes and use black and red or pink sprinkles for nose and cheeks.
- Allow cookies to set before serving.
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