Polar Bear Paws

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Craving something sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy all at once? These Polar Bear Paws are the ultimate treat to satisfy every kind of craving. Imagine soft, buttery caramel hugging roasted peanuts, all cloaked in a thick layer of creamy white chocolate. Every bite delivers a playful contrast of texture and taste—decadent yet down-to-earth.

Popular during the holiday season but irresistible year-round, Polar Bear Paws are perfect for gifting or indulging in a bite-sized delight. Whether you’re making these for a festive cookie tray or just need a cozy winter night treat, this recipe brings together minimal effort and maximum reward.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started on your Polar Bear Paws, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

• Microwave-safe bowl: Essential for melting caramel and white chocolate evenly without burning.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape every last bit of that melted goodness and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Parchment paper: This nonstick surface is key for shaping the candies and allowing them to cool without sticking.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Ensures uniform candy clusters and a neater presentation.
• Baking sheet: Gives you a stable, flat area to set and cool your treats.

Each of these tools plays a simple yet vital role in helping you create neat, delicious, and picture-perfect Polar Bear Paws.

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Ingredients for the Polar Bear Paws

• Roasted peanuts: Provide that salty crunch and a nutty base to balance the sweetness.
• Caramel candies: The heart of this treat; they melt down into a smooth, buttery filling that binds the peanuts.
• Heavy cream: Softens the caramel and creates a creamier texture, making the candy easier to chew.
• White chocolate chips or melting wafers: The final luscious coating that delivers a sweet, creamy shell.
• Coconut oil or shortening (optional): Helps the white chocolate melt smoother and coat more evenly.

Each of these ingredients plays a unique role in balancing flavors and textures, resulting in a crave-worthy bite every time.

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How To Make the Polar Bear Paws

Step 1: Melt the Caramel

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.

Step 2: Mix in the Peanuts

Stir the roasted peanuts into the melted caramel until evenly coated. Let the mixture cool slightly so it firms up enough to scoop.

Step 3: Form the Clusters

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop small mounds of the peanut-caramel mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to set at room temperature or chill briefly.

Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate

Melt the white chocolate chips or wafers in the microwave, adding a little coconut oil if needed for a smoother finish.

Step 5: Coat and Set

Spoon the melted white chocolate over each candy cluster, fully covering the tops. Let them cool completely until the chocolate hardens.

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Serving and Storing Your Polar Bear Paws

Once the white chocolate sets, Polar Bear Paws are ready to enjoy! Serve them on a decorative plate for parties, add them to a festive cookie tin, or sneak a few into your lunchbox for a sweet surprise.

For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen is particularly warm, store them in the fridge to keep the chocolate firm. Just let them sit out a few minutes before eating to soften slightly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Polar Bear Paws last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 7 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Can I use salted or unsalted peanuts?

Both work, but salted peanuts offer that sweet-salty contrast that makes these treats irresistible.

Can I freeze Polar Bear Paws?

Yes, they freeze well. Wrap them in parchment and store in an airtight bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can try dairy-free caramel and white chocolate alternatives, but note that texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I make them ahead for holiday gifts?

Absolutely! These hold up beautifully for gifting. Just keep them cool and dry.

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Want More Candy Dessert Ideas?

You might also love the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars, layered with silky chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Or try the festive Easy Jello Meringue Cookies for a light, fruity crunch.

If you’re leaning toward quick indulgence, the 6-Minute Caramel Recipe is a time-saving favorite. For more texture, check out Praline Crunch, a perfect mix of toffee-coated cereal and pecans. And for another bite-sized classic, the Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are always a showstopper.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use cashews instead of peanuts? Did you drizzle extra caramel on top? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

For more of my sweet creations, follow along on Pinterest – LadyPlate.

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