Save It Adorable sugar cookies decorated to resemble polar bear paw prints perfect for childrens parties and winter celebrations.
I first made these cookies for my kids holiday party and they were a huge hit with both kids and adults alike
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon milk
- For the Decoration: 1 cup white chocolate chips (for melting) 24 large white marshmallows 72 mini chocolate chips 48 chocolate melts or chocolate disks (for paw pads)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour baking powder and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients mixing just until combined. Stir in milk.
- Step 5:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with your palm.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.
- Step 7:
- While cookies cool melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts stirring until smooth.
- Step 8:
- Spread a thin layer of melted white chocolate on each cookie. Press a large marshmallow near the bottom edge of each cookie for the paw pad.
- Step 9:
- Add three mini chocolate chips above each marshmallow to form the toes. Place two chocolate melts/disks on each side of the marshmallow for the side pads.
- Step 10:
- Allow decorations to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to firm up.
Save It These cookies always bring joy to my family gatherings and are a festive treat for everyone
Notes
For extra flavor add a touch of almond extract to the dough. Pair with hot chocolate or milk for a festive treat.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Baking sheets Parchment paper Measuring cups and spoons Microwave-safe bowl
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) dairy egg and soy (in some chocolate products). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save It These polar bear paw print cookies are sure to delight your guests and add a magical touch to any celebration
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the paw print decorations?
The paw print effect is achieved using melted white chocolate as a base, large marshmallows for the main pad, and mini chocolate chips along with chocolate disks to form the toes and side pads.
- → How do you keep the cookies soft after baking?
Once baked until lightly golden, cooling the cookies on wire racks helps retain softness. Avoid overbaking and store them in airtight containers to maintain texture.
- → Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends works well to accommodate gluten-free needs without impacting the shape or flavor much.
- → What temperature and timing are best for baking?
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges turn lightly golden for optimal texture.
- → Are there any suggested flavor variations?
Adding a touch of almond extract to the dough enhances flavor subtly. Also, swapping vanilla with other extracts can customize taste.
- → How should the decorations be set after assembling?
Let the decorated cookies rest at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to allow the chocolate and marshmallows to firm up and hold their shape.