Polar Bear Paws Recipe

If you’re hunting for a crave-worthy holiday treat or a fun, easy kitchen project, Polar Bear Paws deliver in every delicious way. This sweet confection captures the perfect balance of chewy caramel, roasted peanuts, and dreamy white chocolate—creating bite-sized clusters that are impossible to resist. Whether you’re whipping these up for a party tray, gifting friends, or just treating yourself, Polar Bear Paws will be the star of the snack table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simplicity, where every ingredient counts and shines. Each component plays a key role in creating that signature sweet-salty flavor and luxuriously creamy texture you’ll love in Polar Bear Paws.

• Kraft Caramel Bits or squares (11 ounces): The heart of each paw, providing rich, buttery sweetness and sticky chewiness.
• Heavy whipping cream (3 tablespoons): Softens the caramel for easy melting and enhances the overall creaminess.
• Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds a silky mouthfeel and helps meld the caramel and cream into a luscious base.
• Peanuts, roasted and/or cocktail (1 cup): Add essential crunch and nutty, salty pops in every bite—choose your favorite for extra personality.
• Vanilla almond bark or white melting wafers (12 ounces): The snowy-white cloak that gives these treats their name, melting perfectly for smooth, glossy coverage.

How to Make Polar Bear Paws

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by lining a large cookie sheet with a Silpat mat or trusty parchment paper, then give it a light coating of butter. This step guarantees easy release—and absolutely no sticking—when it’s time to unveil your Polar Bear Paws.

Step 2: Melt the Caramel

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your caramel bits (or cut squares), the cream, and butter. Warm the mix in 30 second bursts, stirring after each session, until you get a smooth, dreamy caramel without any lumps. This method keeps things quick and simple while ensuring the caramel base is perfectly glossy and pourable.

Step 3: Add Peanuts and Cool

Fold the roasted peanuts into the warm caramel mixture and stir to coat every nut. Let this rich, nutty blend sit for about 15 minutes, giving it a stir every few minutes—this brief rest time allows the caramel to thicken up, making it far easier to shape your clusters later.

Step 4: Scoop and Refrigerate

Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of the caramel-peanut mixture onto your prepped pan. These are the core of your Polar Bear Paws! Slide the pan into the fridge for 30-60 minutes, until each mound is cool and set enough to handle gently.

Step 5: Melt the White Chocolate

Add your vanilla almond bark or melting wafers to a clean microwave-safe bowl. Warm gently in 30 second increments on low power, stirring after each round, until everything is smooth and silky. Be patient and avoid overheating—the key is glossy, pourable chocolate.

Step 6: Dip and Finish the Clusters

Take your caramel-peanut clusters from the fridge and dip each one into the melted white chocolate, using a fork for easy handling. Tap the fork lightly on the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off, then return each finished paw to the pan. Repeat with the remaining clusters, using up all that lovely chocolate.

Step 7: Chill Until Set

Once all your clusters are coated, pop the tray back into the fridge for another 30-60 minutes. When the chocolate shell is firm and glossy, your Polar Bear Paws are ready for wrapping or devouring!

How to Serve Polar Bear Paws

Garnishes

For an irresistible finishing touch, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of edible gold sparkle over each paw before the chocolate sets. This simple step enhances both the visual appeal and the flavor contrast, making these Polar Bear Paws truly unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Polar Bear Paws pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa, a tall glass of icy milk, or even a steaming cup of coffee. On a holiday cookie platter, they stand out next to chocolate crinkle cookies, classic peanut butter blossoms, or caramel popcorn for a crowd-pleasing sweet spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Polar Bear Paws in cute paper mini-muffin liners for an easy—and mess-free—display. If gifting, nestle them in a festive tin layered with wax paper, or stack them in cellophane bags tied with a sparkly ribbon. For parties, create a wintry “paws” trail across your dessert table for a playful, smile-inducing presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Polar Bear Paws keep their texture best when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Layer them between parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking, and you’ll have perfect, grab-and-go treats for up to two weeks.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Polar Bear Paws! Once they’re fully set, pack them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—just thaw for an hour at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

No reheating is needed to enjoy Polar Bear Paws, but if you love a gooier bite, let them warm briefly at room temperature. Avoid microwaving, which can melt the chocolate coating and compromise their snap.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! Cashews, almonds, or pecans all work well in Polar Bear Paws, giving each batch a unique flavor twist. Feel free to get creative based on your personal or dietary preferences.

Do I need to use almond bark, or can I substitute with white chocolate chips?

White chocolate chips can work in a pinch, though almond bark or melting wafers tend to melt more smoothly and set harder, keeping the clusters neat and tidy. If you use chips, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to help with melting and coating.

How do I get the clusters uniform in size?

Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon helps keep each Polar Bear Paw consistent in shape and size. Quick work while scooping also helps, since caramel likes to firm up as it cools.

Is it necessary to chill the clusters twice?

Chilling the clusters after both steps is key—first to set the caramel base, and again after coating in chocolate. This ensures they hold their shape and have that signature snap when you take a bite!

Can I make Polar Bear Paws vegan or dairy-free?

You can experiment with dairy-free caramels, vegan butter, and plant-based white chocolate melting wafers. The recipe is quite flexible—just keep an eye on your ingredients labels for any allergens.

Final Thoughts

Making Polar Bear Paws is an absolute treat, both in the kitchen and at snack time. There’s something so joyful about sharing a batch of these sweet, salty, perfectly chewy clusters with the people you love. I hope you give this recipe a try and watch it become a special favorite in your home, too!

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