If you’re searching for a festive, crowd-pleasing treat that tastes every bit as playful as it looks, Polar Bear Paws are your delicious answer. These irresistible clusters blend gooey, buttery caramel, toasty peanuts, and a silky vanilla coating, capturing that magical sweet-and-salty vibe in every bite. Polar Bear Paws come together effortlessly, making them the perfect project for both beginner candy makers and seasoned holiday cooks alike. Once they’re plated up, nobody can resist reaching for just one more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Polar Bear Paws recipe plays a big role, whether it’s boosting the caramel flavor, adding crunch, or giving our little “paws” their snow-white finish. Here’s everything you’ll need and why it matters:

Kraft Caramel Bits or Squares: These form the meltingly soft, chewy base that holds all the other ingredients together and infuse pure caramel sweetness.

Heavy Whipping Cream: Just a touch makes the caramel luxuriously creamy and ensures it doesn’t get too stiff or hard to work with.
Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps the caramel achieve a glossy, smooth texture.

Peanuts (roasted and/or cocktail): The crunch and salty punch from these peanuts balance out all the sweet components perfectly—plus, they give each “paw” its shape and bite!
Vanilla Almond Bark or White Melting Wafers: These create the signature snowy “fur” of Polar Bear Paws and bring the whole treat together with creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.

How to Make Polar Bear Paws

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by lining a large cookie sheet with Silpat mats or parchment paper, then lightly grease the surface with butter. This simple step makes it super easy to peel off your Polar Bear Paws once they’ve set, keeping every cluster perfectly intact.

Step 2: Melt the Caramel

Place the caramel bits (or squares), heavy cream, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Pop it in the microwave, heating in 30-second bursts. Stir after each interval and repeat until the mixture is fully melted and satiny-smooth—this prevents any scorching and guarantees a creamy caramel that coats every nut.

Step 3: Add Peanuts and Cool

Stir in the peanuts to coat them all in glossy caramel. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This cooling time thickens the caramel just enough so that when you form the mounds, they’ll hold their shape without spreading out.

Step 4: Form the Clusters

Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of your caramel-peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out just a bit. These little mounds will become your signature Polar Bear Paws! Transfer the tray to the fridge and chill for 30-60 minutes until the clusters are set and can be easily handled.

Step 5: Melt and Dip in the Vanilla Coating

Place the vanilla almond bark or white melting wafers in a clean, microwave-safe bowl. Warm them in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals, until everything is melted and silky. Dip each chilled caramel cluster in the melted coating, using a fork to gently lift and let the excess drip back into the bowl. Return to the parchment-lined tray and repeat with the rest.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Once all your Polar Bear Paws are coated, it’s back to the fridge! Chill the tray for another 30-60 minutes until the coating is firm. When they’re done, simply peel off and package up, or start nibbling right away—it’s hard to resist!

How to Serve Polar Bear Paws

Garnishes

For a whimsical touch, you can sprinkle crushed peanuts or a dash of sparkling white sanding sugar on top of each Polar Bear Paw before the coating sets. Even a few mini chocolate chips pressed in like little claws will make these treats extra adorable for kids (and the young at heart!).

Side Dishes

Polar Bear Paws are rich and sweet, so they pair perfectly with a cup of dark roast coffee, a robust black tea, or a mug of hot cocoa. If you want to round out a dessert table, try serving them with fresh berries or lightly salted popcorn for a fun salty-sweet spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, stack Polar Bear Paws in festive cupcake wrappers or arrange them in a pretty tin lined with parchment. Presenting them on a snow-white platter with scattered silver sprinkles or amid holiday greens is a sure way to wow at any party or cookie exchange.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Polar Bear Paws will keep their fresh texture and flavor if stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can absolutely freeze Polar Bear Paws! Layer them in an airtight container with parchment between each row, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temp when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Since these treats aren’t meant to be eaten warm, you don’t need to reheat them. If they’ve been frozen, simply let your Polar Bear Paws come to room temperature on the counter before diving in, so the caramel softens back to its perfect chewiness.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut besides peanuts?

Absolutely! While peanuts lend a classic flavor and crunch, you can swap in roasted cashews, almonds, or even pecans for a fun twist on this Polar Bear Paws favorite.

Do I have to use almond bark for the coating?

Nope! White melting wafers or good quality white chocolate will also give you the smooth, snowy finish that makes Polar Bear Paws so charming—just make sure whatever you use melts smoothly.

How long do Polar Bear Paws last?

They keep beautifully for about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, or up to two months in the freezer, so you can enjoy them long after your first batch disappears.

Can I make Polar Bear Paws without a microwave?

Definitely! You can melt the caramel and the coating gently over a double boiler on the stove if you’d rather not use a microwave.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Kids love helping with Polar Bear Paws, especially spooning out the clusters and adding fun garnishes, but be sure an adult handles the hot caramel and melted coating for safety.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re pampering yourself with something sweet or plotting gifts from the kitchen, Polar Bear Paws deliver the perfect combo of kid-friendly fun and grown-up flavor. I can’t recommend these enough—make a batch and you’ll see why they disappear in a flash!

Polar Bear Paws Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Mariam

Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: About 24 Polar Bear Paws 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Polar Bear Paws are a delightful sweet and salty treat that combines creamy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and smooth white chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Mixture:

1 (11 ounce) bag Kraft Caramel Bits or squares
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon butter

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup peanuts (roasted and/or cocktail)
12 ounces vanilla almond bark or white melting wafers

Instructions

Prepare Caramel Mixture: Line a large cookie sheet with Silpat mats (or parchment paper) and grease with butter. Melt caramels, butter, and cream in the microwave in 30-second increments until smooth.
Combine with Peanuts: Stir in peanuts and let the mixture cool in the bowl for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Form Clusters: Spoon the mixture onto the prepared mats in tablespoon-sized mounds. Chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes until set.

Melt Chocolate: Place white chocolate in a bowl and melt in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
Dip and Coat: Dip each caramel cluster in the melted chocolate using a fork, then tap off excess chocolate. Place back on the pan and repeat for all clusters.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pan for another 30-60 minutes until the chocolate is set. Package up and enjoy!

Notes

These Polar Bear Paws can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Feel free to customize this recipe by using different nuts or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate coating.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Microwave, Refrigeration

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Polar Bear Paw
Calories: 180

Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 9g

Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g

Cholesterol: 3mg

Keywords: Polar Bear Paws, Caramel Clusters, Homemade Candy