Description
Polar bear cookies are soft and chewy, decorated with creamy buttercream frosting to resemble adorable little bears, making them perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter – Room temperature butter provides a rich, soft base for the cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup full-fat cream cheese – Helps make the cookies tender and adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough, helping it spread slightly as it bakes.
- 1 large egg – Binds the dough and contributes to its structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the dough.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Softens the cookie, contributing to its chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Provides lift to the dough for a tender bake.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt – Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter – Softened butter for the frosting, adding richness and creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Flavors the frosting with a fragrant sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting, giving it a smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream – Helps achieve the right consistency for spreading and piping the frosting.
- 1 cup coarse sanding sugar – Used to coat the cookies for a sparkly finish.
- 30 large chocolate chips – For the bear noses.
- Round black sprinkles – To create the eyes of the polar bear.
- Round red or pink sprinkles – Used for the bear’s ears, adding a pop of color.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least two hours, or freeze for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface to about 1/3-inch thickness. Cut into 2 1/2-inch circles using a cookie cutter.
- For the bear ears, cut smaller 3/4-inch circles from the remaining dough. Place two smaller circles on each larger circle, pressing gently to secure.
- Chill the cut cookies in the fridge for 15 minutes or freeze for 5 minutes before baking.
- Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are just starting to set but not browned. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened butter with vanilla extract and salt until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix in the cream, adjusting the amount for the desired frosting consistency.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a thin layer of frosting on top of each cookie. Gently press the cookies into the sanding sugar to coat the frosting.
- Pipe a small oval of frosting at the bottom of each cookie to create the bear’s muzzle. Place a chocolate chip at the top of the muzzle for the nose. Use black sprinkles for the eyes and red or pink sprinkles for the ears.
- Let the frosting set before serving.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky to roll out, chill it for an additional 15 minutes.
- Chilling the dough before cutting out the shapes ensures the cookies hold their form while baking.
- Feel free to get creative with the decorations — you can use any sprinkles you have on hand.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to five days.
- If you prefer, you can freeze the dough for up to one month before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 109mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 41mg