These Polar Bear Paw Cookies bring a touch of whimsy and festive fun to any occasion. Whether you’re organizing a holiday cookie exchange, hosting a bear-themed party, or looking for a delightful treat kids can help make, these adorable cookies will steal the show. Their charming design combined with simple assembly makes them an enjoyable project for all ages.
With fluffy white icing mimicking the cold fur of a polar bear and candy paws adding a playful touch, each cookie offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, they’re beautifully customizable with your choice of candy toppings to suit your taste or theme.
- Simple and quick to prepare with no complicated baking skills needed.
- Perfect for festive events, kid-friendly, and great for group activities.
- Customizable candy toppings allow creativity and personalization.
Ingredients
- Round Cookies (12 each): Use flat, round cookies about 3 to 3 ½ inches wide to provide ample space for decoration.
- White Icing (16 ounces): Thick, smooth icing creates the perfect furry texture and acts as glue for the candy pieces.
- Peppermint Patties (12 each): These form the central paw pad and add a refreshing mint flavor contrast.
- Junior Mints (48 each): Used as the toes arranged in an arc to complete the paw print design.
- Flaked Coconut (1 ½ to 2 cups): Adds fluffy, white fur effect to the edges, enhancing the polar bear theme.
Instructions
- Acquire or Bake Cookies
-
Choose your favorite flat round cookies or bake your own ensuring they are completely cooled. Cooling is essential to prevent the icing from melting and sliding off.
- Prepare the Icing
-
Use homemade icing or store-bought white icing. The consistency should be thick enough to hold the candy without dripping. This base will help create the fluffy look and secure decorations.
- Ice Each Cookie
-
Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread icing generously and evenly across the cookie tops. Aim for a thick layer that will resemble bear fur and hold candies firmly in place.
- Create the Paw Pad
-
Place one peppermint patty near the bottom center edge of each cookie. This forms the central pad of the polar bear’s paw and brings a cool minty flavor contrast.
- Arrange the Toes
-
Evenly space four Junior Mints in an arc above the paw pad to mimic the bear’s toes. Ensure they adhere well to the icing and form a recognizable paw print shape.
- Apply the Flaked Coconut
-
Sprinkle shredded coconut over the remaining iced area to create a fluffy fur appearance. Use fingers to gently press the coconut into the icing without covering the paw print. If needed, a small brush can carefully remove stray flakes from the paw area.
- Final Touch and Serve
-
Let the icing set for a bit to secure the decorations. These cookies are now ready to delight guests or be packaged for gift-giving. Please leave a review if you try this recipe!
- Choose cookies at least 3 inches wide to comfortably fit all candy decorations.
- Apply generous amounts of icing to ensure candies stick securely and don’t fall off.
- Use a small brush to remove any coconut that falls onto the candy paw print for neat presentation.
Storage Tips
Store Polar Bear Paw Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring back to room temperature before serving to preserve texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint tea, enhancing their wintery theme. Serve as festive treats during holiday parties or include in themed snack boxes for children.
- Use an offset spatula for a smooth icing surface, allowing candy to stick evenly.
- Customize candies with alternatives like Oreo cookies for the paw pad or colored M&Ms for toes.
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before icing to prevent melting and sliding of decorations.
FAQs
- Can I bake the cookies myself instead of buying them?
-
Absolutely! Homemade sugar or butter cookies work wonderfully. Just ensure they cool completely before decorating.
- What can I use as a substitute for peppermint patties?
-
Fudge Oreos, regular Oreos, or thin Reese’s Cups can be great alternatives for the paw pad.
- Are there options besides Junior Mints for the toes?
-
Yes, brown M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate-covered raisins, or chocolate chips all work well.
- How long can these decorated cookies be stored?
-
They stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, longer if refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Can children help decorate these cookies?
-
Definitely! This is a fun, kid-friendly activity that allows children to arrange candy paws and sprinkle coconut.
- What if the coconut covers the candy paw accidentally?
-
Use a small clean brush to gently dust off the coconut from the candies for a clean paw print look.
Polar Bear Paw Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Offset Spatula or knife for spreading icing
Ingredients
- 12 round flat cookies about 3 to 3 ½ inches
- 16 ounces white icing
- 12 peppermint patties or fudge Oreos
- 48 Junior Mints or similar small candies
- 1 ½ to 2 cups flaked coconut
Instructions
- Prepare or purchase flat round cookies and ensure they are completely cooled.
- Make or buy white icing ready for spreading.
- Spread an even, thick layer of icing over each cookie using an offset spatula or knife.
- Place one peppermint patty near the bottom center edge of each cookie to form the bear paw pad.
- Arrange four Junior Mints in an arc above the pad to create the bear’s toes.
- Sprinkle flaked coconut around the paw print on the icing to resemble furry bear paws, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Avoid covering the candy paw pads and toes with coconut; use a small brush if needed to clean off excess.
Notes
- Use cookies about 3 inches wide to hold toppings well.
- Ensure icing is thick enough to secure decorations.
- Substitute fudge Oreos for paw pads or various candies for toes as preferred.
- Press coconut gently to avoid covering candy details.
