Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

Introduction

When the winter season rolls around, my kitchen transforms into a hub of festive baking. One recipe that has quickly become a family favorite is the Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies. These adorable little treats not only taste delicious but also bring a sense of joy and creativity to our holiday celebrations. The soft-batch cream cheese cookies are perfectly complemented by a rich buttercream frosting, and the decorations are a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Watching the kids pipe on the frosting and add the finishing touches brings a smile to my face, and the cookies are always a hit at gatherings. Let me guide you through this delightful recipe that will surely add some cheer to your holiday festivities!

Ingredients

For the Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Cookies:

• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature (170g)
• ½ cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
• 1 ½ 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)
• ½ tsp baking powder (2g)
• ½ tsp fine salt (3g)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (12g)
• ½ tsp fine salt (3g)
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar (454g)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (60g)

For Decorations:

• 1 cup white sanding sugar
• 30 large chocolate chips
• Round black sprinkles
• Round red or pink sprinkles

Additional Supplies:

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• 2 ½-inch circle cookie cutter
• ¾-inch circle cutter
• Large piping bag

Instructions

For the Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Cookies:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the ¾ cup of butter and ½ cup of cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Add in 1 ½ cups of sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 tbsp of cornstarch, ½ tsp of baking powder, and ½ tsp of fine salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

1. Chill the Dough:

• Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and flatten into rectangles about ½ inch thick. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours (or 30 minutes in the freezer).

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

1. Roll Out the Dough:

• Generously flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll out the chilled dough to ⅓ inch thick. Use a 2 ½-inch circle cutter to cut out cookies and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Use a ¾-inch circle cutter to make smaller circles for the bear ears, then press them into the top of each cookie to form ears.

1. Bake:

• Chill the cut-out cookies again for 15 minutes (to help retain shape). Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

1. Repeat:

• Roll out any dough scraps, cut, and bake. Repeat with the second dough portion.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1. Make the Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of butter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until smooth. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding more cream to thin or more powdered sugar to thicken.

1. Prepare to Pipe:

• Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a medium round piping tip (or cut a 1 cm hole in the piping bag). Set aside.

Decorating the Polar Bear Cookies:

1. Add Sanding Sugar:

• Pipe a thin layer of frosting onto each cooled cookie, then gently press the frosted top into a bowl of white sanding sugar.

1. Add the Face:

• Pipe a small oval of frosting near the bottom for the muzzle. Press a large chocolate chip in as the nose, black sprinkles for the eyes, and red or pink sprinkles for the ears.

1. Finish and Enjoy:

• Repeat for all cookies and enjoy your adorable polar bear treats!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 30 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 180 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 44 minutes

How to Serve

• Presentation: Arrange the decorated cookies on a festive platter for a delightful display.
• Pairing: Serve alongside hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
• Gifting: Package cookies in decorative boxes or bags for holiday gifts.
• Party Treats: Bring them to holiday parties or cookie exchanges to impress guests.
• Enjoying: Share with family and friends as a sweet treat during the winter season.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
2. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a softer cookie.
3. Adjusting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add flavor extracts like peppermint for a seasonal twist in the frosting.
5. Decorate Creatively: Use different colored sprinkles or candies for a unique look on each cookie.

Recipe Variations

• Cocoa Polar Bears: Add cocoa powder to half of the dough to create a chocolate version of the cookies.
• Gingerbread Bears: Substitute spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the dough for a spiced version.
• Nutty Touch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes to create a vegan version of these cookies.
• Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free cookie.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Cookie Platter: Include these cookies with other holiday favorites like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and peppermint bark.
• Sweet Treat Table: Feature them on a dessert table for holiday gatherings alongside cakes and pastries.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create delightful ice cream sandwiches for a fun twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature and decorate once fully thawed.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

• Yes, but it may alter the texture slightly; full-fat is recommended for best results.

1. What if I don’t have sanding sugar?

• You can use granulated sugar or leave the cookies plain without sugar for a different look.

1. Can I make the dough in advance?

• Absolutely! Prepare the dough, wrap it well, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

1. How do I store leftover frosting?

• Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week; rewhip before using.

1. Can I bake these cookies without chilling the dough?

• Chilling is recommended for best results, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

1. What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag?

• You can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag.

1. Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

• These cookies are soft-batch style, resulting in a tender and chewy cookie.

1. Can I add food coloring to the frosting?

• Yes, you can add gel food coloring to the frosting to make it festive for the holidays.

1. What if my cookies spread too much while baking?

• Ensure the dough is well-chilled and that your oven temperature is accurate to prevent spreading.

1. Can I double the recipe?
   • Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for parties or gifting.

Conclusion

Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies are a delightful and fun addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their cute design, soft texture, and rich flavor will undoubtedly bring joy to your festivities and delight everyone who tries them. This recipe offers a wonderful opportunity for family bonding as you create and decorate these adorable cookies together. I encourage you to gather your loved ones in the kitchen this season and create these sweet treats to share the holiday spirit. Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious polar bear cookies!

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