Polar Bear Cookies Recipe: Adorable, Soft, and Delicious!

These Polar Bear Cookies are the perfect combination of whimsical design and melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Made with a soft cream cheese cookie base and topped with luscious buttercream frosting, they’re ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or a cozy afternoon baking session. Plus, they’re just as much fun to decorate as they are to eat. You’re going to love bringing these sweet polar bears to life!

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What to Expect from This Recipe

These cookies are not only adorable but also incredibly versatile. They feature a buttery, soft cream cheese cookie base that holds its shape beautifully when baked. The buttercream frosting is creamy and just the right sweetness to complement the cookies, and the decorations make them pop! Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe lets you unleash your creativity with every polar bear face.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Show-Stopping Presentation: These cookies will be the star of your dessert table.
• Customizable: Swap out decorations for your own creative spin.
• Delicious Flavor: A subtle tang from the cream cheese makes the cookies unforgettable.

Ingredients for Polar Bear Cookies

For the Cookies:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (170g)
• 1/2 cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (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 (12g)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (454g or 1 lb. box)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (60g)

Decorations:

• 1 cup white sanding sugar
• 30 large chocolate chips
• Round black sprinkles (for eyes)
• Round red or pink sprinkles (for cheeks)
• Additional tools: Piping bags, round cookie cutters, silicone mats

How to Make Polar Bear Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add sugar and cream on medium-high speed until fluffy and light in color.
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.

2nd step : Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll the chilled dough to 1/3-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a 2 1/2-inch round cutter for the polar bear faces and a 3/4-inch cutter for the ears.
3. Assemble each bear by attaching two smaller circles to the top of a larger circle.
4. Chill the assembled cookies for 15 minutes before baking.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are just set. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat butter until creamy. Add vanilla and salt.
2. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Spoon frosting into a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip.

Step 4: Decorate the Polar Bears

1. Frost each cookie with a thin layer of buttercream, then dip into sanding sugar.
2. Add a small oval of frosting for the muzzle, a chocolate chip for the nose, and sprinkles for the eyes and cheeks. Get creative and have fun!

Tips for Perfect Polar Bear Cookies

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading during baking.
• Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking times.
• Use sanding sugar for a frosty finish that mimics a polar bear’s snowy habitat.
• Get creative with your decorations—try fondant or candy pieces if you’re out of sprinkles.

Storage Instructions

Frosted cookies can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to avoid smudging. Unfrosted cookies and dough can also be frozen for later use.

More Delicious Holiday Treats

Looking for more festive recipes? Check out these delightful options:
Peppermint Crunch White Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
Christmas Cookie Bars: Festive and Easy to Make
Caramel Drizzled Apple Cinnamon Cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes! If you’re short on time, pre-made frosting works, but homemade buttercream provides the best flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have the right size cookie cutters?
Use household items like glasses or bottle caps as makeshift cutters.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 1 month.

Final Thoughts

These Polar Bear Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking with the kids or creating a stunning dessert spread, these cookies bring joy and sweetness to every occasion. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creations on Pinterest.

Happy baking!

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