Polar Bear Cookies

These delightful Polar Bear Cookies are not only adorable, but they also bring a smile to every occasion. Perfect for holiday gatherings or winter celebrations, these cookies feature a soft and chewy texture topped with creamy homemade buttercream frosting. Their charming design makes them a standout dessert that kids and adults alike will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cute Presentation: These cookies look like friendly polar bears, making them an ideal treat for parties and festive events.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The combination of butter and cream cheese creates a deliciously soft cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s special occasion, a winter party, or just a cozy day at home, these cookies are perfect for any event.
• Homemade Buttercream Frosting: The rich buttercream adds a flavorful touch that complements the cookie perfectly.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create these delightful treats.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Polar Bear Cookies, make sure you gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutters (optional)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar much quicker and easier, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.

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)

For Decoration

• 1 cup coarse sanding sugar
• 30 large 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 the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in granulated sugar while continuing to mix well. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients until combined.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 14 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow cooling on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter with vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt while mixing on low speed. Finally, pour in heavy whipping cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Decorate Your Polar Bear Cookies

Once cooled, spread a generous amount of buttercream frosting on each cookie. Sprinkle coarse sanding sugar over frosted cookies to mimic snow. Use chocolate chips as eyes and round sprinkles for noses to complete their cute look!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Polar Bear Cookies! Perfectly sweetened and beautifully decorated, they will be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Polar Bear Cookies

These delightful Polar Bear Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive season. Their charming appearance and delicious taste make them a hit at parties, gatherings, or simply as an afternoon treat.

With Hot Cocoa

• A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their sweetness and creating a cozy experience.

At Holiday Parties

• Serve these cookies on a festive platter alongside other treats for an eye-catching dessert table that will impress guests.

As Gift Treats

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons for a sweet homemade gift idea that friends and family will cherish.

For School Events

• These cookies are a fun addition to bake sales or school events, sure to bring smiles to children and adults alike.

At Winter Gatherings

• Incorporate these cookies into your winter festivities; they add a playful touch to any gathering with their adorable design.

How to Perfect Polar Bear Cookies

Creating the perfect Polar Bear Cookies takes some finesse. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out wonderfully every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature butter and cream cheese mix more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps maintain shape while baking, preventing spreading.
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level it off; this prevents dense cookies from too much flour.
• Rotate baking sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate your sheets for even cooking and browning on all sides of the cookies.
• Let cool completely before decorating: This ensures that the frosting sets properly without melting or sliding off the cookie surface.

Best Side Dishes for Polar Bear Cookies

Polar Bear Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their appeal. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Milk
   A classic pairing that balances sweetness with creaminess, making it perfect for dunking.
2. Fruit Salad
   Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, brightening up your dessert plate.
3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet flavors of Polar Bear Cookies.
4. Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream creates a delightful dessert combo perfect for any occasion.
5. Hot Tea
   Pairing these cookies with herbal or spiced teas offers warmth and complements their sweetness beautifully.
6. Nut Mix
   A bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and savory notes that balance out the cookie’s soft texture.
7. Yogurt Parfaits
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries alongside these cookies for a fun twist on dessert serving options.
8. Chocolate Fondue
   Provide melted chocolate for dipping; it turns each cookie into an even more indulgent treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Polar Bear Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth batter and better texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Once you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements. Too much flour can make your cookies dry.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t rush this step for better results.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven thermometer can help ensure you’re baking at the right temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Polar Bear Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Polar Bear Cookies

• Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Polar Bear Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Warm in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Polar Bear Cookies.

What are Polar Bear Cookies?

Polar Bear Cookies are soft, chewy cookies decorated with buttercream frosting that resemble adorable polar bears.

How do I make Polar Bear Cookies?

Follow the recipe closely, focusing on room temperature ingredients and proper mixing techniques for the best results.

Can I customize my Polar Bear Cookies?

Absolutely! You can use different colored sprinkles or chocolate chips to create unique designs that fit your theme or occasion.

How long do Polar Bear Cookies last?

Stored properly, they will last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Polar Bear Cookies are not only cute but also versatile, making them perfect for any festive occasion. You can easily customize the frosting colors or add different toppings to match your theme. Give this delightful recipe a try and enjoy the smiles they bring!