Creamy, nutty, and delightfully chewy, Polar Bear Paws Candy is a sweet winter treat that captures the spirit of the holidays in every bite! Made with buttery caramel, crunchy peanuts, and silky white chocolate, these candies taste just like the ones from See’s Candies — but even better homemade.
They’re the perfect addition to your Christmas dessert trays, gift boxes, or cozy winter snacking lineup.
🌟 Why You’ll Love Polar Bear Paws Candy
✅ No baking required — just melt, mix, and chill!
✅ Sweet & salty perfection — buttery caramel meets crunchy peanuts and smooth white chocolate.
✅ Looks adorable — the name “Polar Bear Paws” comes from their cute, paw-like shape.
✅ Perfect for gifting — they store well and look beautiful wrapped in festive paper or boxes.
🍯 Ingredients
For the Candy Base:
- 1 (11 oz) bag of caramel bits (or about 35 unwrapped soft caramels)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1½ cups salted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for extra flavor)
For the Coating:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips (or white candy melts)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (helps with smooth melting)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare a Tray
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
This will make removing the candies easy once they’re set.
Step 2: Melt the Caramel
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel bits, heavy cream, and butter.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes total).
Stir in vanilla extract if using.
Step 3: Add the Peanuts
Fold the salted peanuts into the melted caramel mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Form the “Paws”
Spoon small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) of the caramel-peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Leave space between each candy.
Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 20–25 minutes to let them firm up.
Step 5: Melt the White Chocolate
In a clean bowl, melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave using 20–30 second bursts, stirring often until smooth.
Don’t overheat — white chocolate burns easily!
Step 6: Dip & Coat
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each caramel-peanut cluster into the melted white chocolate.
Gently tap off the excess and place back onto the parchment-lined tray.
(Alternatively, spoon white chocolate over the tops for a more rustic look.)
Step 7: Chill & Set
Refrigerate for about 20 minutes, or until the coating is fully set and firm to the touch.
🍬 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Room Temperature: Keep in a cool, dry place for 4–5 days (if your home isn’t too warm).
🎁 Gift Idea
Polar Bear Paws make wonderful homemade gifts!
Package them in small cellophane bags or festive tins tied with ribbon. Add a tag that says “Made with Love — Polar Bear Paws” for a charming touch.
💡 Recipe Variations
✨ Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanuts with crisp rice cereal, pretzel pieces, or sunflower seeds.
✨ Dark Chocolate Paws: Use semi-sweet chocolate instead of white chocolate for a rich twist.
✨ Add a Crunchy Layer: Press the caramel clusters on top of a pretzel square before coating for sweet-salty magic.
✨ Drizzle Effect: Once coated, drizzle melted milk or dark chocolate on top for contrast and a gourmet look.
🍭 Tips for Success
- Use good quality white chocolate — real cocoa butter makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Work quickly when dipping — caramel hardens as it cools.
- If the caramel-peanut mix becomes too stiff, microwave for 10 seconds to soften slightly.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Polar Bear Paws Candy is everything you want in a winter treat — creamy, crunchy, sweet, and a little salty. They’re festive, fun to make, and irresistibly delicious.
Perfect for holiday dessert trays, Christmas gifts, or a sweet snack with hot cocoa, these candies are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Bring the magic of winter to your kitchen with these adorable, melt-in-your-mouth delights — and enjoy a little taste of the North Pole with every bite! 🐾❄️🤍
Print
🐻❄️ Polar Bear Paws Candy
Ingredients
• 12 large marshmallows
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (or dairy-free)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 6 brown M&Ms or chocolate chips (for paw pads)
• 3 black M&Ms or mini chocolate chips (for claws)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cut each marshmallow in half widthwise to make 24 circles.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Stir in shredded coconut until well coated.
- Take a spoonful of the mixture and press it onto one side of a marshmallow half. Press gently to adhere.
- Repeat for all 24 pieces.
- Press 1 brown M&M into the center of each “paw” for the pad.
- Arrange 3 black M&Ms above the brown one to form claws.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until firm.
✨ Perfect for:
• Winter parties and school events
• Kids’ craft snacks
• DIY holiday treat bags
💡 Make ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 0 mins , Total Time : 45 mins (includes chilling) , Servings : 12 paw pairs (24 pieces) , Calories : 70 per paw , Net Carbs: 10g , Fats: 4g , Protein: 1g