If you are looking to brighten your day with a sweet treat that brings smiles from the very first bite, then you will absolutely adore this Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe. These charming cookies are not only irresistibly cute but also packed with that classic, melt-in-your-mouth homemade cookie flavor that everyone craves. With tender, buttery dough studded generously with mini chocolate chips and finished with whimsical candy eyes, these cookies are a delightful fusion of playful design and timeless taste that makes them perfect for any occasion, from fun family baking sessions to festive parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect cookie, from texture to flavor and that lovely golden color. These simple, everyday pantry staples come together to form a dough that’s easy to shape and bake into your adorable teddy bear friends.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The sturdy base that provides structure and chewiness to your cookies.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise just enough, giving them a light texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies all the rich flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Lends a crisp bite and sweetness.
- Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to tenderness.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): The star ingredient for chocolatey pockets in every bite.
- Additional chocolate chips and candy eyes: For decorating the teddy bears and bringing them to life.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This blending ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, setting the perfect foundation for your cookie dough.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Next, beat your softened butter along with granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to a cookie with tender crumb and rich flavor. Then, add in the vanilla extract and the egg, beating until everything is harmoniously combined.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough. Once combined, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips; these delightful morsels melt just right and give the cookies bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step 5: Shape the Teddy Bears
Now for the most fun part! Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough to form each bear’s body. Use smaller bits for their heads and limbs, assembling these pieces carefully on the baking sheet. Add chocolate chips for adorable noses and press candy eyes on to bring your teddy bears to life. It’s like crafting edible little friends!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Pop your furry creations into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooldown helps them set just right, keeping them tender yet sturdy.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Get creative with your garnishes! A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snow-kissed charm, while a drizzle of melted chocolate or a tiny dab of colored icing can give your teddy bears festive flair. These little touches make the cookies even more irresistible and perfect for gifting.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe is how well they pair with a classic glass of cold milk, offering a nostalgic taste experience. They also make a wonderful accompaniment to a cozy cup of hot cocoa or tea, making your snack time feel extra special and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your teddy bear cookies on a platter surrounded by fresh berries or edible flowers for a whimsical touch. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane with a colorful ribbon turns them into delightful party favors. You can even create a teddy bear-themed dessert table, making these cookies the star attraction!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store your teddy bear cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their softness and delicious flavor perfectly for up to 5 days, so you can savor these sweet little companions anytime.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie dough portions on a tray and then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh chocolate chip teddy bear cookies anytime you like. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their charm.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are soft and slightly warm. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture just right and prevent them from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Regular-sized chips work fine but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the cookies, ensuring every bite has the perfect chocolate balance which is especially nice in these shaped treats.
What if I don’t have candy eyes for decorating?
No worries! You can get creative with small chocolate chips, raisins, or even tiny dots of melted chocolate piped on to make eyes. The key is to have fun and make your cookies look as charming as you like.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter provides the best flavor and texture in this recipe, but if needed, you can substitute margarine with similar results. Oil is not recommended as it changes the cookie’s structure and won’t hold the teddy bear shape as well.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough slightly before baking. Also, shaping the dough properly and spacing the bears well on the baking sheet helps maintain their adorable form.
Is it okay to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour, but results may vary. The texture might be a bit different, but with the right blend, you can still enjoy tasty teddy bear cookies.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of a classic chocolate chip cookie and the playful shape of a teddy bear, and this Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a special party, or just craving a cozy homemade treat, these cookies bring joy with every bite and a smile with every glance. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake a batch of these delightful little friends – they’re sure to warm your heart and sweeten your day.
Print
Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully cute and delicious Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies, perfect for sharing and decorating. These soft-baked cookies feature mini chocolate chips mixed into a classic buttery dough and are creatively assembled into teddy bear shapes with additional chocolate chips and candy eyes for decoration.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Mix-ins and Decorations
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- Additional chocolate chips for decorating
- Candy eyes for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the vanilla extract and egg, beating until well blended.
- Combine the Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. Fold in the mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
- Shape the Teddy Bears: Use tablespoon-sized portions of dough to form the bear’s body and smaller portions to create the head and limbs. Assemble each teddy bear shape on the prepared baking sheet. Decorate each bear with additional chocolate chips for the nose and candy eyes for a charming touch.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
- You can substitute candy eyes with mini chocolate chips or raisins if preferred.
- Chilling the dough briefly can help maintain the teddy bear shapes during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
