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Polar Bear Cookies

Delightful and whimsical Polar Bear Cookies that are soft, creamy, and perfect for holiday gatherings, showcasing creativity through fun decorations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 180 kcal

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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Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Chilling the dough will help maintain cookie shape.
Keyword Cookie Decorating, Creative Desserts, Festive Baking, Holiday Cookies, Polar Bear Cookies