Peanut Butter Bears
Delightful peanut butter cookies shaped like bears, offering rich, nutty flavors with a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for kids and peanut butter lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix with a mixer, on medium speed, peanut butter, margarine, brown sugar, corn syrup, and eggs until smooth.
- Reduce speed and beat in 2 cups of flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- With a spoon, stir in the remaining 2 cups of flour.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Divide dough in half and set one half aside.
- On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut with a floured bear-shaped cookie cutter. Repeat until all dough is used.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until light brown.
- Cool before decorating as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use natural peanut butter instead of processed. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit. You can also swap margarine for coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Ensure your dough is chilled well for easier handling. If you don't have a bear-shaped cutter, any cookie cutter will do.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Bears are perfect for parties or as a fun treat for kids. Serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa. They can be decorated with icing or sprinkles for added fun. For a delightful dessert spread, pair them with Hobby House Old Fashioned Cream Pie or a simple fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peanut Butter Bears in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warm, avoiding a microwave to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Bears contains roughly 303 calories, with 3g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% 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 make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still taste delicious.
What can I use instead of margarine?
You can replace margarine with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Both will work well, but keep in mind that coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor to the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be light brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them. A timer set for 10 minutes should be a good starting point.
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).