If you’ve ever dreamed of mixing childhood whimsy with irresistible homemade flavor, Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies are about to become your new go-to treat. These charming cookies combine a classic, buttery chocolate chip dough with playful shapes that bring smiles to bakers young and old. Whether you’re baking for a party, sharing with family, or enjoying a creative moment in the kitchen, you’ll love how these teddy bear cookies deliver both fun and familiar chocolatey comfort in every adorable bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies is in the simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—each one playing an essential part in creating cookies that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. From creamy butter to decadent mini chips, every element brings flavor, texture, or that signature golden color.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Gives these cookies their rich, tender base and helps the dough come together smoothly—make sure it’s at room temperature for the best results.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Lends a warm, caramelly depth and keeps the cookies chewy and moist.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies bake up with perfectly crisp edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and provides just the right touch of structure, so your teddy bears hold their shape.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a lovely aroma and rounds out all the other flavors deliciously.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The sturdy backbone of your cookie dough, giving the teddy bears their cuddly shape.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Provides a little lift so your cookies don’t turn out too dense.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavors really pop.
- Mini chocolate chips (¾ cup): Sprinkles every bite with that classic melty, chocolatey magic.
- Extra mini chocolate chips or chocolate dots: Perfect for adding adorable eyes and a sweet little nose on each teddy bear face.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your teddy bear cookies lift off easily after baking. Gather your ingredients—measured and ready—so assembling your teddy bears is fun, not frantic!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, blend the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key for getting that perfect chewy texture and a sweet, buttery flavor in your Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is thoroughly blended. You want the dough to look smooth and smell deliciously fragrant—this is the base for all the fun we’re about to have shaping our bears!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda and salt get evenly distributed, so every cookie bakes up perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add your flour mixture into the buttery sugar bowl, using a spatula or mixer on low speed. Stir until just combined, scraping down the sides so no flour pockets remain. The dough will start to look thick and fudge-like.
Step 6: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in those mini chocolate chips, making sure each doughy scoop is peppered with chocolatey goodness. Now you have a dough that’s just begging to become a batch of irresistible Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies.
Step 7: Shape the Teddy Bears
Scoop out roughly 1 tablespoon of dough for each teddy bear’s body, rolling it into a ball and placing it on your baking sheet. Add a slightly smaller ball for the head, then tiny balls for the ears, arms, and legs, pressing them gently to connect. Don’t be afraid to get playful—it’s what makes these cookies so special!
Step 8: Add Cute Faces
Now for the adorable finishing touch: press mini chocolate chips into the heads, creating two sweet eyes and a little button nose on each bear. This step is extra fun for kids (and kids-at-heart) to help with.
Step 9: Bake and Cool
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the teddy bear cookies’ edges are just golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes (they’ll be soft!), then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling and setting up.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies
Garnishes
For an ultra-cute presentation, dust your teddy bears with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or give them tiny “bows” with a little icing after they cool. You can even paint on rosy cheeks with a tiny brush and diluted food coloring for a picture-perfect tray.
Side Dishes
Serve Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies with a frosty glass of milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For festive gatherings, pair them with fresh berries or a colorful fruit platter—these cookies are perfect for playdates or birthday parties.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your teddy bears on a platter in a “hugging” pose, stack them in clear treat bags with ribbon for adorable party favors, or nestle them on top of a cake for a memorable celebration. They also make a magical surprise tucked inside a lunchbox or gift tin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and tasty for up to five days—perfect for sneaking into afternoon snack time or sharing with a friend midweek.
Freezing
To freeze, you can wrap fully baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer bag, or freeze the shaped, unbaked teddy bears on a sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. Either way, you can enjoy fresh-baked cuteness any time the craving strikes for up to three months.
Reheating
If you like your Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies warm and gooey, give them a quick 8–10 second zap in the microwave before serving. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for an hour, then, if desired, refresh them in a low oven for a few minutes for that melty chocolate chip effect.
FAQs
How do I prevent the teddy bear parts from separating during baking?
Make sure to press each part (ears, arms, legs, head) firmly onto the body so they bake as a single piece. Chilling the shaped bears for 20–30 minutes before baking helps set the dough and keeps everything together perfectly.
Can I make Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and check your chocolate chips to ensure they’re gluten-free. The shaping steps stay the same, and the results are equally adorable.
What’s the best way to get evenly shaped teddy bears?
Using a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon helps ensure all your bear bodies are the same size. Rolling the dough gently between your palms smooths out rough edges and gives each bear a cuddly, uniform appearance.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! Just make sure you have extra baking sheets on hand and allow a bit more space for shaping the teddy bears. The more, the merrier—especially when it comes to sharing Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies.
How can I get kids involved in baking these cookies?
Kids love helping with the shaping and decorating! Let little hands roll the dough balls, attach body parts, and press in mini chocolate chip faces. It’s a playful kitchen activity that creates delicious memories together.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe guaranteed to add fun and flavor to your day, Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies are just the ticket. Whether you bake them for a celebration or a simple family treat, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. So preheat your oven, gather your favorite helpers, and let these adorable cookies work their magic in your kitchen!
Print
Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 teddy bear cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable Chocolate Chip Teddy Bear Cookies are a fun and delicious treat for kids and adults alike. Soft and chewy with a hint of chocolate in every bite, these cookies are perfect for any baking occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
Decorations:
- Extra mini chocolate chips or chocolate dots for eyes and nose
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Shape teddy bears: Roll 1 tablespoon of dough into a ball for the body and place it on the baking sheet. Add smaller balls for the head, ears, arms, and legs. Press gently to stick. Use mini chocolate chips for eyes and nose.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before shaping if too soft.
- Press teddy bear parts together well for even baking.
- Let kids help with decorating for a fun activity!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
