Polar Bear Cookies are a fun, frosty-themed treat made with simple ingredients and lots of creativity. I love making these adorable cookies during the winter season—they’re cute, easy to decorate, and always a hit at holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges. With a combination of sweet white chocolate and playful candy features, these cookies bring a whimsical touch to the dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and festive these cookies are. There’s no complicated baking or decorating required, and I can get the whole batch done quickly with just a few ingredients. They’re perfect for making with kids, gifting, or adding to a winter-themed cookie platter. Plus, they’re as delicious as they are cute, with a sweet crunch and smooth chocolate coating.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Vanilla sandwich cookies or round sugar cookies (as the base)
- White chocolate chips or white candy melts (for coating)
- Mini marshmallows (for ears)
- Mini chocolate chips or edible black pearls (for eyes)
- Black decorating gel or candy for the nose
- Optional: coconut flakes or sanding sugar for decoration
Directions
- I melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth and silky.
- I dip each cookie into the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat and lift them out gently. I let the excess drip off.
- I place the coated cookies on a sheet of parchment or wax paper.
- While the chocolate is still wet, I press two mini marshmallows at the top edge of each cookie to form the bear’s ears.
- I add two mini chocolate chips or candy pearls for eyes and use a dot of black gel or a small round candy for the nose.
- I let the cookies set at room temperature or chill them briefly in the fridge until the coating hardens.
- Once set, I store them or serve immediately for the full polar bear effect.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20 cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Set time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: Around 40 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I use peppermint-flavored sandwich cookies or fill the centers with peanut butter for a surprise twist. I’ve also dipped some in white chocolate mixed with a bit of coconut oil for a thinner coating. For sparkle, I sprinkle sanding sugar or shredded coconut on the wet chocolate to give a snowy look. And for extra detail, I use black icing to draw a little smile.
storage/reheating
I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If my kitchen is warm, I keep them in the fridge to avoid melting. I don’t reheat them—they’re meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. They can also be frozen in a sealed container with parchment between layers.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cookies for this?
Yes. I’ve used homemade sugar cookies or shortbread rounds. I just make sure they’re completely cooled before dipping.
How do I melt the white chocolate without burning it?
I melt it in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between. White chocolate burns quickly, so I watch it closely.
Can I make these ahead?
Definitely. I make them up to 3 days in advance and store them in a cool place or the fridge until I’m ready to serve.
What can I use instead of marshmallows for ears?
I sometimes use white chocolate buttons, yogurt-covered raisins, or even halved mini cookies for a creative variation.
Are these safe for kids to decorate?
Yes. This is a great recipe for kids to help with—they love placing the eyes, ears, and noses. I just handle the chocolate melting myself.
Conclusion
Polar Bear Cookies are one of my favorite winter treats to make and share. They’re cute, quick, and full of personality, with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Whether I’m making them for a holiday party, snow day snack, or edible gift, these cookies always bring a little fun to the frosty season.
Print
Polar Bear Cookies are no-bake, winter-themed treats made by coating vanilla cookies in white chocolate and decorating them with marshmallow ears and candy features. Fun, festive, and perfect for holiday platters or making with kids.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 20 vanilla sandwich cookies or round sugar cookies
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or white candy melts
- 40 mini marshmallows (for ears)
- 40 mini chocolate chips or edible black pearls (for eyes)
- Black decorating gel or small black round candy (for noses)
- Optional: shredded coconut or white sanding sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Melt white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each cookie into the melted chocolate, coating completely. Use a fork to lift and let excess drip off.
- Place dipped cookies on parchment or wax paper.
- While coating is wet, attach two mini marshmallows to the top of each cookie for ears.
- Place two mini chocolate chips or candy pearls as eyes and a dot of black gel or candy for the nose.
- Optional: Sprinkle with coconut flakes or sanding sugar for a snowy effect.
- Let cookies set at room temperature or chill briefly in the fridge until hardened.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if needed.
Notes
- Use peppermint cookies or fill with peanut butter for a flavor twist.
- Thin the chocolate with a bit of coconut oil for easier coating.
- Kids love helping with the decoration step—make it a fun holiday activity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
