When the holiday season approaches, I find myself eagerly anticipating the sweet aromas wafting through the kitchen. There’s something truly special about baking treats that bring a little warmth and cheer into our homes. These adorable Polar Bear Cookies are the perfect project to embrace that festive spirit! With their soft and chewy texture, rich vanilla flavor, and delightful buttercream frosting, they’ll capture the hearts of everyone—kids and adults alike.
Imagine gathering your loved ones around the kitchen as you prepare these delicious cookies together. Not only are they fun to make, but the whimsy of decorating them as cute little polar bears adds an extra layer of charm to your holiday gatherings. Suitable for cookie exchanges or cozy family treats, this recipe will undoubtedly become a tradition for years to come. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure!
Why are Polar Bear Cookies so special?
Irresistible Fun: These delightful cookies bring a playful twist to your holiday baking with their adorable polar bear faces!
Soft and Chewy: The perfect combination of textures makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, you’ll be whipping up these treats in no time—even novice bakers will shine!
Customizable Designs: Get creative with your decorations; use different colors and shapes for an artistic touch.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy family treat, these cookies are sure to impress everyone!
Polar Bear Cookies Ingredients
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For the Cookies
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Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; use salted butter if preferred but reduce added salt.
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Full Fat Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess and a soft texture to the cookies; Neufchâtel cheese works as a lower-fat alternative.
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Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their chewy texture; can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
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Large Egg – Acts as a binder for ingredients, giving structure to the cookie; for a vegan option, try flaxseed meal mixed with water.
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Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; almond extract can be used for a different taste profile.
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All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure; opt for a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
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Cornstarch – Softens the texture, creating a tender bite; arrowroot powder can serve as a substitute.
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Baking Powder – Adds leavening for a softer cookie; baking soda can be used but adjust the amount accordingly.
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Fine Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; kosher or sea salt are excellent alternatives.
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For the Frosting
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Unsalted Butter – Creates a creamy, spreadable frosting; stick to unsalted for better salt control.
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Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a desirable consistency; confectioners’ sugar can achieve a smoother texture.
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Heavy Whipping Cream – Provides the right consistency for the frosting; you can substitute milk for a lighter option.
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For Decoration
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Sanding Sugar – Adds texture and sparkle to the cookie decorations; granulated sugar can be used, though it won’t have the same shine.
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Chocolate Chips – Serve as cute noses; choose from milk, dark, or white chocolate based on your preference.
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Sprinkles – Great for eyes and ears; feel free to get creative with colors and shapes using what you have on hand.
These delicious Polar Bear Cookies will not only capture your heart but also warm your home with festive cheer!
How to Make Polar Bear Cookies
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Prepare Dough: Beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Mix in the granulated sugar, then incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract until combined.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and fine salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the buttery blend, mixing just until combined.
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Chill Dough: Divide the dough into portions, wrap in plastic, and chill in the fridge for 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
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Roll and Cut: Roll the chilled dough to about 1/3 inch thick on a floured surface. Use a 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter to cut out the shapes for your adorable polar bears.
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Shape Ears: For the polar bear ears, cut out small circles from the dough and gently attach them to the larger circles. Chill these cut shapes for another 15 minutes before baking.
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Bake: Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-13 minutes or until they’re just set around the edges.
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Cool Cookies: Let the baked cookies cool on the pan for 15 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until you achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
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Decorate: Frost the cooled cookies generously with your buttercream frosting, coat with sanding sugar, and add chocolate chips and sprinkles for those charming polar bear features!
Optional: Add edible glitter for an extra festive sparkle!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Polar Bear Cookies?
These delightful sweets are sure to be the star of your holiday spread, but they can shine even brighter paired with a few perfect accompaniments!
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Hot Cocoa: Rich and creamy, this beloved drink complements the soft vanilla notes of the cookies while keeping everyone cozy and festive.
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Milk: The classic pairing! A cold glass of milk brings out the cookies’ sweetness and enhances their chewy texture.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds a vibrant, juicy contrast to the cookies’ rich frosting, balancing indulgence with lightness.
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Chocolate Fondue: Invite guests to dip their polar bear cookies into warm chocolate, creating a fun and decadent dessert experience that’s sure to thrill.
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Gingerbread Cookies: For an adventurous twist, serve alongside spicy gingerbread for a delightful mix and match of holiday flavors.
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Pecan Pie: This rich, nutty dessert pairs beautifully with cookies, introducing a new texture and flavor element sure to impress everyone.
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Eggnog: Creamy and spiced, eggnog is a delightful beverage for the holidays that matches perfectly with the sweet, festive nature of the polar bear cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Top those cute cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert treat that kids will love!
Tips for the Best Polar Bear Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them cream together smoothly, resulting in a better cookie texture.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix your dough just until combined. Overworking can lead to tough cookies, so keep it light and fluffy for that desired soft and chewy bite.
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Chill, Chill, Chill: Really chill your dough before baking! This step prevents spreading, ensuring that your polar bear cookies maintain their cute shapes during baking.
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Underbake Slightly: To keep cookies soft and chewy, bake them just until the edges are set. They will firm up while cooling, so avoid letting them get too golden.
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Decorating Delight: Feel free to switch up decorations based on availability or the season. Your creativity with sprinkles and chocolate chips will make these polar bear cookies a festive treat!
Polar Bear Cookies Variations
Customize your Polar Bear Cookies to make them uniquely yours! With a few simple swaps, you can create delightful variations that will surprise and please everyone.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a creamy texture that’s dairy-free and equally delicious.
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Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate version of your polar bears.
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Nutty Flavor: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an earthy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies.
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Spiced Up: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that evokes holiday cheer.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a completely gluten-free treat that maintains all the yumminess.
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Fruity Addition: Add 1/2 cup of mini dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness and a pop of unexpected flavor.
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Decorative Themes: Decorate with colored buttercream frosting for different holiday themes, making your cookies not only tasty but visually festive as well.
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Zesty Lemon: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of lemon zest into the dough for a fresh and zesty flavor that’s sure to brighten the palate.
Make Ahead Options
These adorable Polar Bear Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. If you’d like to make the cookies even further ahead, you can freeze the unbaked cutout shapes for up to 3 months; simply place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. By prepping ahead, your holiday baking can be a breeze, leaving you more time for festive cheer!
How to Store and Freeze Polar Bear Cookies
Room Temperature: Store frosted polar bear cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and soft.
Fridge: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the frosted cookies, keeping them in a sealed container for up to 5 days without losing their delightful taste.
Freezer: Unfrosted polar bear cookies can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for best results.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, allow frozen cookies to thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Polar Bear Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for Polar Bear Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best Polar Bear Cookies, always opt for room temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese to ensure a smooth creaming process. This will give your cookies that rich, moist texture. If you can’t find full-fat cream cheese, Neufchâtel works great as a lower-fat alternative without compromising taste.
How should I store Polar Bear Cookies?
You can effortlessly store your frosted Polar Bear Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. This will maintain their soft and chewy texture without losing those delightful flavors.
Can I freeze Polar Bear Cookies?
Certainly! Unfrosted Polar Bear Cookies can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them, thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight, and if you like, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain that fresh-baked feel.
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What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough feels too sticky to work with, that might be because it’s too warm or the ingredients were blended more than needed. Just chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm it up. If you’ve already cooled it and it’s still a bit sticky, sprinkle a little more flour while rolling out. Don’t worry, this is a common issue, and a simple fix will get you back on track!
Are Polar Bear Cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Certainly! To make these delightful Polar Bear Cookies suitable for various dietary needs, you can substitute the egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for a vegan option. For a gluten-free version, just swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, if you’re looking for a dairy-free treat, replacing butter with coconut oil will work beautifully.
What decorations can I use for Polar Bear Cookies?
Feel free to get creative! While chocolate chips work wonderfully as noses, you can also experiment with other candies like M&Ms for a colorful touch. For the eyes and ears, use sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or even edible glitter to add that extra festive flair. The more the merrier when it comes to decorating these charming cookies!
Delightful Polar Bear Cookies with Creamy Frosting Bliss
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- Beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Mix in the granulated sugar, then incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and fine salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the buttery blend, mixing just until combined.
- Divide the dough into portions, wrap in plastic, and chill in the fridge for 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
- Roll the chilled dough to about 1/3 inch thick on a floured surface. Use a 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter to cut out the shapes for your adorable polar bears.
- For the polar bear ears, cut out small circles from the dough and gently attach them to the larger circles. Chill these cut shapes for another 15 minutes before baking.
- Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-13 minutes or until they’re just set around the edges.
- Let the baked cookies cool on the pan for 15 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until you achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
- Frost the cooled cookies generously with your buttercream frosting, coat with sanding sugar, and add chocolate chips and sprinkles for those charming polar bear features!
