Polar bear claws are a delicious sweet and salty treat that features a caramel cluster with crunchy peanuts with a white chocolate coating. These are easy to make and much simpler than a trip to the Arctic!
It’s like a tiny bite of the North Pole right in your kitchen! There are no complicated baking techniques and no need for a candy thermometer. This holiday treat is a copycat recipe from See’s Candy. Instead of spending money to ship candy this year, make it at home.
These polar bear claws fly off the dessert trays and make a perfect soft caramel candy for gifting. I’ll guide you step-by-step on creating these delightful treats, including serving ideas and tips and tricks.
Looking for more homemade candy recipes? Try Christmas cream cheese mints, rum balls, or peanut brittle, honeycomb candy, and get ideas for your next holiday party.
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🎄Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Caramel squares
- Heavy whipping cream
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Roasted salted peanuts: Cashews are also delicious.
- White almond bark: This bark melts perfectly and gives a beautiful, glossy finish. But hey, if you’re a dark chocolate fan, feel free to use that instead and make these brown bear claws. White chocolate chips also work fine.
- Sprinkles
🥣How to Make Polar Bear Claws
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Next, in a medium pot, add your caramels, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla. Stir the caramel mixture over medium heat until it’s melted and smooth.
- Once it is smooth, add in your peanuts and stir.
- Spoon this mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in tablespoon-sized mounds.
- Then, place these into the refrigerator or freezer for about an hour.
- After they are set, put your white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent it from seizing or burning.
- Once your caramels are set, and your chocolate is melted, it’s dipping time. Dip each caramel nut mix into the chocolate, tapping off the excess chocolate. Then place them back on the parchment paper and sprinkle them with, well, sprinkles.
🎅Serving Up Your Polar Bear Claws
Ready to serve your freshly made Polar Bear Paws? If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already snagged a piece or two for a taste test – I mean, quality control, right?
Serve them up on a holiday platter at your next family gathering. Add a layer of crushed peppermints to the tray for a festive touch.
These make a great DIY edible gift that you can give to your family and friends this holiday season. Homemade candy is always appreciated!
🎁How to Store
Store any leftover polar bear claws in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the delicious candy, let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying it.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- You can also melt the caramel mix in the microwave. Just remember to do it in 30-second intervals to avoid any caramel explosions.
- And if you’re not a fan of peanuts, or you want to mix things up a bit, you can use cashews instead. They’re equally delicious.
- If you are a dark chocolate fan, use that instead and make these brown bear claws.
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Polar Bear Claws Recipe
Ingredients
- 11 ounces caramels 1 bag
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup roasted salted peanuts
- 1 pound white almond bark
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a medium pot, add your caramels, heavy whipping cream, butter, and vanilla, and stir over medium heat until melted and smooth.11 ounces caramels, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add in your peanuts and stir to combine.1 cup roasted salted peanuts
- Spoon onto the parchment in tablespoon-sized mounds.
- Place in the refrigerator or freezer for an hour until set.
- In a microwaveable bowl, melt your white chocolate in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth.1 pound white almond bark
- Dip each caramel nut mix into the chocolate, tapping off the excess.
- Place them back on the parchment paper and top with sprinkles if desired.Sprinkles
Notes
- You can also melt the caramel mix in the microwave. Just remember to do it in 30-second intervals to avoid any caramel explosions.
- You can substitute white melting wafers for the almond bark.
- And if you’re not a fan of roasted peanuts, or you want to mix things up a bit, you can use cashews instead. They’re equally delicious.
- If you are a dark chocolate fan, use that instead and make these brown bear claws.
- Store these in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
