Polar Bear Cookies Best 7 Tips for Easy Cookie Recipe

Q: Q: How far in advance can I decorate Polar Bear Cookies?

A: Decorated Polar Bear Cookies maintain their best appearance for 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The buttercream frosting stays fresh and the decorations remain secure, making them perfect for advance preparation for parties or events.

Q: Q: What's the best way to transport Polar Bear Cookies to events?

A: Transport Polar Bear Cookies in a flat container with tight-fitting lid, placing parchment paper between layers. Avoid stacking too high and keep the container level during transport. The buttercream frosting is quite stable once set, making these cookies travel-friendly.

Q: Q: Can I use different decorations for my Polar Bear Cookies?

A: Absolutely! While traditional Polar Bear Cookies use chocolate chips and sprinkles, you can customize with mini marshmallows for noses, colored frosting for scarves, or even crushed cookies for texture. The basic cookie and frosting recipe works wonderfully with any decorative elements you choose.

Jump to Recipe

Save now, cook later!

Polar Bear Cookies transform your kitchen into a winter wonderland, bringing joy and sweetness to every bite. Picture this: it’s a snowy December evening, the kids are home from school, and the house fills with the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies. These adorable polar bear-shaped treats aren’t just cookies – they’re edible hugs that create magical moments and lasting memories with your loved ones.

Last winter, my daughter’s eyes lit up when she saw these fluffy white cookies cooling on the rack. “Mom, they look like real polar bears!” she exclaimed, immediately reaching for the chocolate chips to add the finishing touches. That’s when I knew this polar bear cookies recipe would become our new holiday tradition.

Jump to Section Show

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These easy cookie recipes combine the rich, tender texture of cream cheese cookies with the whimsical charm of polar bear decorations. The secret lies in the cream cheese, which creates an incredibly soft batch that stays fresh for days – perfect for busy parents who want to bake ahead for school parties or holiday gatherings.

What makes this recipe truly special is how forgiving it is for beginners. Even if you’re new to baking, these simple baking techniques ensure success every time. The buttercream frosting pipes beautifully, and the decorating process is so fun that kids can help without creating a disaster zone in your kitchen.

Explore more delicious family dinner recipes here to complete your cozy winter meal planning.

Ingredients List

Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Cookies	Weight
Unsalted butter, room temperature	3/4 cup (170g)
Full fat cream cheese, room temperature	1/2 cup (113g)
Granulated sugar	1 1/2 cups (300g)
Large egg, room temperature	1 (56g)
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste	2 tsp (8g)
All-purpose flour	3 cups (375g)
Cornstarch	1 Tbsp (8g)
Baking powder	1/2 tsp (2g)
Fine salt	1/2 tsp (3g)

Buttercream Frosting	Weight
Unsalted butter, room temperature	1 cup (226g)
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste	1 Tbsp (12g)
Fine salt	1/2 tsp (3g)
Powdered sugar	3 1/2 cups (454g)
Heavy whipping cream, room temperature	1/4 cup (60g)

Decorations	Amount
Coarse sanding sugar	1 cup
Large chocolate chips (dark chocolate)	30 pieces
Round black sprinkles	As needed
Round red or pink sprinkles	As needed

Find more quick & easy lunch ideas here for your next family meal adventure.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set out all ingredients to reach room temperature for optimal mixing.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until well combined. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix to maintain the tender texture.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. These Polar Bear Cookies will spread slightly during baking, so proper spacing ensures even cooking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will continue cooking on the hot pan after removal. Cool completely on baking sheets before decorating.

Step 6: Prepare Buttercream Frosting
Beat room temperature butter until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar one cup at a time. Slowly add heavy cream until you achieve a pipeable consistency.

Step 7: Decorate Your Polar Bears
Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, pipe buttercream to create the polar bear’s face and ears. Immediately roll in coarse sanding sugar for that snowy texture. Add chocolate chips for eyes and nose, using small sprinkles for additional details.

Exact Timing to make Polar Bear Cookies

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 24 minutes (two batches of 12 minutes each)
Cooling Time: 45 minutes
Decorating Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 9 minutes

This timeline accommodates making approximately 24 medium-sized cookies, including all decorating steps for the complete Polar Bear Cookies experience.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Component	Per Cookie (1 piece)	% Daily Value
Calories	285	14%
Total Fat	12g	15%
Saturated Fat	7.5g	38%
Trans Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	35mg	12%
Sodium	125mg	5%
Total Carbohydrates	45g	16%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Total Sugars	38g	–
Added Sugars	35g	70%
Protein	3g	6%
Vitamin A	8% DV	–
Calcium	2% DV	–
Iron	6% DV	–

Nutritional values are calculated based on standard ingredient databases and may vary depending on specific brands used. These values include both the cookie base and frosting decoration.

Healthier Alternatives

Original Ingredient	Healthier Substitute	Benefits	Taste Impact
All-purpose flour	Whole wheat pastry flour (substitute 1:1)	Higher fiber, more nutrients	Slightly nuttier flavor
Granulated sugar	Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener	Lower glycemic index	Subtle caramel notes
Full-fat cream cheese	Greek yogurt cream cheese	30% less fat, more protein	Tangier, equally creamy
Heavy whipping cream	Coconut cream (chilled)	Dairy-free option	Rich coconut undertone
Powdered sugar (frosting)	Powdered erythritol	Zero calories, keto-friendly	Clean sweetness
Butter	Vegan butter or coconut oil	Plant-based, dairy-free	Comparable richness

These modifications allow you to create Polar Bear Cookies that accommodate various dietary preferences while maintaining the beloved taste and texture. For gluten-free versions, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum.

Explore more delicious Desserts here for additional sweet treats that complement your Polar Bear Cookies perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Party Presentation: Arrange your Polar Bear Cookies on a winter-themed platter surrounded by artificial snow or white chocolate shavings. Create a stunning centerpiece by grouping them with other Arctic-themed treats like snowball cookies or blue-tinted sugar cookies representing ice.

Beverage Pairings: These delightful cookies pair beautifully with hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, warm spiced apple cider, or vanilla chai tea. For adults, try serving alongside coffee drinks with cinnamon or a glass of cold milk flavored with vanilla extract.

Gift-Giving Ideas: Package individual Polar Bear Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with blue or white ribbons for perfect party favors or teacher gifts. Create cookie tins filled with these treats alongside other winter-themed baked goods for thoughtful holiday presents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough: The biggest mistake when making Polar Bear Cookies is overmixing after adding flour, which creates tough, dense cookies instead of the desired soft texture. Mix just until ingredients are combined – a few flour streaks are perfectly fine.

Incorrect Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold cream cheese or butter results in lumpy frosting and uneven cookie texture. Plan ahead by removing dairy ingredients from the refrigerator 2-3 hours before baking, or soften quickly by cutting into small pieces.

Decorating Too Soon: Adding frosting and decorations while cookies are still warm causes melting and sliding. Always allow Polar Bear Cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before beginning any decorative work for best results.

Storing Tips

Short-Term Storage: Store decorated Polar Bear Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent frosting from sticking together, and keep away from direct sunlight to maintain their pristine appearance.

Freezing for Later: Undecorated cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in freezer bags. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before decorating – this actually makes the frosting adhere better than on freshly baked cookies.

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate covered, or freeze dough balls on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time for perfect Polar Bear Cookies.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Polar Bear Cookies without cream cheese?

A: Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of softened butter or Greek yogurt, though the texture will be slightly different. The cream cheese creates the signature soft, tender crumb that makes these Polar Bear Cookies special, but the alternatives still produce delicious results.

Q: How far in advance can I decorate Polar Bear Cookies?

A: Decorated Polar Bear Cookies maintain their best appearance for 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The buttercream frosting stays fresh and the decorations remain secure, making them perfect for advance preparation for parties or events.

Q: What’s the best way to transport Polar Bear Cookies to events?

A: Transport Polar Bear Cookies in a flat container with tight-fitting lid, placing parchment paper between layers. Avoid stacking too high and keep the container level during transport. The buttercream frosting is quite stable once set, making these cookies travel-friendly.

Q: Can I use different decorations for my Polar Bear Cookies?

A: Absolutely! While traditional Polar Bear Cookies use chocolate chips and sprinkles, you can customize with mini marshmallows for noses, colored frosting for scarves, or even crushed cookies for texture. The basic cookie and frosting recipe works wonderfully with any decorative elements you choose.