Bear Paw Cookies
Bear Paw Cookies: A Fun & Delicious Treat
Bear Paw Cookies are soft, buttery cookies with rich chocolate accents designed to resemble adorable bear paw prints! These cookies are not only delicious and easy to make, but they’re also a fun baking project for kids and special occasions.
With a simple sugar cookie base, a hint of vanilla, and melty chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just a cozy treat with a glass of milk.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Super Simple Ingredients – Basic pantry staples make this an easy, no-fuss recipe.
✔️ Fun & Kid-Friendly – Kids love helping shape the cookies and pressing in the chocolate!
✔️ Rich & Buttery Flavor – The perfect balance of sweet, soft, and chocolatey.
✔️ Great for Special Occasions – Ideal for themed parties, camping trips, or holiday baking.
The Secret to the Best Bear Paw Cookies
1. Use Softened Butter for the Best Texture
Softened butter makes the cookies soft and tender with a slight chew.
2. Chill the Dough for Defined Shapes
Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much, keeping the paw shape intact.
3. Use Different Sizes of Chocolate Chips
A mix of large and small chocolate chips or chocolate disks creates the best paw print effect!
4. Dust with Powdered Sugar for a Snowy Look
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Decoration:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for “claws” and “pads”)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How to Make Bear Paw Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 3: Shape the Bear Paw Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and slightly flatten them on the baking sheet.
- Press one large chocolate chip or chocolate disk into the center of each cookie (this is the “main pad”).
- Press three or four smaller chocolate chips above the main pad to create the “toes.”
Step 4: Bake Until Lightly Golden
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Optional Finishing Touches
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Serve warm or store for later!
How to Store & Freeze Bear Paw Cookies
Storing Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions:
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes.
- Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Fun Variations & Add-Ins
1. Peanut Butter Bear Paws 🥜
- Swap ½ cup butter for ½ cup peanut butter for a nutty twist.
2. Double Chocolate Bear Paws 🍫
- Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate cookie base.
3. Caramel Bear Paws 🍯
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies for extra indulgence.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Bear Paws 🍂
- Roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a warm, spiced flavor.
What to Serve with Bear Paw Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but pair beautifully with:
🥛 A cold glass of milk – The classic combo!
☕ Coffee or hot chocolate – Perfect for a cozy treat.
🍦 Vanilla ice cream – Serve warm cookies with a scoop of ice cream.
🍓 Fresh berries – Adds a fresh contrast to the sweet cookies.
Final Thoughts: A Fun & Tasty Treat for All Ages!
Bear Paw Cookies are adorable, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking with kids, making treats for a themed party, or just indulging your love of chocolate and cookies, this recipe is a must-try!
Try them out and let me know—what’s your favorite way to enjoy Bear Paw Cookies?
Print
Bear Paw Cookies
With a simple sugar cookie base, a hint of vanilla, and melty chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just a cozy treat with a glass of milk.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Decoration:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for “claws” and “pads”)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 3: Shape the Bear Paw Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and slightly flatten them on the baking sheet.
- Press one large chocolate chip or chocolate disk into the center of each cookie (this is the “main pad”).
- Press three or four smaller chocolate chips above the main pad to create the “toes.”
Step 4: Bake Until Lightly Golden
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Optional Finishing Touches
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Serve warm or store for later!
Notes
How to Store & Freeze Bear Paw Cookies
Storing Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions:
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes.
- Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
