Winter is the perfect time for cozy treats, and what better way to celebrate the season than with Polar Bear Cupcakes? These adorable, fluffy cupcakes bring a fun, festive touch to any holiday party, winter gathering, or just a sweet baking session with family. With soft vanilla cake, creamy white frosting, and charming polar bear faces made from marshmallows and candies, these treats are as delicious as they are cute.

Whether you’re making them for a kids’ party, a bake sale, or just to indulge in something delightful, these cupcakes will surely bring smiles all around. Plus, they’re easy to make and customize—so let’s dive into this irresistibly fun recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these adorable cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 ½ tsp
Whole milk	½ cup
Sour cream	½ cup

For the Frosting & Decoration

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Powdered sugar	2 cups
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Heavy cream	2 tbsp
White marshmallows (for ears)	12 (cut in half)
Mini marshmallows (for snout)	12
Shredded coconut	1 cup
Candy eyes	24
Chocolate chips (for nose)	12

💡 Tip: You can substitute shredded coconut with white sanding sugar if you prefer a different texture.

Cute and Fluffy Polar Bear Cupcake on a Blue Plate

Equipment Needed

Muffin tin – To hold and shape your cupcakes.
Cupcake liners – Keeps the cupcakes from sticking.
Mixing bowls – For preparing the batter and frosting.
Hand mixer or stand mixer – To make mixing the batter and frosting easy.
Piping bag (optional) – For smooth frosting application.
Kitchen scissors – To cut the marshmallows for the ears and snout.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in half of the dry ingredients, followed by the milk and sour cream. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until smooth.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat until smooth and spreadable.

Step 4: Decorate the Polar Bear Faces

Frost each cupcake generously with the vanilla frosting.
Press shredded coconut over the frosting to give a fur-like texture.
Cut large marshmallows in half for the ears and press them on top.
Add mini marshmallows for the snout, securing them with a dab of frosting.
Attach candy eyes and place a chocolate chip in the center of the mini marshmallow for the nose.

Your adorable polar bear cupcakes are ready to be admired and devoured!

Tips and Variations

For a Chocolate Version: Use chocolate cupcake batter instead of vanilla for a fun twist.
Allergy-Friendly Options: Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and coconut cream for a vegan version.
Make It Extra Fluffy: Double the frosting for extra volume and fluffiness!

Serving Suggestions

Festive Presentation: Serve these cupcakes on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic snow.
Winter Party Fun: Pair them with a hot cocoa bar featuring marshmallows and peppermint stir sticks.
Gift Idea: Wrap them individually in clear bags tied with winter-themed ribbons for a sweet homemade gift.

Cozy Polar Bear Cupcake with Hot Cocoa by the Fireplace

Pairings

These cupcakes go perfectly with:

Hot chocolate – The rich, warm drink complements the sweetness of the cupcakes.
Peppermint mocha – A little minty touch adds a refreshing contrast.
Chai latte – The spiced flavors balance the vanilla and coconut.

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature: Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: If storing longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days (let them come to room temperature before serving).
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months, then thaw and decorate when ready.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~320
Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	45g
Protein	3g
Sugar	35g

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Polar Bear Cupcakes are the perfect blend of creativity and deliciousness, making them an ideal treat for winter celebrations. Their soft, fluffy vanilla base pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting, while the shredded coconut adds a fun, snowy texture. Not only do they taste amazing, but their charming design makes them a showstopper at any holiday party, bake sale, or family gathering. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cupcakes are easy to make and guarantee smiles all around.

Beyond their delightful appearance, these cupcakes offer endless opportunities for customization. You can experiment with different flavors, decorations, or even turn them into a fun baking project with kids. Serve them alongside a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea for the ultimate winter indulgence. No matter how you enjoy them, these adorable polar bear cupcakes will surely bring warmth and joy to the coldest days of the year!