Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, then the Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These charming cookies are not only irresistibly tasty but also a fun project that brings out your creative side. Perfectly tender, buttery cookies are topped with luscious vanilla buttercream and decorated to resemble the cutest polar bears you’ve ever seen. This recipe transforms a simple cookie into a whimsical treat that’s sure to bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to try them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of the Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe. From creamy butter and cream cheese to the fine sanding sugar that adds sparkle, every component is essential in bringing these adorable treats to life.

• Unsalted butter (¾ cup + 1 cup): Provides richness and tenderness to both the cookies and buttercream frosting.
• Full-fat cream cheese (½ cup): Adds a subtle tang and extra softness to the dough.
• Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the dough while ensuring a tender crumb.
• Large egg (1): Binds the dough, adding moisture and structure.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp + 1 tbsp): Infuses both the cookie and frosting with a warm, comforting aroma.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The sturdy base that shapes the cookies.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Gives the cookies a soft, delicate crumb.
• Baking powder (½ tsp): Lightens the dough slightly for a perfect bite.
• Fine salt (½ tsp + ½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Powdered sugar (3 ½ cups): Creates a smooth, sweet buttercream frosting.
• Heavy cream (¼ cup): Ensures the frosting is silky and spreadable.
• White sanding sugar (1 cup): Adds a frosty sparkle perfect for the polar bear theme.
• Large chocolate chips (30): Used for the bears’ noses, adding a rich chocolate touch.
• Round black sprinkles: Make perfect eyes for your polar bears.
• Round red or pink sprinkles: Adds a cute pop of color for the ears.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• 2 ½-inch and ¾-inch circle cookie cutters: Essential for shaping the bear faces and ears.
• Large piping bag: Perfect for applying the luscious buttercream.

How to Make Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by softening your butter and cream cheese to room temperature for the creamiest texture. Beat these together in a large bowl until smooth, then add in the granulated sugar and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is perfectly incorporated. This creamy, sweet base will be the heart of your cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This combination ensures your cookies will have a tender crumb with just the right amount of lift. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Divide your dough into two portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and flatten into half-inch thick rectangles. Chilling the dough for 2 hours in the fridge—or 30 minutes in the freezer if you’re pressed for time—helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut out perfect shapes.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking. The right oven temperature is key to achieving golden edges without overbaking.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough and Cut the Shapes

Flour your work surface and rolling pin generously to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to about one-third of an inch thick. Use the 2 ½-inch circle cutter to cut out the cookie faces, then the ¾-inch cutter to cut smaller circles that will become the adorable ears. Press the ears gently onto the top of each face to create the iconic polar bear shape.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Pop the cut cookies back into the fridge for 15 minutes to keep their shape while baking. Bake the cookies at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges turn a subtle golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This gentle cooling preserves their soft texture.

Step 7: Repeat with Remaining Dough

Don’t waste any dough! Roll out the scraps, cut more shapes, and bake until all your dough has transformed into delightful polar bear faces.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat one cup of butter until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar and heavy cream. Beat until you achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding a little more cream to thin or powdered sugar to thicken—this frosting is what will bring your polar bears to life.

Step 9: Prepare for Piping

Transfer your luscious buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip or simply cut a 1 cm hole if you don’t have a tip. This setup allows you to apply the frosting precisely and cleanly onto each cookie.

Step 10: Add White Sanding Sugar

Pipe a thin layer of buttercream over each cooled cookie, then gently press the frosted surface into a bowl of white sanding sugar. This step creates the frosty, snowy look reminiscent of a polar bear’s snowy habitat and gives the cookies a beautiful shimmer.

Step 11: Add the Face Details

Pipe a small oval of frosting near the bottom of the cookie to form the bear’s muzzle. Place a large chocolate chip for the nose, use black sprinkles for the eyes, and finishing touches like red or pink sprinkles for the ears. The combination of these details turns your cookies into charming, expressive polar bears.

Step 12: Finish and Enjoy

Repeat this decorating process with every cookie. Once all are complete, sit back and enjoy your adorable Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe achievements with friends and family—it’s a treat that’s joyful to make and even better to eat.

How to Serve Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these cookies even further, consider simple garnishes like a light dusting of edible glitter or a drizzle of white chocolate for a frosty effect. Fresh mint leaves on the side can add a refreshing pop of greenery as a nice contrast to the sweetness, perfect for holiday gatherings or themed parties.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced chai tea for a cozy snack time experience. They also go wonderfully alongside vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert plate. The softness of the cookies and rich buttercream balance perfectly with creamy or spicy complements.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange the Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies on a platter lined with shredded coconut to mimic snowy ground. You might also place them in clear gift bags tied with a ribbon for festive gifting. These ideas not only enhance the presentation but also add to the wintry charm that makes these cookies so special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your polar bear cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm climate, refrigeration is a good option, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze both the baked cookies and the buttercream frosting separately. Lay the cookies flat between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating. For the frosting, store it in an airtight container and whisk to restore its smooth texture after thawing.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed soft and fresh, avoid microwaving them as it may melt the frosting. If desired, let frozen cookies thaw fully at room temperature before serving. The softness of the cookie and buttercream will return, making each bite just as delightful as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter in the Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe?

Butter is key for its rich flavor and texture, especially in this recipe. Margarine can sometimes work, but the cookies and frosting might lack the same depth of flavor and smoothness. For best results, stick to unsalted butter.

Is cream cheese necessary in the dough?

Yes, cream cheese adds a subtle tang and extra softness, making the cookies tender and helping them hold their shape during baking. Skipping it could result in a denser, less flavorful cookie.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough before cutting and again after shaping the cookies is crucial. This helps the fat firm up, which prevents excessive spreading and keeps the polar bear shapes crisp and defined.

Can I substitute the sanding sugar with regular sugar?

Sanding sugar gives a unique sparkle and crunch that regular granulated sugar doesn’t provide. If you don’t have it, try fine crystal sugar, but keep in mind the texture and appearance will be slightly different.

What causes the frosting to be too runny or too stiff?

Frosting consistency depends on the balance between powdered sugar and heavy cream. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar; if it’s stiff, add a bit more cream. Temperature can also affect texture, so keep your kitchen cool for easier handling.

Final Thoughts

The Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe is a joyful baking adventure that combines simplicity with creativity. Whether you’re making these for family, friends, or a festive occasion, the smiles they inspire are worth every minute spent. So, grab your mixing bowl and cookie cutters, and enjoy the process of crafting these charming and delicious treats. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll want to bake again and again!

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