Beth'S Bears
Beth's Bears are adorable, homemade bear-shaped sweet bread treats, perfect for breakfast or snacks, with warm spices and a soft, tender texture loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl.
- Add sugar, shortening, eggs, nutmeg, salt, and 2 cups of flour.
- Beat on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, for 30 seconds.
- Beat on medium speed, scraping occasionally, for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the rest of the flour until the mixture is smooth.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Dough is ready when indentation remains when touched with a floured finger.
- Stir the dough down by beating 25 strokes to reduce size by half.
- Roll the dough into shapes to form the body, head, and ears of the bears.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is at the right temperature to activate the yeast without killing it. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute with butter or margarine. If you're short on nutmeg, cinnamon can provide a similar warmth. Knead the dough well to ensure a good texture, and let it rise in a draft-free area for optimal results.
Serving Suggestions
These adorable bears are perfect for breakfast or as a fun snack. Serve them warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. They pair beautifully with fruit preserves, making a delightful treat. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt. They also make great additions to a brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Beth's Bears in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, helping to maintain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beth'S Bears contains roughly 1292 calories, with 32g protein, 220g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1905mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it in water. This can save time and simplify the process, making your Beth's Bears even easier to prepare.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
You can also try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to encourage rising.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just cover it tightly and let it chill for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and allowing it to rise again.
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).