These polar bear paw cookies are un-BEARably cute! Chocolate cookies get a quick coating of icing and a dusting of sweetened coconut and clear sprinkles for a sweet and sparkling winter treat that can't be beat!
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I am always looking for quick and easy cookie ideas and especially love themed desserts!
These polar bear paw cookies are perfect for a polar bear themed party dessert or a fun, festive winter treat.
Bear paw cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. Of course kids love them but they are absolutely adorable on a Christmas cookie tray too with some eggnog cookies and homemade cranberry bars. They also taste great with an oat milk hot cocoa!
The best part is that they are just as easy to make as they are to enjoy!
Let's get started.
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Ingredients
This recipe is more like a food craft, but you can make them as homemade as you want! You will need:
- Large Chocolate Cookies: Buy store-bought for the ultimate easy dessert or use your favorite homemade cookie recipe.
- Vanilla Icing: The whiter hue, the better!
- Shredded Coconut: You can either use sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference.
- Confectioners Sugar: Just a small amount gives the coconut a snowy, fluffy appearance that is perfect for a polar bear!
- Clear Sparkle Sprinkles: For a touch of shimmer and winter magic.
- Peppermint Patties: I used the "thins" for this recipe, so they would lay a bit flatter.
- Junior Mints: A perfect compliment to the patties!
See recipe card for the full ingredient list and exact quantities of each.
Substitutions
I love making this recipe as written, but if you need to swap out some ingredients, the following changes can be made.
- Chocolate Cookies: The chocolate cookies can be swapped out with your favorite cookie! Try chocolate chip, gluten free, or even a brownie base!
- Vanilla Icing: You can use your favorite icing in place of the vanilla, however the vanilla icing is perfect for a snowy background!
- Peppermint Patties: The peppermint patties can be replace with a thin mint, an oreo cookie, or any smaller chocolate cookie or candy.
- Junior Mints: Instead of Junior Mints you can try these cookies with brown M&Ms or even chocolate chips.
Equipment
Once you have all of your ingredients gathered, you will want to get the equiptment together. You don't need much to make these cookies:
- Food Processor: For chopping the coconut into nice, fine shreds.
- Knife: For spreading the frosting.
- Serving Tray: To serve them up for your family and guests!
How to Make Polar Bear Paw Cookies
These cookies go together in just minutes and are a fun cookie to get the kids to help you prepare. Here's an overview but be sure to check the recipe card for the full instructions.
Start by spreading a layer of icing on each cookie.
I like to leave a little edge of the cookie peeking out. When the confectioners sugar falls over the edge, it gives it a snowy appearance.
As you are spreading, you will want to remember that you will be pressing the peppermint candies into the icing. Apply a generous layer so the candies stick easier.
Put the shredded coconut and the powdered sugar in the food processor.
Using the pulse setting, pulse the ingredients together about 5 times.
You want the coconut to be in smaller, fine shreds and completely coated in the powdered sugar. It should have a snowy, furry appearance.
Sprinkle it over each cookie when the desired texture is reached. Then add the clear sprinkles on top which should cling to any remaining open areas.
I like to do this step over a plate so that no sprinkles are wasted!
Finally it's time to make the paw print!
Start with the base of the paw print and lightly press a peppermint patty into the bottom center of the cookie.
Finish the cookie by using the junior mints as toes, placing three candies evenly apart over the peppermint patty.
They are so fun and easy to make!
Storage
In my house, these cookies get devoured right away! But if you are making them ahead of the party, they will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Be sure to store them either at room temperature or the fridge in an air tight container. These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
Expert Tips and FAQS
I can't wait for you to try these polar bear paw print cookies! Remember these tips when making them:
- Apply a generous layer of frosting so that the candies will have something to stick to on top of the cookies.
- Pulse the coconut just FIVE times, being careful not to over mix.
- Apply the sprinkles last, so they can adhere to any open frosting areas.
Yes, you can use homemade cookies for this recipe. Make sure they are large enough in size to accommodate a peppermint patty and junior mints.
Try smaller chocolate cookies, M&M's, and chocolate chips if you don't care for peppermint.
Store them in an air tight container for up to five days. Depending on the type of cookie and frosting, they an be stored at room temperature or in the fridge.
More Fun and Easy Dessert Recipes
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Polar Bear Paw Print Cookies
Ingredients
- 12 large chocolate cookies store bought or homemade
- 16 ounce container vanilla frosting
- ½ cup shredded coconut unsweetened
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- Clear Sparkle Sprinkles
- 12 Peppermint Patties
- 36 Junior Mint Candies
Instructions
- Apply a generous layer of frosting to each chocolate cookie, leaving a bit of chocolate cookie showing out around the edges. Set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the coconut and powdered sugar. Use the pulse setting about 5 times to chop the coconut into small shreds.
- Sprinkle a little bit of the sugared coconut on each cookie.
- Use the clear sparkling sprinkles over the top to fill in any open gaps.
- Press the peppermint patties into the bottom center of each cookie.
- Press three junior mints on top of the peppermint patties.
- Serve and enjoy!
Elizabeth says
How cute! Can't wait to try for the holidays.
Oscar says
These cookies are super cute. Going to make them this weekend for a cookie exchange. Thanks for the recipe.
swathi says
Polar Bear Paw cookies looks delicious and really cute. I am going to give it a try with my kids.
Kelly says
These are adorable! I can't wait to make these with my kiddos!