Polar Bear Cookies

Name: Polar Bear Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 2 h 4 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter (170g): adds richness and soft texture; 1/2 cup full-fat cream cheese (113g): provides moisture and tenderness; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g): sweetens and helps with structure; 1 large egg (56g): binds the dough and adds moisture; 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g): adds flavor depth; 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g): gives structure to the cookies; 1 tbsp cornstarch (8g): softens the texture; 1/2 tsp baking powder (2g): gives a light rise; 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g): enhances flavor; 1 cup unsalted butter (226g, for frosting): creates a creamy base; 1 tbsp vanilla extract or paste (12g, for frosting): flavors the buttercream; 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g, for frosting): balances sweetness; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (454g): sweetens and thickens frosting; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (60g): creates spreadable consistency; 1 cup white sanding sugar: decorates and adds sparkle; 30 large chocolate chips: used for bear noses; Round black sprinkles: used for eyes; Red or pink sprinkles: used for ears

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These Polar Bear Cookies are the perfect combination of cute and delicious. Featuring soft cream cheese-based sugar cookies and topped with luscious vanilla buttercream, these cookies bring festive charm to any winter gathering. Whether you’re baking with kids or crafting a holiday cookie box, this recipe is a go-to for seasonal sweetness. With a focus on buttery texture, tender bite, and playful decoration, these Polar Bear Cookies are both fun to make and irresistible to eat.

Why You’ll Love These Polar Bear Cookies

These Polar Bear Cookies are more than just adorable — they’re soft, chewy, and full of buttery flavor thanks to a rich cream cheese cookie dough. The simple vanilla buttercream adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the playful polar bear faces turn this treat into a winter wonder. Plus, this recipe is easy enough for beginners, fun for families, and adaptable for dietary needs.

Kid-friendly and fun to decorate
Soft and tender texture from cream cheese
Perfect for holiday cookie boxes or parties
Make-ahead friendly with freezing options

What You Need for the Dough and Frosting

• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and a soft, tender texture
• Cream Cheese: Key to the soft, moist consistency of the cookies
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with structure and spread
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture
• Vanilla Extract or Paste: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookie dough
• Cornstarch: Softens the texture for a melt-in-your-mouth bite
• Baking Powder: Lifts the dough slightly, giving a gentle rise
• Fine Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the buttercream frosting
• Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a fluffy, pipeable frosting consistency

For Decorating:
• White Sanding Sugar: Creates the snowy polar bear effect
• Chocolate Chips: Used for the polar bear’s nose
• Black Sprinkles: Ideal for tiny eyes
• Red or Pink Sprinkles: Accents for the ears

Ingredient Swaps & Allergy-Friendly Options

Don’t worry if you’re out of an ingredient or need an alternative for dietary reasons. These suggestions ensure everyone can enjoy Polar Bear Cookies.

Dairy-Free or Vegan

Butter: Swap with vegan butter. Omit extra salt
Cream Cheese: Use a vegan cream cheese block substitute
Heavy Cream: Replace with coconut cream or non-dairy milk (like oat or almond)

Egg-Free

Egg: Use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or a store-bought egg replacer

Gluten-Free

All-Purpose Flour: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly in texture

Flavor Alternatives

Vanilla Extract: Try almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist

How to Make Polar Bear Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to the wet in two additions, mixing just until combined. Divide the dough, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours (or 30 minutes in the freezer).

2. Roll & Cut the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to 1/3-inch thick. Use a 2½-inch circle cutter to make large rounds, and a ¾-inch cutter for ears. Cut a small notch in the ear circles so they fit flush with the larger ones. Attach two ears to each cookie by pressing lightly. Chill the assembled cookies for 15 minutes in the fridge.

3. Bake the Cookies

Bake on the top rack for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just set but not browned. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 15 minutes, then move to a wire rack.

4. Make the Buttercream

Beat butter until smooth, then add vanilla and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream until the desired consistency is reached. Mix until light and fluffy, then transfer to a piping bag with a round tip.

5. Decorate the Cookies

Pipe a thin layer of frosting over each cookie and press into white sanding sugar. Add an oval of frosting for the muzzle, then place a chocolate chip nose, sprinkle eyes, and colorful ears. Use edible markers or fondant if needed.

Expert Tips for Perfect Polar Bear Cookies

Cream butter and sugar well: This aerates the dough for a fluffy texture
Don’t overmix: Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to prevent tough cookies
Use plenty of flour on your surface: Helps prevent sticking during rolling
Keep the dough chilled: Cold dough holds its shape and prevents spreading
Watch baking time carefully: Remove cookies before edges brown for soft centers
Let cookies cool before frosting: Frosting will melt if applied to warm cookies

Serving Ideas and Recipe Variations

Holiday Toppers: Add tiny fondant scarves or edible glitter for festive flair
Flavor Upgrades: Try peppermint extract in the frosting for a holiday twist
Make-Ahead Option: Bake cookies and freeze undecorated. Frost and decorate after thawing
Gluten-Free Version: Use a certified gluten-free flour blend for the cookie dough
Mini Polar Bears: Make smaller cookies for party platters or gift boxes

Seasonal Charm & Storage Tips

Polar Bear Cookies are ideal for:

Christmas cookie swaps
Winter birthdays or baby showers
Holiday baking with kids
Gift-giving in cookie tins
Snow day baking fun

Storage Notes:

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temp
Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days
Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 1 month
Dough can also be frozen for 1 month and thawed before baking

Let the frosted cookies chill fully before stacking them to prevent smudging. Add parchment paper between layers when storing.

Final Thoughts

These Polar Bear Cookies aren’t just a festive addition to your winter baking list — they’re a complete experience. From the pillowy soft cream cheese cookie base to the smooth vanilla buttercream and charming bear design, every bite is as delightful as it looks. Whether you’re crafting treats for a holiday party, surprising the kids with a fun snow-day activity, or curating a stunning Christmas cookie box, these cookies bring the cozy magic of winter to your kitchen.

Versatile, freezer-friendly, and joyfully creative, Polar Bear Cookies are a sweet tradition waiting to happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store Polar Bear Cookies after decorating?

Frosted Polar Bear Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, 5 days in the fridge, or 1 month in the freezer. If stacking, chill first and place parchment between layers to preserve the decorations.

Can I freeze the cookie dough in advance?

Absolutely. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling out.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may differ slightly, but the cookies will still hold their shape and taste delicious. Be sure to chill the dough well before rolling for best results.

More Relevant Recipes

Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting: These soft pumpkin cookies topped with spiced cinnamon frosting offer a cozy flavor profile perfect for fall or winter, similar to the comforting appeal of Polar Bear Cookies.
Halloween Chocolate Chip Cookies: Packed with chocolate and festive flair, these cookies bring a seasonal twist to the classic treat — ideal for those who love themed bakes like Polar Bear Cookies.
Taylor Swift Chai Cookies: With warm spices and a soft-baked texture, these chai-flavored cookies make a creative and flavorful alternative while keeping the cozy, homemade charm of Polar Bear Cookies.

Polar Bear Cookies – Best Winter Treats for Kids & Parties

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