Bear Paws
Bear Paws are rich, chocolatey treats with a crunchy pecan claw, perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a delightful, bite-sized dessert with a hint of vanilla and nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt together the unsweetened chocolate and butter.
- Beat together the eggs, flour, sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and blend thoroughly.
- Drop teaspoons of the batter onto a hot waffle iron.
- Bake for one minute or until cooked through.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Frost with chocolate frosting.
- Use pecans for claws to complete the bear paw effect.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you don't have a waffle iron, you can bake these in a regular oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. Ensure the batter is dropped in consistent sizes for even cooking. Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet cookie. This recipe can also be made with gluten-free flour for a delicious alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Bear Paws with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert experience. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For a festive touch, add a drizzle of caramel sauce or serve alongside Chocolate Cookies With Whiskey for a delightful cookie platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Bear Paws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator where they can last for a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore their delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bear Paws contains roughly 729 calories, with 6g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened chocolate with semi-sweet or dark chocolate. Just make sure to adjust the sugar in the recipe as these alternatives can be sweeter. Melt the chocolate and butter together as instructed, and the cookies will still turn out delicious.
What can I use instead of pecans for the claws?
If you don't have pecans, almonds or walnuts can be great substitutes for the claws. For a nut-free option, you could use chocolate chips or even small candies like jelly beans to create a fun bear paw effect.
Can I freeze Bear Paws?
Absolutely! You can freeze Bear Paws after they have cooled completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).