Save Adorable sugar cookies decorated to resemble polar bear paw prints—perfect for childrens parties and winter celebrations.
I loved making these cookies with my kids during the holiday season—they enjoyed pressing the marshmallows and chocolate chips to create the paw prints.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine ingredients:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in milk.
- Form cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with your palm.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.
- Melt chocolate:
- While cookies cool, melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Decorate cookies:
- 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.
- Add details:
- 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.
- Set decorations:
- Allow decorations to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to firm up.
Save My family especially loves enjoying these cookies with hot chocolate on cold evenings together.
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 These cookies make a delightful treat that brings joy to any winter celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the paw print design?
The paw print is formed using melted white chocolate as a base, large marshmallows for the main pad, mini chocolate chips as toes, and chocolate melts for side pads.
- → Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour works well without altering the texture significantly.
- → How do I ensure the cookies hold their shape?
Chilling the dough briefly and flattening evenly before baking helps the cookies maintain the desired shape during baking.
- → Is there an alternative to regular marshmallows?
Vegan marshmallows can be used as a substitute, suitable for those avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
- → What is the best way to melt the chocolate chips?
Melting white chocolate chips in short bursts in a microwave-safe bowl and stirring frequently ensures smoothness without burning.
- → How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to five days.