Sweet, cuddly, and packed with chocolate chips, these teddy bear cookies are the perfect treat to bake with kids or to surprise your loved ones with a playful dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of soft cookie dough and melty chocolate chips creates a delightful texture contrast.
- Shaping the cookies into teddy bears adds a fun, creative element that’s great for all ages.
- Using simple, pantry-staple ingredients means you can whip these up anytime the craving strikes.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (teddy bear shape)
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your teddy bear cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents and salt throughout your dough.
Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies light and tender.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Adding the eggs one at a time ensures they’re fully incorporated, leading to a smoother dough.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
Shape and Bake
Roll out the dough and use teddy bear-shaped cookie cutters to create your cookies. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
Tips and Tricks
For perfectly shaped teddy bears, chill your dough for at least an hour before rolling and cutting. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you don’t have teddy bear cookie cutters, you can shape the dough by hand into small balls and slightly flatten them, then use a toothpick to add details like ears and a snout.
Recipe Variations
- Swap out semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy note.
- For a nutty twist, mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the chocolate chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute to ensure the right texture.
How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, butter is recommended for its flavor and texture. Margarine may alter the taste and consistency of your cookies.
Summary
These chocolate chip teddy bear cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, offering a fun shape and delicious taste that’s perfect for any occasion.