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Home » Christmas Cookies » Ginger Bears

Ginger Bears

December 11, 2013 By Kim Beaulieu 61 Comments

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These Ginger Bears are super cute gingerbread cookies just in time for the holidays. Whip up a batch for your Christmas cookie exchange!

Gingerbread Polar Bear Cookies on a dark surface.

This girl loves gingerbread cookies and these gingerbread polar bear cookies are no exception!

I have a weakness for cute food. Honestly, I cannot help myself. The cuter the better, especially around the holidays. These little bear cookies just make me happy.

When we drove my son out west for school we did some shopping in Banff, Alberta. I found some of the cutest cookie cutters I’ve ever seen.

One of those cookie cutters was a bear. So stinking cute!

Being Canadian, I have lots of memories of travelling our great country and seeing lots of bears. Unfortunately, I’ve never seen a polar bear.

When I was younger we were travelled through the Rocky Mountains. My dad took the boys to get gas but dropped my mom and I off at this little stand that sold drinks and food.

We were ordering coffees when the lady behind the stand gasped and slammed down the front of the stand. My Mom and I stood there shocked.

So, we looked around and there was a bear standing behind us. My Mom freaked out and tried to get my Dad’s attention.

In the meantime, I was trying to pet the bear. No lie!

Luckily we weren’t killed. My dad drove up and threw food to distract it.

We got in the car and my Mom tried to calm down. I was still wondering why everyone was so upset I wanted to pet the bear.

Yup, I was one naive young hooligan.  Every time I see a bear on our travels I always think of this story from my childhood.

So, of course I had to make these cute little ginger bear cookies because gingerbread cookies are a must for the holidays!

More Christmas Recipes:

  • Gingerbread Fudge
  • Chocolate Coconut Cookies
  • Ginger Horse Cookies
  • How to Make Perfectly Cute Gingerbread People
  • Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
  • Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Wands
  • Easy Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
  • Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies

Gingerbread Polar Bear Cookies on a dark surface.

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Gingerbread Polar Bear Cookies on a dark surface.
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Ginger Bears

These Gingerbread Polar Bear Cookies are super cute for the holidays. Whip up a batch or two for your Christmas cookie exchange!
Course Cookies
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas cookies, gingerbread cookies, polar bear cookies
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 507kcal

Equipment

  • Glass Mixing Bowl
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cookie Sheet
  • Stand Mixer
  • Piping Bag

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for rolling
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tsp ground ginger
  • 3 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp coarse salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup molasses

For the Royal Icing:

  • 1 lb confectioners' sugar
  • 5 tbsp meringue powder
  • 1/4 cup water
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

For the Cookies:

  • Sift your flour, baking soda, and baking powder over a large bowl. Set aside.
  • In a stand mixer, with a paddle attachment, mix your brown sugar and butter. You want to mix it on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy.
  • Now mix in the spices and salt. After that add the eggs and the molasses. Turn the speed down to low.
  • Slowly add the flour mixture; mix slowly until it's barely combined. Divide the dough into 3 pieces and wrap each one separately in plastic wrap, or pop in a container.
  • Stick in the fridge until it's cold, at least for an hour, preferably overnight.
  • When you're ready to make the cookies preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Now you can roll out your dough on a lightly floured work surface. You want the dough to be about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out your bears, and pop them on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Stick the sheets in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or freezer for about 15 minutes.
  • Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10 to 14 minutes.
  • Remove and allow to cool for a few minutes, transfer to wire racks and allow to cool completely.

For the Royal Icing:

  • In a stand mixer combine your sugar, meringue powder and water, use a paddle attachment and mix on low. You want the mixture to be smooth, which should take about 7 to 9 minutes.
  • You can adjust the icing if needed. If it's too thick add more water, if it's too thin add more confectoners' sugar.
  • Transfer to a piping bag if desired. I just smoothed on with an offset spatula.
  • Sprinkle with fancy sugars or sprinkles.
  • Serve with a big old don't feed (or pet) the bears smile!

Notes

Cookie Recipe adapted slightly from Martha Stewart's Gingerbread Snowflakes
Royal Icing Recipe credit to Martha Stewart's Royal Icing

Nutrition

Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 321mg | Potassium: 409mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 57g | Vitamin A: 388IU | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 4mg

Gingerbread Polar Bear Cookies on a dark surface.

Thanks for visiting today!

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Toodles! xx

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Comments

  1. Jen @JuanitasCocina says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    I need extra icing. 😀

    Happy day #3!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:16 AM

      Ha, me too. I swear I eat half of it before I even ice my cookies.

      Happy Day 3 back at ya.

      Reply
  2. Tara says

    December 11, 2013 at 9:07 AM

    Love your cute ginger bears!! I had a bear encounter when I was young too!! It was a mom and two cubs, scary situation but it ended just fine with all going their merry way!!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:17 AM

      Thanks Tara.

      It’s scary right. As kids we have no idea. My dad loved to camp so we experienced a ton of nature growing up. I still love it.

      Reply
  3. Teresa says

    December 11, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    I’ve been looking for amber glass boston bottles and there they are on the first page

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:17 AM

      Those are gorgeous. Good luck.

      Reply
  4. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says

    December 11, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    Ok 1–that story is adorable, yet scary, but since it ended well: adorable.

    2-THESE COOKIES are adorable! seriuously. I just wanna eat em up…oh wait…I could! 😛

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:19 AM

      Ha, thanks. My dad was so freaked out, my mom was in shock. I just wanted to cuddle a bear.

      Thanks. I’m not great at cookie decorating but I try every year. I don’t think I have the patience for detailed cookies, lol.

      Reply
  5. Helene D'Souza says

    December 11, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    Yep you are not only the turtle queen but also the cute food trendsetter. =)
    I think your bear cookies look terrific Kim! Feel like grabbing for one now. =P

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:20 AM

      Awe, thanks Helene. I love Christmas. It was my mom’s fave time of the year so I think I just get way too into the spirit of the holidays.

      Reply
  6. Susan says

    December 11, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    These are just adorable and way better than gingermen!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:24 AM

      Awe, thanks Susan. xx

      Reply
  7. [email protected] Riffs says

    December 11, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    These are really cute! Adorable, even. 😉 So, even as a youngster you were a hooligan? Why are we not surprised? Fun post, great recipe. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:25 AM

      Thanks John. Ha, I am and always will be a hooligan. xx

      Reply
  8. Stacy says

    December 11, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    Cute food is the best! I mean as long as its delicious, like these bears, it might as well be cute too. I can just imagine you trying to pet that bear while the rest of the family freaks out! Great story!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:26 AM

      It really is. I had fun with these. I’m not a decorator but I try every year.

      So funny. Every time I luck out and see one again I always think of that lady slamming down the window on us. Who does that?

      Reply
  9. Elizabeth says

    December 11, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    I like the honey pot gourmet glass jars! So much fun!!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:27 AM

      They are cute.

      Reply
  10. Coco in the Kitchen says

    December 11, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    These are beary cute! Polar bears don’t get enough hype during the holidays. Good thing you picked them.
    Hope you’re doing well. xx

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:29 AM

      Bah ha ha ha. I am crying I’m laughing so hard.

      They don’t. It chuffs me off. We should never leave any animal out during the holidays. I mean polar bears could surely pull a sleigh.

      I am. I hope you are too. We need to catch up after the holidays. I can’t wait for my son to arrive. I’ll be taking about 10 days off, well, as much as bloggers can take time off. lol

      Reply
  11. Liz says

    December 11, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    I could eat a dozen of these sweet bears. I love, love ginger cookies!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 2:30 AM

      Thanks Liz. I love ginger, it’s so funny our horse is Ginger too. Kind of cool really. K’s bird is Tarragon as well. We call her Terror, she’s really bad. Lol.

      Reply
  12. The Ninja Baker says

    December 11, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    I’m not sure which is sweeter your story of trying to pet the bear or the cookies =) Maybe animal lover comes with the name, Kim =)

    Looking forward to the bionic story!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:36 PM

      Thanks so much Kim. I love when you visit. xx

      Reply
  13. Nikki says

    December 11, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    I would get some round glass jars…I really want to try making jam and applesauce!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:37 PM

      I love jam…and applesauce. Good luck.

      Reply
  14. Aimee @ See Aimee Cook says

    December 11, 2013 at 6:38 PM

    Those are so cute!!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:37 PM

      Thanks Aimee.

      Reply
  15. Stephanie says

    December 11, 2013 at 6:42 PM

    Like the clear glass milk bottles

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:38 PM

      Me too. They are wicked cute. Good luck.

      Reply
  16. Pam says

    December 11, 2013 at 6:59 PM

    Oh no! Sorry you didn’t get to pet the bear, but glad you guys made it out just fine. What a fun story! These cookies look pretty delicious, too 😉

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:38 PM

      Ha, thanks so much Pam. I had an interesting childhood. Never dull.

      Thanks, I love these cookies too.

      Reply
  17. Isabel says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:03 PM

    I love your ginger bears! I would probably get some equally cute glass jars with the gift card. Cute food products are so much better than their noncute counterparts

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:39 PM

      Thanks Isabel.

      Good luck with the giveaway.

      Reply
  18. Dionne Baldwin says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:43 PM

    OMG!!! These are SO CUTE! I want ginger bears.

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:40 PM

      Thanks Dionne. I love cute food.

      Reply
  19. Barb says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:45 PM

    square glass jars

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:40 PM

      Good luck Barb.

      Reply
  20. MaryB says

    December 11, 2013 at 11:23 PM

    I would get some gourmet glass jars with a beveled edge. So cute for gift giving.

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:41 PM

      Good luck Mary.

      Reply
  21. Michelle S. says

    December 11, 2013 at 11:45 PM

    I would buy a mix of glass jars to put cookie mixes in.

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:41 PM

      I love that. Good luck.

      Reply
  22. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

    December 12, 2013 at 2:36 AM

    What delightful bears!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:42 PM

      Thanks so much Maureen. xx

      Reply
  23. Rusty H says

    December 12, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    Oooooo, so many things from which to choose..!! I really like those plastic gripper containers AND the tin-plated steel cans AND the Mason jars AND……

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:42 PM

      Ha, I’d be like that too. I can never decide.

      Reply
  24. Emily @ Life on Food says

    December 12, 2013 at 1:31 PM

    So cute!! Cut cookies at the holidays are my favorite! Love the polar bears.

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:43 PM

      Thanks so much Emily. I love cookies, the cuter the better.

      Reply
  25. Allison (Spontaneous Tomato) says

    December 13, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    I would buy a bunch of the Wire Bale Air-Seal Glass Jars (with blue lids) for organizing all of the flours/grains/lentils in my pantry!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:44 PM

      Good choice. I love glass jars, I must have hundreds of mason jars. Good luck.

      Reply
  26. Shirley says

    December 13, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    WOW! I could use this card for my daughter’s wedding this coming October. We need Mason or Ball jars!!

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:45 PM

      Happy impending wedding for your daughter, how fun. Love Ball jars for weddings. Good luck.

      Reply
  27. Theresa Andrews says

    December 13, 2013 at 5:23 PM

    The pretty blue jars

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:45 PM

      I love blue jars. Good luck.

      Reply
  28. Mandy Shannon says

    December 14, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    Mason jars! Lovethe bear story 🙂

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:45 PM

      Thanks so much and good luck.

      Reply
  29. Carla says

    December 14, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    Over the summer in Tennessee, I got pictures of mama bear and her cubs. Except mama kept walking closer to me, and I didn’t notice at first because when you have a camera, the zoom makes things closer than they appear. Kinda scary actually haha Love the polar bears. Mine would just be polar blobs.

    Reply
    • Kim Beaulieu says

      December 14, 2013 at 6:47 PM

      Eek, that would be scary.

      I made those moosey blobs for you that one time. I now freeze all my dough. lol

      Reply
  30. Meghan Finley says

    December 14, 2013 at 10:28 PM

    I’d buy jars and canning supplies

    Reply
  31. Grace says

    December 14, 2013 at 10:39 PM

    I would just buy some small jars.

    Reply
  32. Debra Lee says

    December 14, 2013 at 11:19 PM

    I would buy the Endurance® 20 Qt. Water Bath Canner W/7 Jar Canning Rack!

    Reply

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