Polar Bear Cookies are fun, festive treats that bring charm and sweetness to the holiday dessert table. Made with simple ingredients and decorated to resemble adorable polar bear faces, these cookies are a joy to make and even more fun to serve. I love baking these during the winter season—especially with kids or for holiday parties—because they’re just as cute as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s equal parts creative and delicious. The base cookie is soft and buttery, and I get to turn it into a winter-themed masterpiece with a few easy decorations. Whether I’m making them with little helpers or just want a whimsical addition to a cookie platter, these always bring smiles. And the best part? They’re easy to customize and don’t require any complicated decorating tools.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
White chocolate or candy melts (for coating)
Mini marshmallows (for ears)
Chocolate chips or candy eyes (for eyes)
Mini M&M’s or black decorating gel (for nose)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, I cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
I scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet, gently flattening each one with my palm.
I bake the cookies for about 10–12 minutes, then let them cool completely.
Once cooled, I melt the white chocolate and dip the tops of each cookie to create a smooth white base.
While the chocolate is still soft, I press on two mini marshmallows for ears, add chocolate chips or candy eyes, and finish with a mini M&M or gel dot for the nose.
I let the cookies set until the chocolate hardens before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 cookies. It takes roughly 45–50 minutes total, including prep, baking, cooling, and decorating time.

Variations

I sometimes swap the sugar cookie base with peanut butter or chocolate cookie dough for a twist. For a flavor boost, I’ve added almond extract or lemon zest to the dough. If I want a simpler version, I skip the dipping and just decorate the plain baked cookies. I’ve also used large marshmallows cut in half or yogurt-covered pretzels for different ear shapes.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I’m stacking them, I place parchment paper between the layers to keep the decorations intact. These cookies don’t need reheating, but I avoid storing them in warm areas so the decorations don’t melt.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. I let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze Polar Bear Cookies?

Yes, I freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. I decorate them after thawing to keep the details fresh and crisp.

What if I don’t have white chocolate?

I use vanilla candy melts or even a thick powdered sugar glaze as an alternative. Anything white and firm enough to hold decorations will work.

How do I keep the decorations from sliding off?

I make sure the coating is melted but not too hot, then press the decorations gently but firmly. Letting the cookies sit flat while setting also helps.

Can I make these with kids?

Definitely. I’ve made these with children, and they love the decorating part. I pre-bake the cookies and set up a decorating station with all the toppings ready.

Conclusion

Polar Bear Cookies are the kind of treat that brings joy just by looking at them—and even more once I take a bite. Soft, sweet, and endlessly adorable, they’re the perfect addition to any winter baking lineup. Whether I’m making them for fun, for a party, or just because it’s a cozy winter day, these cookies are always a hit.