Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s almost too adorable to eat (but so delicious that you won’t be able to resist), Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies are the answer! Imagine the classic chocolate chip cookie transformed into an edible craft project—cuddly, playful, and absolutely irresistible to both kids and adults. Shaped like little bears, these cookies pair melt-in-your-mouth buttery dough with sweet bursts of chocolate chip and a hint of whimsy in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a playdate, or just want to brighten someone’s day, baking a batch of Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies is sure to bring out big smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great cookies start with the right ingredients, and these bring both flavor and fun to the table. Each component plays an important role in the taste, texture, or charming look of your Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Creates a tender, buttery cookie base and helps the dough come together seamlessly.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds rich caramel notes and extra chewiness—plus that perfect cookie color.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Brings classic sweetness while helping the cookies bake to a light golden brown.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together while lending moisture and structure to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of your cookies, creating just the right amount of bite and softness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle lift for that perfect, slightly puffy result.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out sweetness and brightens up the flavors so nothing falls flat.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Scatter chocolate joy throughout every bit of the teddy bears’ adorable bodies.
- Regular chocolate chips (1/4 cup): These bigger chips are perfect for bear noses and cute button accents.
- Chocolate or black icing gel (1/4 cup): The finishing touch for expressive teddy bear faces—eyes, smile, and all the details.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the sweet spot for perfectly golden cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready now means all you’ll need to think about later is assembly and aroma!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies, so don’t rush—give it a few good minutes to ensure lots of airiness.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. These ingredients add moisture and delightful flavor, binding your dough so it’s easy to shape and play with later on.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl. Now’s the time to make sure there are no floury lumps and that every bit of leavener and salt is evenly distributed. This step gives your cookies just the right chew and helps them hold their cute shapes.
Step 5: Make the Dough
Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. If it feels a touch sticky, don’t worry—that’s normal! Fold in the mini chocolate chips last, making sure they’re spread evenly throughout the dough for the ideal chocolatey touch in every teddy bear.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
If you want ultra-clean edges and easier shaping, pop the dough in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes. Chilling keeps your bears looking as polished as possible and helps them hold tight while baking.
Step 7: Shape the Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies
This is where the fun really begins! For each bear, roll one 1-inch ball for the body, one slightly smaller ball for the head, and five tiny balls for arms, legs, and ears. On your prepared baking sheet, gently press the balls together to build your bear, being careful not to squish them. Add a regular chocolate chip for the nose and press mini chips or gel buttons onto their bellies.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your assembled teddy bears for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. They should stay soft in the middle—just the way a teddy bear would want them! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps set their delicate shapes.
Step 9: Add Faces and Decorate
Once completely cooled, pipe on eyes, smiles, and any other details you’d like with chocolate or black icing gel. Now each bear has its own personality and you have a fresh batch of homemade Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies ready to delight.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few colorful nonpareils or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look. For birthdays or themed parties, candy eyes or mini M&Ms can be swapped in for buttons or other bear accessories to match your celebration style.
Side Dishes
These cookies go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For adult gatherings, try pairing Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies with a frothy cappuccino or a spiced chai latte to give your inner child (and everyone else) a real treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your bears in a picnic basket lined with colorful napkins for a playful presentation, or tuck them into clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for party favors. Stack them in a circle on a platter to look like a teddy bear “hug,” or add them to a dessert board with fruit and other mini sweets for extra charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place completely cooled Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to five days—if they last that long!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze fully baked cookies in a single layer first, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container for up to two months. Alternatively, shape and freeze the unbaked bears on a tray, then transfer and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked softness, warm cookies in the microwave for 7–10 seconds or in a low oven for a minute. If they were frozen, thaw at room temperature before reheating so every bite is gooey and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mix and match dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to put your own spin on these irresistible cookies. Even butterscotch or peanut butter chips can add a fun twist to your bear designs.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling is not strictly necessary, but it really helps the cookies keep their bear shapes during baking and makes the dough easier to handle. If your kitchen runs warm, don’t skip this step!
Can I make Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies gluten free?
Yes, just substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The shaping process works with most quality blends. Always check your other ingredients for gluten content too.
What’s the best way to decorate the faces?
Gel icing pens are easy and mess-free, letting you add tiny eyes and mouths with precision. For a fun alternative, try using candy eyes or edible paint pens for creative designs.
Can kids help with making these cookies?
Without a doubt! Little ones love rolling balls, assembling bears, and decorating faces. It’s a perfect hands-on kitchen project for families and makes baking Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies even sweeter.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings out smiles and warm memories like a homemade batch of Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies. Their playful shapes and comforting flavors make them irresistible, whether you’re baking with kids or just want to treat yourself. Give them a try—you’ll have as much fun making them as you will sharing (and eating) every last lovable bite!
Print
Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 teddy bear cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies are a fun and delicious treat for kids and adults alike. With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to afternoon snacks. Get creative with decorating these cute teddy bear cookies!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Decoration:
- 1/4 cup regular chocolate chips (for noses and buttons)
- 1/4 cup chocolate or black icing gel (for eyes and details)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Shape teddy bears: Form dough into balls to create bodies, heads, arms, legs, and ears. Assemble on the baking sheet to form teddy bears.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and decorate: Let cookies cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Decorate with chocolate chips and icing gel.
Notes
- Chill the dough before shaping for cleaner edges.
- Get creative with decorations—use sprinkles, candy eyes, or mini M&Ms.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
