No cookie cutter or fancy decorating needed to make these adorable polar bear cookies using just using a circle! Simply decorate with M&M’s to create an adorable polar bear face.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Cookies
Keyword cut out sugar cookies, decorated christmas cookies, polar bear cookies
1teaspoonalmond extract(nut allergy? you can substitute this with extra vanilla!)
1teaspoonbaking powder
½teaspoonsalt
2cupsall-purpose flour
Buttercream Frosting
1cupunsalted buttersoftened
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
1 ½teaspoonsalmond extract
¼teaspoonsalt
3cupspowdered sugar
Gel food coloring
Tools/Toppings:
M&M's candy (I used both mini & regular sized M&M's)
Circle cookie cutter2.5-3" in diameter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, cream together unsalted butter (¾ cup, i.e. 1 ½ sticks) and granulated sugar (¾ cup) on medium speed for 20-30 seconds. Mix in egg (1 large), vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) and almond extract (1 teaspoon). Add in baking powder (1 teaspoon), salt (½ teaspoon), and all-purpose flour (2 cups) and mix until combined. Transfer to a flour-covered surface and use a rolling pin to roll dough ⅜" to ½" thick. Use a 2.5-3" circle cookie cutter or glass cup to cut out dough.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Depending on size of your cookie cutter and thickness of dough, you may need to bake for a few extra minutes. Allow to cool before decorating.
To make frosting: In a large mixing bowl, add softened unsalted butter (1 cup, i.e. 2 sticks), vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), almond extract (1 ½ teaspoons), and salt (¼ teaspoon). Cream together on medium speed for 30 seconds, or until blended together. Mix in powdered sugar ½ cup at a time (3 cupstotal) until all is incorporated. Turn mixer to high speed, and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
To decorate: Reference the photos in the post above or print off my printable instruction PDF to decorate the polar bear faces.1. Use a piping or ziploc bag to spread on white frosting. If desired, press wet cookie into white sanding sugar.2. With your white frosting, pipe a large dot in the center for the nose and 2 smaller dots on the top for the ears.3. Press on 2 mini brown M&M's for the eyes, 2 mini red M&M's for the cheeks, and one regular-sized brown M&M for the nose.
Substitutions for M&M's: You can also use chocolate chips or eyeball sprinkles to create the eyes! If you don’t have either of those, you can also dye a little bit of frosting brown or black pipe on the details (although this is definitely messier & more effort!).Storing: store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.Freezing: you can freeze these polar bear cookies for up to 1 month in an airtight container. I suggest freezing them in one layer before stacking. After they’re frozen, you can place parchment paper in between each later to prevent them from sticking together.Make Ahead: freeze the unfrosted cookies and then let them thaw to room temperature before decorating. This is a great option if you want to make them ahead for a cookie decorating party!