Polar Bear Cookies

These delightful Polar Bear Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Their soft and chewy texture combined with delicious homemade buttercream frosting makes them a standout treat. Whether it’s a winter celebration, a holiday party, or just a sweet indulgence, these cookies will bring joy to everyone who tries them. The adorable polar bear design adds an extra layer of charm that kids and adults alike will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll have fun creating these cookies.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and rich cream cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Adorable Presentation: The cute polar bear design is sure to impress guests and brighten up any gathering.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for various events, from holidays to birthday parties.
• Customizable Decoration: You can easily personalize the cookie designs with different colors and sprinkles.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your Polar Bear Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more 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 your buttercream frosting is perfectly whipped, light, and fluffy.
• Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets helps ensure even baking for perfectly shaped cookies.

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)

Decorations:

• 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, beat together the unsalted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and fine salt until a dough forms.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for about 14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 4: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

In another bowl, beat together unsalted butter with vanilla extract and salt until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Pour in heavy whipping cream to achieve desired consistency.

Step 5: Decorate Your Cookies

Once cooled, frost each cookie generously with buttercream frosting. Use coarse sanding sugar for texture and decorate with chocolate chips for eyes and round sprinkles for noses.

Enjoy making these delightful Polar Bear Cookies that are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Polar Bear Cookies

Polar Bear Cookies are not only cute but also delightful treats perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to make these cookies even more enjoyable.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your Polar Bear Cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances their sweetness.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other festive sweets to create an eye-catching display at parties or gatherings.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons as charming party favors for birthdays or winter celebrations.

With Hot Cocoa

• Serve warm Polar Bear Cookies next to a steaming cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat during chilly evenings.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Bring these adorable cookies to holiday gatherings, where they will surely be a hit among both kids and adults alike.

How to Perfect Polar Bear Cookies

To make your Polar Bear Cookies truly irresistible, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature helps create a smooth dough and better texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle when folding in ingredients.

• Chill the Dough: For even softer cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them maintain their shape.

• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.

• Decorate After Cooling: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and losing its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Polar Bear Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Polar Bear Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light contrast to the sweet cookies, balancing flavors nicely.

2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory touch that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a deliciously creamy side that works well with the cookie’s texture.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fresh fruit or pretzels alongside their cookies.

5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Create an ice cream sundae bar with various toppings, allowing guests to enjoy their Polar Bear Cookies with scoops of ice cream.

6. Nut Mix: A simple bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and protein, providing an excellent contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Polar Bear Cookies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes may hinder your success.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Not chilling the dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
• Skipping the baking powder: This ingredient is crucial for achieving the right texture; don’t omit it!
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Polar Bear Cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Polar Bear Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For best results, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Reheating Polar Bear Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Polar Bear Cookies?

Making Polar Bear Cookies involves preparing a soft dough with butter, cream cheese, sugar, and flour. Shape the dough into balls and bake until lightly golden. Decorate with buttercream frosting to create adorable polar bear faces.

Can I customize Polar Bear Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors such as almond extract or incorporate colored sprinkles for festive occasions.

How long do Polar Bear Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to decorate Polar Bear Cookies?

Use buttercream frosting to pipe bear faces and top them with chocolate chips and sprinkles for eyes and noses. Get creative with colors and designs!

Can I use alternative flours in Polar Bear Cookies?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or whole wheat flour. Adjustments may be needed for texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

These delightful Polar Bear Cookies are perfect for any occasion, providing both fun and flavor. Their cute appearance makes them ideal for festive gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or flavors to suit your taste. Try making these adorable cookies today!