Name: Delicious Polar Bear Cookies with Creamy Buttercream Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 164 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature); 1/2 cup Cream Cheese (room temperature); 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg (room temperature); 2 tsp Vanilla Extract; 3 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 Tbsp Cornstarch; 1/2 tsp Baking Powder; 1/2 tsp Fine Salt; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature); 3 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar; 1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (room temperature); 1 cup Coarse Sanding Sugar; 30 large Chocolate Chips (for the bear's nose); Sprinkles (black and red/pink)

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The first time I made cookies shaped like adorable polar bears, I never expected the magical transformation that took place in my kitchen. With soft and chewy texture, this polar bear cookies recipe combines whimsy with delightful taste, making it a perfect addition to any gathering. The standout feature? A silky homemade buttercream frosting that elevates these treats from ordinary to extraordinary. In just a short time, you’ll create these festive delights that promise to be the highlight of your holiday table. Plus, they’re fun to decorate, engaging the whole family in a sweet baking adventure. Are you ready to dive into this deliciously charming cookie recipe and spread some holiday cheer?

Why Are Polar Bear Cookies So Irresistible?

Adorable Design: These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re cute little polar bears that will bring smiles to all ages.

Soft and Chewy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and butter ensures a perfectly soft cookie that melts in your mouth.

Festive Flair: With homemade buttercream frosting, each cookie is adorned with delightful details, making them a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings.

Family Fun: Get the whole family involved in the decorating process and make it a joyful baking experience!

Easy to Customize: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings or use different flavors like Lemon Raspberry Cookies to keep things interesting.

Quick Treat: In no time, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready to impress your guests or share with loved ones.

Polar Bear Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Unsalted Butter – 3/4 cup, room temperature; provides richness and helps keep cookies soft. Substitute with margarine for a dairy-free version.
• Cream Cheese – 1/2 cup, room temperature; adds moisture and creaminess to the cookies. Full-fat cream cheese is preferred for best results.
• Granulated Sugar – 1 1/2 cups; sweetens the cookie batter. Can be replaced with coconut sugar for a slightly lower glycemic index alternative.
• Egg – 1 large, room temperature; acts as a binder and adds moisture. For a vegan alternative, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.
• Vanilla Extract – 2 tsp; enhances the overall flavor. Use vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – 3 cups; forms the structure of the cookies. Gluten-free flour can be used for gluten-free variations.
• Cornstarch – 1 Tbsp; increases chewiness. Can be omitted if unavailable.
• Baking Powder – 1/2 tsp; leavening agent for a lighter texture. Substitute with baking soda if necessary, adjusting the quantity.
• Fine Salt – 1/2 tsp; balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

For the Buttercream Frosting
• Unsalted Butter – 1 cup, room temperature; provides a creamy texture for the buttercream.
• Powdered Sugar – 3 1/2 cups; sweetens and thickens the frosting. Can substitute with powdered erythritol for sugar-free frosting.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – 1/4 cup, room temperature; adds richness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency. Milk can be used as a lighter option.

For Decoration
• Coarse Sanding Sugar – 1 cup; used for decoration to add sparkle. Use granulated sugar if sanding sugar is not available.
• Chocolate Chips – 30 large; for the bear’s nose, dark chocolate enhances flavor. Semi-sweet can be a substitute.
• Sprinkles – black and red/pink; for decorating the cookies; use any available or edible markers for accents.

Dive into making these Polar Bear Cookies and watch them become a cherished part of your holiday tradition!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Polar Bear Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 3/4 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 1/2 cup cream cheese until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, followed by 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and fluffy, ensuring a delightful base for your Polar Bear Cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt. These dry ingredients will work together to give your cookies the ideal structure and texture. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain that soft, chewy quality.

Step 3: Chill Dough
Once the dough is well mixed, divide it in half and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or for a quicker option, freeze for 30 minutes. Chilling helps solidify the fat in the dough, which is essential for shaping your Polar Bear Cookies later on.

Step 4: Preheat Oven
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to roll out the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and gives you a wonderful golden hue. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Roll and Cut
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/3 inch thick. Use a 2 1/2-inch circle cutter to cut out cookie shapes, and create smaller circles for the bear’s ears. Gather any scraps and re-roll them as needed. Seeing the cookie shapes begin to take form is part of the fun of making these delightful Polar Bear Cookies!

Step 6: Assemble Cookies
Gently press the small dough circles onto the larger cookie shapes to form the bear ears. Once assembled, chill the cookies for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, ensuring that your adorable Polar Bear Cookies look perfect.

Step 7: Bake Cookies
Place the prepared cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set but still soft. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking. Once done, let the cookies cool for 15 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Frosting
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the buttercream frosting by beating 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fluffy. Gradually mix in 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, alternating with 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream, until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency perfect for your Polar Bear Cookies.

Step 9: Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost the tops generously with your homemade buttercream. Pour 1 cup of coarse sanding sugar onto a plate and dip the frosted cookies to coat them. Use chocolate chips for the bears’ noses and sprinkle black and red/pink sprinkles to create charming facial features. Delight in the festive design you’ve created!

What to Serve with Adorable Polar Bear Cookies?

These charming cookies are not just a delightful treat on their own; they also pair beautifully with a variety of other dishes and drinks to create a complete holiday spread.

Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy sweetness of hot chocolate makes an indulgent duo, perfect for warming up on chilly days.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth, cold contrast of vanilla ice cream beautifully complements the soft, chewy cookies, turning every bite into a dreamy dessert.
Fruit Platter: A fresh assortment of berries or citrus adds a refreshing burst of tang and balances the sweetness of your Polar Bear Cookies.
Nutty Biscotti: For an added texture and flavor contrast, serve alongside crunchy biscotti; their nutty notes enhance the cookies’ sweetness.
Milk: The classic pairing for cookies, a chilled glass of milk provides soothing creaminess, making for an unbeatable combination!
Holiday Punch: A festive cranberry or citrus punch can add a splash of color and fun to your dessert table, perfectly complementing the cookies’ whimsical design.
Gingerbread Men: For a festive touch, serve these alongside gingerbread cookies; their aromatic spices complement the sweetness of your polar bears.
Coffee: A warm cup of coffee, whether black or with cream, adds depth to the sweet flavors of your cookies, perfect for adult gatherings.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies or dipping them in it introduces a luscious, gooey depth that will tempt any sweet tooth.

Make Ahead Options

These adorable Polar Bear Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy holiday baking days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. If you want even more convenience, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. The baked cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For the best results, frost the cookies just before serving to keep the buttercream fresh and fluffy, ensuring your Polar Bear Cookies remain just as delightful as the day they were made!

How to Store and Freeze Polar Bear Cookies

Room Temperature: Store frosted polar bear cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring they remain soft and delicious.

Fridge: If you have leftover cookies, they can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container to preserve their freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Frost when ready to serve.

Reheating: To enjoy warm polar bear cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes, restoring their soft, chewy texture.

Expert Tips for Polar Bear Cookies

Cream Ingredients Well: Ensure to thoroughly cream the butter and cream cheese to achieve a light, fluffy dough for your Polar Bear Cookies.
Chill for Best Results: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape during baking, so your cookies come out looking like adorable little bears.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the dry and wet ingredients to keep the cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Watch the Baking Time: Check your cookies a minute or two earlier than the recommended time. They should look set but still soft in the center to keep that delightful chewiness.
Decorate Creatively: Feel free to customize your Polar Bear Cookies with various toppings or colors. The decorating process can be a fun family activity connecting everyone to the festive spirit!

Polar Bear Cookies Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative with these delightful polar bear cookies and make them uniquely yours!

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan margarine and a dairy-free cream cheese for a completely dairy-free version.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste.
Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate version that pairs perfectly with the buttercream frosting.
Flavor Boost: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or peppermint instead of vanilla to give your cookies a festive flair.
Add Zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the frosting for a refreshing twist that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Simple Sprinkles: Brighten up the decoration by using different colored sprinkles or edible glitter instead of traditional toppings for a more vibrant look.
Nutty Texture: Fold in chunky walnuts or pecans into the dough for a satisfying crunch that balances the softness of the cookie.
Fruit Fusion: Swirl in some dried cranberries or cherries in the dough for a delicious fruity surprise that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

And don’t forget, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try making Lemon Raspberry Cookies for a refreshing alternative or add chocolate chips to your batch with the frosting for a sweet combo reminiscent of Chocolate Chip Cookies. Happy baking!

Polar Bear Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of butter should I use for the Polar Bear Cookies?
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using unsalted butter at room temperature. This allows for easy creaming with the cream cheese, leading to a fluffier cookie. However, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, margarine can be a suitable substitute.

How long can I store my frosted Polar Bear Cookies?
You can store frosted Polar Bear Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to maintain their freshness longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just be sure to place parchment paper between layers if you stack them, to prevent the frosting from sticking.

Can I freeze Polar Bear Cookies? How do I do it?
Absolutely! You can freeze unfrosted Polar Bear Cookies for up to 1 month. To do this, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost them after thawing. This method keeps them fresh and preserves their soft texture!

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough to be too sticky, don’t worry! Dust your work surface liberally with flour when rolling it out. Additionally, you can chill the dough for a bit longer, which should firm it up and make it easier to handle. Just remember, the dough will be a little soft, so flour is your friend!

Are Polar Bear Cookies suitable for people with allergies?
These cookies contain several common allergens like dairy (butter and cream cheese), gluten (all-purpose flour), and eggs. For a more allergy-friendly option, you might use dairy-free substitutes (like non-dairy butter and plant-based cream cheese) and a gluten-free flour blend. Always double-check your specific substitutes to cater to any dietary restrictions.

Can I make the buttercream frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the buttercream frosting up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip it for a light, fluffy consistency. This way, you’re prepped and ready to go for your festive decorating!