Description

If you’re looking for a delightful baking adventure that’s both playful and scrumptious, look no further than these Bear Paw Cookies. These soft, buttery treats topped with chocolate melting wafers and chocolate chips are sure to charm both kids and adults alike. Here’s how you can bring these adorable bear-themed cookies to life in your kitchen:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
24 Ghiradelli dark chocolate melting wafers
72 semi-sweet chocolate chips (3 chips per cookie)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll into balls. For a slightly crunchy texture, roll each ball in extra sugar.
Place the dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: Create the Bear Paw Design

Remove from the oven and immediately press one Ghiradelli dark chocolate melting wafer into the center of each cookie to create the paw pad.
Place 3 semi-sweet chocolate chips above the wafer to resemble claws on each cookie.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, enjoy these adorable Bear Paw Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 9-12 minutes | Total Time: 19 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Notes

After baking up a batch of these charming Bear Paw Cookies, here are some useful tips to ensure they are served and stored perfectly:

Serving Tips:

Freshness: Bear Paw Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the chocolate is still slightly melted. Serve them warm for a gooey, delightful treat.
Accompaniments: Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, hot cocoa, or your favorite coffee. The combination of chocolate and buttery cookie will be perfectly complemented by a beverage.
Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or serve them in individual paper liners for a whimsical touch, especially at parties or gatherings.
Variety: Experiment with different types of chocolate for the paw pads and claws to add visual appeal and flavor variety. White chocolate or milk chocolate wafers can also be used.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store Bear Paw Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Reheating: If cookies lose their softness, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their warm, gooey texture.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen Bear Paw Cookies, thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to freshen them up.
Layering: If stacking cookies for storage, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together and preserve their appearance.