Description
These charming Chocolate Chip Bear Cookies are perfect for a fun baking project that yields adorable, flavorful treats. Soft and buttery with a delightful vanilla aroma, each cookie is carefully shaped and decorated with chocolate chips and candies to resemble a cute bear. Ideal for kids’ parties, holiday baking, or anytime you want to impress with creative cookies.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Decoration Ingredients
- Chocolate chips (standard size, for belly buttons and ears)
- Mini chocolate chips or melted chocolate (for eyes and mouth)
- Chocolate-covered candies or chocolate drops (for the nose)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure even distribution. Pour in the vanilla extract and beat until fully combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until a smooth, soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This firms the dough, making it easier to shape into bear forms and improves the final texture of the cookies.
- Shape Your Bears: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form the dough into bear parts: use a 2-inch oval or ball for the body, a 1.5-inch ball for the head, smaller ovals for arms and legs, and tiny 0.5-inch balls for ears and nose. Assemble each bear directly on the baking sheet, gently pressing pieces together. Use a toothpick or the back of a spoon to blend and secure the shapes.
- Decorate Before Baking: Press standard chocolate chips into the belly to represent buttons, add chocolate candies or drops for the nose, and use mini chocolate chips for eyes. Optionally, place chocolate chips in the ears for extra detail. Avoid mixing chips into the dough so decoration control remains precise.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies have set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cool, use melted chocolate and a toothpick to add smiles or other facial features for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier shaping and better texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Be gentle when assembling the bear shapes to avoid cracks or breaks.
- Adding the decorations before baking helps them adhere well during cooking.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before adding melted chocolate details to prevent smudging.
