Unicorn Birthday Cake

Teddy bear cookies are a super festive, fun and whimsy dessert that make any party a hit, especially when kids can devour them. These cookies are not only adorable but can be customized to your liking and are simple to make.

These teddy bear-shaped cookies are sure to be a hit whether you are baking them for a birthday party, a fun family gathering or just as a sweet surprise.

In this article, you will see a simple teddy bear cookie recipe, including some variations and also several tips for decorating the cookies to make them look cuter.

Ingredients for Teddy Bear Cookies

Here’s a basic recipe for making soft and delicious teddy bear cookies:

Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed)

Decorations:

• Chocolate chips (for the eyes)
• Mini marshmallows (optional for the nose)
• Coloured icing (optional for details)

Instructions for Making Teddy Bear Cookies

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Make the Cookie Dough

Combine in another medium bowl the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy. It should take 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Pour in the egg and vanilla and stir to combine.

Gradually, Mix in the Dry Ingredients Slowly Until a Smooth Dough Forms. The dough should clump up into a thick ball — if not too dry to hold together, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of milk.

Shape the Teddy Bears

Divide the dough into different sizes(begin with a ball for the body, one for the head and even smaller ones for the arms, legs and ears) Put the larger ball (body) on an ovenproof sheet and then press it slightly.

Use the head and other small dough pieces to create a teddy bear. You can press down to make sure that they are held together. These guys will puff up just a tiny bit so leave some room for growth.

Decorate Before Baking

You can put in chocolate chips for eyes and a mini marshmallow nose if you want. You can even go in and add the face detail with a small piece of candy or icing.

Bake the Cookies

Bake the teddy bear cookies for 8-10 minutes or until just set and barely golden around the edges. Cool on a baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then remove from the sheet and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Variations of Teddy Bear Cookies

You can decorate your teddy bear cookies by trying different variations. Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Teddy Bears: Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder in with the dough, making a chocolate cookie.
• Peanut Butter Teddy Bears: Swap out some, or all of the butter for peanut butter for a nuttier taste.
• Spiced Teddy Bears: 1 tsp of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a “warmer” flavour.
• Gluten-Free: To make these low-carb chocolate cookies gluten-free, swap the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Decorating Teddy Bear Cookies

The decoration of teddy bear cookies is as minimal or as involved and detailed as you want to take it. Some more interesting decoration ideas are:-

• Colourful Icing: Use your icing to add fun touches like collars, bow ties, shirts, and dresses to the teddy bear cookies. You can even draw smiles or other expressions
• Sprinkles: Another option to use before baking, this time you can sprinkle some coloured sugar or sprinkles on the teddy bears for a colourful and fun finish.
• Edible glitter: After baking, lightly sprinkle your cookies with edible glitter for an effect cementing that your cookies are made from magic.
• Royal icing details: For more detailed patterns, use royal icing to draw on the small parts such as fur texture or clothes for teddy bear cookies.

Tips and Tricks for Teddy Bear Cookies

• Chill the dough: If your dough feels sticky, chill it for about 15-20 minutes before you roll and cut shapes out. This will make it easier to handle.
• Even sizing: Your teddy bear pieces should all be the same it will help to get you with some even baking.
• Be gentle: When attaching the smaller parts (ears, arms, legs), press very lightly so they don’t puff off in baking.
• Keep it simple for kids: Keep the decorations simple for children and let them have fun.

Conclusion

Teddy bear cookies are adorable and make baking particularly enjoyable. Whether you are preparing these for a special occasion or just a weekend project with the kids, these cute little animals will certainly be a hit.

These cookies are suitable for a wide range of cooks, thanks to such simple ingredients, no-fuss preparation, and infinite decorating possibilities. From taste to decoration to shape, make this ordinary cookie recipe truly magical and full of creativity.

Okay, well then, don’t stand on ceremony: roll up your sleeves, take out those cookie cutters and start making some delicious little bears now!