Polar Bear Paw Cookies

Featured in: Simple Comfort Treats

These charming sugar cookies are shaped and decorated to mimic polar bear paw prints, using white chocolate, large marshmallows, and mini chocolate chips. The dough is soft and lightly sweetened with vanilla extract, baked until golden edges appear. After cooling, the cookies are adorned with melted white chocolate and paw-shaped decorations for a playful and festive touch. Ideal for children's parties or winter celebrations, they pair wonderfully with hot chocolate or milk.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:17:00 GMT
Warm sugar-dusted Polar Bear Paw Print Cookies with melted white chocolate and dark chocolate chips. Pin this
Warm sugar-dusted Polar Bear Paw Print Cookies with melted white chocolate and dark chocolate chips. | terracrumb.com

Adorable sugar cookies decorated to resemble polar bear paw prints—perfect for childrens parties and winter celebrations.

I loved making these with my kids they enjoyed decorating each cookie especially the paw pads and toes

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
Freshly baked Polar Bear Paw Print Cookies, showcasing adorable marshmallow paw pads ready to eat. Pin this
Freshly baked Polar Bear Paw Print Cookies, showcasing adorable marshmallow paw pads ready to eat. | terracrumb.com

These cookies create wonderful family moments especially during holiday gatherings everyone loves to help decorate

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

Nutritional Information

Per cookie Calories 150 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 23 g Protein 2 g

Close-up of cute, decorated Polar Bear Paw Print Cookies, perfect for a winter holiday dessert. Pin this
Close-up of cute, decorated Polar Bear Paw Print Cookies, perfect for a winter holiday dessert. | terracrumb.com

Enjoy making these delightful cookies with your loved ones easier than expected and always a hit at parties

Recipe Questions

What ingredients create the paw print decoration?

The decoration uses melted white chocolate as a base, large marshmallows for the paw pads, mini chocolate chips for toes, and chocolate melts for pad accents.

Can the dough be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make the dough gluten-free while maintaining texture.

How long should the cookies bake?

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F until edges are lightly golden, then cool before decorating.

Is there a vegan option for the decorations?

Vegan marshmallows can replace regular marshmallows for decoration, and choosing dairy-free chocolate melts makes the topping vegan-friendly.

What tools are recommended for preparation?

Using an electric mixer, mixing bowls, baking sheets lined with parchment paper, measuring tools, and a microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate ensures smooth preparation.

How can flavor be enhanced in the dough?

Add a touch of almond extract to the dough to introduce a subtle, rich flavor complementing the sweet base.

Polar Bear Paw Cookies

Sweet sugar cookies shaped with white chocolate and marshmallow details, perfect for festive gatherings.

Prep time
25 mins
Time to cook
12 mins
Time Required
37 mins
Created by Nora Whitfield


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 24 Portions

Diet Info Meat-Free

What You Need

Cookies

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 1 large egg
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 1 tablespoon milk

Decoration

01 1 cup white chocolate chips
02 24 large white marshmallows
03 72 mini chocolate chips
04 48 chocolate melts or chocolate disks

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 05

Add Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Stir in milk to form the dough.

Step 06

Shape Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 08

Melt White Chocolate: While cookies cool, melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Step 09

Decorate Cookies: Spread a thin layer of melted white chocolate on each cookie. Press a large marshmallow near the bottom edge to serve as the paw pad.

Step 10

Add Paw Details: Affix three mini chocolate chips above each marshmallow to form toes. Place two chocolate melts or disks on each side of the marshmallow to represent side pads.

Step 11

Set Decorations: Allow the decorated cookies to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to firm the decorations.

Equipment Needed

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Allergy Details

Review every item for possible allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, egg, and soy (possible in some chocolate products). Check labels carefully.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Details are for information. Always discuss dietary choices with your doctor.
  • Energy (cal): 150
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 2 g