Polar Bear Paws Candy Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious, you’ve got to try my Polar Bear Paws Candy Recipe. This candy is a delightful blend of creamy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and smooth white chocolate that’ll have your taste buds dancing. I love this because it’s easy to make but feels like a special homemade gift every time. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your Polar Bear Paws turn out perfect!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Polar Bear Paws Candy Recipe plays a star role, from creamy caramel squares to roasted salted peanuts that add the perfect crunch and saltiness to balance the sweetness.

• Caramel squares: Using unwrapped caramel squares ensures you get that melty, buttery flavor; no need to fuss with caramel sauce here.
• Heavy whipping cream: A little cream makes the caramel extra creamy and smooth, giving your candy that perfect soft chew.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps with that dreamy caramel texture.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash elevates the flavor, warming it up and making it taste homemade.
• Roasted salted peanuts: I love these for the crunch and salty kick—they balance out the sweetness perfectly.
• White almond bark: This melts beautifully and hardens with a nice sheen, perfect for coating your clusters.
• Sprinkles (optional): For a touch of fun and color, great if you’re making these for holidays or parties.

Variations

Don’t be shy about making this Polar Bear Paws Candy Recipe your own! I’ve played around with a few tweaks over the years, and each brings a new twist that’s just as tasty.

• Nut substitutions: I once tried chopped pecans instead of peanuts, and honestly, the cozy, buttery flavor was fantastic.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter alternatives to make a vegan-friendly version that still tastes rich.
• Chocolate coating: Swap out white almond bark for semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a darker, less sweet coating.
• Extra texture: Toss in mini chocolate chips or crushed pretzels into the caramel-peanut mix for a fun crunch.

How to Make Polar Bear Paws Candy Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Caramel Mixture

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, cleanup is way easier this way. Then, in a medium pot over medium heat, add your unwrapped caramel squares along with heavy whipping cream, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly and patiently until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy caramel sauce. Be careful not to rush this part or increase the heat too much; a low-and-slow melt prevents burning and keeps the flavor pure.

Step 2: Stir in the Peanuts

Once your caramel base is silky smooth, stir in the roasted salted peanuts. This is where the magic happens—the peanuts soak up some caramel, giving you pockets of crunch surrounded by luscious caramel.

Step 3: Create Your Candy Clusters

Using a tablespoon, scoop out mounds of the caramel-peanut mixture onto your prepared parchment. Try to space them evenly so they don’t spread together. Now, pop this tray into the fridge for about an hour. Chilling is key here—it firms up the clusters, making them easier to handle for the next delicious step.

Step 4: Dip in Melted White Almond Bark

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white almond bark in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until it’s smooth. This white chocolatey coating is what makes these candies stand out. Now comes the fun (and a bit fast!) part: dip each chilled caramel cluster fully into the melted almond bark, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Place them back on parchment and quickly add sprinkles if you’re using them—this adds a festive touch and a little texture.

Step 5: Chill Again to Set

Return your dipped candy clusters to the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes so that the almond bark sets firm. Once dry, your Polar Bear Paws candies are ready to enjoy or wrap up as gifts!

How to Serve Polar Bear Paws Candy Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with classic rainbow sprinkles or crushed peppermint during the holidays. It adds just the right pop of color and extra crunch. If you prefer something more sophisticated, finely chopped toasted coconut or a dash of edible glitter can turn these treats into party-ready delights.

Side Dishes

These candies shine on their own, but if you want to build a dessert platter, try pairing them with warm spiced cider or a cozy cup of hot cocoa. They also pair wonderfully alongside a simple cheese board with mild cheeses to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifting, I like to place a few Polar Bear Paws candies in small clear boxes layered with tissue paper. You can also arrange them on a festive platter with edible flowers for a charming dessert table display. Wrapping individual candies in decorative parchment and tying with twine makes an adorable party favor, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover Polar Bear Paws candies in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them from sticking together, I layer parchment paper between each row. They hold up beautifully for about a week, still tasting fresh and perfect.

Freezing

Freezing these candies works well if you want to make them ahead of time. I wrap each piece individually in wax paper, then place them in a sealed freezer bag. When thawed at room temperature, they keep their texture nicely without sweating or sogginess.

Reheating

Since Polar Bear Paws are best enjoyed cool, I don’t recommend reheating. If you want to soften them slightly, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. That way, you get the caramel chewiness without melting the coating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whenever I make Polar Bear Paws Candy Recipe, it brings back so many warm memories—whether it’s holiday baking with my family or treating friends to something special. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple, which makes it a go-to whenever I want to impress without stress. I really hope you give this a try and love it as much as I do. Trust me, your sweet tooth will thank you!

Print