Polar Bear Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face. With their fluffy texture and cute snowy designs, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a winter holiday or just want a fun baking project, Polar Bear Cookies will surely be a hit.

Why make this recipe

This recipe is not only simple and fun to make, but it also allows you to get creative with decorating. Polar Bear Cookies are great for kids and adults alike. Plus, they taste amazing! The soft-batch cream cheese cookies paired with sweet buttercream frosting create a delicious combination that is hard to resist. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bring some joy to your kitchen!

How to prepare Polar Bear Cookies

Ingredients:

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)
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)
1 cup coarse sanding sugar
30 large chocolate chips (I used the Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips)
Round black sprinkles
Round red or pink sprinkles

Steps:

Make the Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Cookies: In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and mix until well combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla until fluffy. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, spacing them out evenly. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy.
Decorating These Polar Bear Cookies: Use the buttercream frosting to cover each cooled cookie. Drench them in coarse sanding sugar to create a snowy effect. Then, place chocolate chips for eyes, and add round black or pink sprinkles for noses.

How to serve Polar Bear Cookies

Serve these adorable cookies on a festive plate. They are perfect for parties or as a sweet surprise for family and friends. Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa or milk for a cozy treat!

How to store Polar Bear Cookies

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature and they’ll taste just as good.

Tips to make Polar Bear Cookies perfectly

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best texture.
Chill the dough well before baking to ensure thicker cookies that don’t spread too much.
When frosting, don’t be shy! A good layer of frosting makes them look extra cute and delicious.

Variations

Add Sprinkles: You can use colorful sprinkles for a fun twist on the Polar Bear design.
Flavored Frosting: Try adding different flavor extracts to the buttercream for a unique taste.
Cookie Shapes: Instead of just round cookies, you can use bear-shaped cookie cutters for even more fun!

FAQ

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but cookies made with margarine may not taste as rich and creamy.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Sure! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. How can I make the cookies ahead of time?
You can make the dough and freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it, bake, and then frost when cool.

Now it’s time to get baking! Enjoy making your Polar Bear Cookies!

Polar Bear Cookies

Print Recipe

Delightful creamy cookies decorated to look like polar bears, perfect for any winter celebration.

Author: tahiriimouhsingmail-com
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Make the Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Cookies: Cream together unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and mix well. Beat in egg and vanilla until fluffy. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Make the Buttercream Frosting: Beat unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Pour in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat until fluffy.
Decorating: Frost each cooled cookie with buttercream, then cover in coarse sanding sugar. Use chocolate chips for eyes, and round black or pink sprinkles for noses.

Notes

Tips: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Chill the dough before baking for thicker cookies. Don’t skimp on frosting for a cute look.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 200
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cookies, holiday treats, baking, polar bear cookies, festive desserts