Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful way to brighten up any cookie tray, this Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe is pure magic. These charming treats combine a tender, buttery cookie base with smooth, creamy buttercream frosting that is just sweet enough to satisfy your cravings. Each cookie is topped with playful little faces made from simple sprinkles and chocolate chips that are guaranteed to bring a smile, whether for holiday celebrations or a cozy afternoon snack. Let me take you through this fun and irresistibly cute recipe that not only tastes amazing but also invites creativity in decorating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays an important role — from the rich buttery dough to the luscious cream cheese and the fluffy buttercream frosting, every ingredient works to create a perfect blend of texture, flavor, and visual charm.

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), room temperature: Gives the dough richness and tenderness for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
• ½ cup full-fat cream cheese, room temperature: Adds a subtle tang and moisture, enhancing the cookie’s texture.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and lightens the dough when beaten.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and helps achieve the perfect crumb.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, inviting aroma.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The structure for the cookies, resulting in a sturdy but tender bite.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: Softens the texture for a delicate finish.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Provides a slight lift and fluffiness.
• ½ tsp fine salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting): Creates creamy, spreadable buttercream frosting.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the buttercream.
• ½ tsp fine salt (for frosting): Balances the rich sweetness of the frosting.
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream for easy piping.
• ¼ cup heavy cream: Ensures smooth, fluffy frosting with the perfect consistency.
• 1 cup white sanding sugar: Adds a sparkling, wintry texture on the frosted cookies.
• 30 large chocolate chips: Perfect for making cute noses on your polar bear faces.
• Round black sprinkles: Ideal for crafting tiny eyes with precision.
• Round red or pink sprinkles: Adds a charming blush to the bear’s ears.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: For non-stick baking and easy cleanup.
• 2 ½-inch circle cookie cutter: The perfect size for the polar bear faces.
• ¾-inch circle cutter: Used to create the adorable ears.
• Large piping bag: Essential for neat and easy frosting application.

How to Make Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by beating the ¾ cup of unsalted butter and cream cheese together until beautifully smooth and creamy. This combination is a game-changer, giving your cookies a moist texture with a delicate tang. Next, add the granulated sugar and whip until it’s light and fluffy — this step lightens the dough and adds sweetness. Finally, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined. This soft, luscious dough is the canvas for your adorable polar bears.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients lend structure, softness, and balance. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until you just see the dough come together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so a light hand is key for tender results.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Divide your dough in two and shape each portion into a rectangular block about half an inch thick. Wrapping the dough tightly in plastic wrap before chilling lets it firm up, making it much easier to roll out later while preventing spreading during baking. Cool your dough in the fridge for 2 hours – or if you’re pressed for time, 30 minutes in the freezer works well too.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This setup ensures even baking and keeps cookies from sticking, which is essential to preserving their rounded shape and cute ears.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll your chilled dough evenly to about one-third inch thick. Use the 2 ½-inch circle cutter to stamp out your polar bear faces, spaced about an inch apart on the pan. For the ears, cut out smaller circles with the ¾-inch cutter and gently press these onto the top edges of each larger circle. This simple touch brings your bears to life.

Step 6: Bake

To keep your shapes intact, chill the cut cookies again on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before baking. This step is a small trick to prevent spreading and will give your bears clear, defined features. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. After baking, let your cookies rest on the pan for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Repeat

Don’t forget to roll any leftover dough scraps, cut more shapes, and bake! Repeat this process with your second dough portion to maximize your batch of Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

Now for the icing! Beat 1 cup of butter until creamy and smooth, then add vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, alternating to get the frosting exactly how you want it—thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pipe easily. Adjust with more cream or sugar until you have that perfect, fluffy consistency.

Step 9: Prepare to Pipe

Transfer your sweet buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip or simply cut a neat hole about 1 cm wide if you’re using a disposable bag. This makes frosting application quick, clean, and fun.

Step 10: Add Sanding Sugar

Pipe a thin, even layer of frosting on each cooled cookie. While the icing is still fresh, gently press the cookie face-down into a bowl of white sanding sugar. This adds a delightful sparkle and mimics the frosty polar bear’s cozy fur.

Step 11: Add the Face

To bring your polar bears to life, pipe a small oval of frosting near the bottom center of the cookie to form the muzzle. Place a large chocolate chip for the nose, two black sprinkles for eyes, and add red or pink sprinkles at the top for the ears. This simple face decoration is as charming as it is easy.

Step 12: Finish and Enjoy

Repeat for all your cookies, and voilà — your Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe is complete. These adorable cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or just as a sweet pick-me-up with your favorite cup of tea or hot chocolate.

How to Serve Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation by adding a sprinkle of extra sanding sugar for a sparkling snowy effect or a tiny dusting of edible glitter to make your cookies shimmer under festive lights. You can even add small edible silver or white pearls to give your polar bears a whimsical touch.

Side Dishes

These Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like hot cocoa, chai latte, or a classic cup of milk. They also work wonderfully alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a festive cheese board for holiday entertaining, offering a sweet contrast to savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange your cookies on a bed of shredded coconut or white crinkle paper to simulate snow. You could package sets in clear cello bags tied with a ribbon for charming gifts, perfect for friends, neighbors, or classroom treats. Kids will love helping you decorate at a cookie party—turning this Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe into a joyful, interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once decorated and cooled, store your Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their frosted details.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, you can freeze the baked cookies without frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before frosting. Alternatively, cookies fully iced and decorated can be frozen for about 2 weeks by placing them in a single layer on a tray, then transferring to a container. Thaw gently to maintain the frosting’s texture.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature to appreciate their softness and creamy buttercream. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and change the texture of the cookie. Instead, let them sit out for 30 minutes if stored chilled to come to the perfect eating temperature.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making my own buttercream?

Absolutely! While homemade buttercream gives you control over sweetness and texture, a good-quality store-bought frosting can work. Just try to find a thicker variety for better piping and to hold decorations like sanding sugar and sprinkles.

What if I don’t have cream cheese? Can I skip it in the dough?

You can omit cream cheese if needed, but it adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the cookie’s sweetness. Without it, your cookies might be a bit drier or less tender, so consider adding a bit more butter or a teaspoon of sour cream as a substitute.

How can I make the polar bear faces more detailed?

Try using edible food markers for fine details or small piping tips with colored frosting to add eyebrows, mouths, or even scarves. You could also experiment with different sprinkle shapes and colors for creative touches.

Why do I need to chill the dough twice during the process?

Chilling the dough prevents excessive spreading in the oven, which is critical to keeping the polar bear shapes crisp and recognizable. The second chill after cutting solidifies the edges, helping your bears keep their cute ears and round faces intact.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that has xanthan gum for best results. Be sure to check the blend’s requirements for liquid adjustments. These cookies freeze and frost just as well when gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the joy of baking up a batch of Buttercream Polar Bear Cookies Recipe and seeing those adorable faces come to life with buttercream frosting and sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for kids, friends, or just for yourself, these cookies are a heartwarming treat that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. So grab your mixing bowls and cutters and get ready to spread some cookie magic!

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