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If you have a soft spot for rich, creamy caramels and the perfect crunch of roasted peanuts, then you are going to absolutely love making the Polar Bear Paws (See’s Candies Copycat) Recipe at home. This delightful treat captures the magic of See’s Candies classic favorite, blending smooth caramel, salty nuts, and luscious white chocolate into bite-sized clusters that are pure happiness in every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to when you want to impress family, friends, or simply indulge yourself with a homemade sweet treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Polar Bear Paws (See’s Candies Copycat) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that creamy, crunchy, and sweet experience that melts in your mouth and keeps you coming back for more.
- 11 ounce bag Kraft Caramel Bits: These are the base of your clusters, bringing that iconic soft, buttery caramel flavor that sets the tone.
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: This adds a silky smoothness to the caramel, making it irresistibly luscious.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Enhances richness, helping the caramel achieve the perfect creamy texture without being too sticky.
- 1 cup roasted salted peanuts: The roasted nuts add a delicious crunch and a subtle saltiness that balances the caramel’s sweetness.
- 12 ounces Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers: These provide the beautiful, glossy coating that hardens into a sweet shell, making each cluster visually irresistible and decadently tasty.
How to Make Polar Bear Paws (See’s Candies Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. This simple step is a lifesaver since it stops your clusters from sticking and helps them set nicely in their final shape.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Caramel Base
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your caramel bits, heavy cream, and butter. Heat gently in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is silky smooth. If you prefer, you can melt everything over a double boiler for more control and to avoid scorching.
Step 3: Mix in the Crunch
Once your caramel is velvety and smooth, fold in the roasted salted peanuts. Now, patience pays off—let this mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to cool it down so it’s easier to handle.
Step 4: Shape Your Clusters
Use a tablespoon to drop mounds of the caramel and peanut mixture onto your prepared parchment. These clusters will become the signature shape of your Polar Bear Paws, so don’t worry about being too uniform—a rustic look adds to their charm.
Step 5: Chill Until Firm
Pop your clusters into the refrigerator for about 30 to 45 minutes. This step is essential because it firms up the caramel so that the clusters hold their shape during dipping.
Step 6: Melt the White Chocolate Wings
While your clusters are chilling, melt your Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers according to the package instructions. Stir until the chocolate is completely smooth and ready for dipping.
Step 7: Dip and Decorate
Working with just a few clusters at a time, dip each into the melted white chocolate, using a fork to lift and give it a gentle tap on the edge of the bowl to drip off any excess coating. Place the dipped clusters back on the parchment. This step creates the elegant white chocolate shell that gives Polar Bear Paws their signature look and taste.
Step 8: Chill to Set
Return the whole batch to the refrigerator for another 30 to 60 minutes so the white chocolate hardens perfectly. Then, get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious homemade treats or package them for a thoughtful gift!
How to Serve Polar Bear Paws (See’s Candies Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle some coarse sea salt or finely chopped roasted peanuts on top just before the white chocolate sets. This will add a lovely texture contrast and a hint of extra flavor that makes these treats look and taste even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Polar Bear Paws shine on their own but you can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot cocoa. The rich cluster perfectly complements creamy or warm beverages, making an indulgent snack or dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try nesting your Polar Bear Paws in festive paper cups or arranging them on a decorative platter with seasonal accents like holly leaves for holiday gatherings. Wrapping them up in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon transforms your homemade clusters into charming gifts that scream “made with love.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Polar Bear Paws keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure to store them in a cool, dry spot to keep the white chocolate from melting or blooming.
Freezing
You can freeze these clusters for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. Thaw them gently at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy, preserving their texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. If your white chocolate coating softens, simply let them cool in the fridge again and they will firm right back up without losing any deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peanuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or pecans can be great alternatives, but keep in mind that the signature salty crunch comes from the roasted salted peanuts, so try to use roasted and lightly salted nuts for best results.
What if I don’t have white chocolate melting wafers?
You can substitute with good-quality white chocolate bars, but be sure to add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to achieve the smooth, meltable consistency of melting wafers.
Is it necessary to chill the clusters before dipping?
Yes, chilling the clusters helps them maintain their shape when dipped in the warm chocolate. If you dip them while they’re too warm, they might fall apart or lose their form.
Can I make these clusters ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! These treats hold up well for several days when stored properly, making them perfect to prepare in advance so you can focus on enjoying your event instead of last-minute cooking.
Do these Polar Bear Paws keep well in warmer climates?
In warm climates, store them in the refrigerator to prevent the white chocolate from melting. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Making the Polar Bear Paws (See’s Candies Copycat) Recipe at home is such a rewarding and joyful experience. The combination of caramel, peanuts, and white chocolate is simply timeless, and the homemade touch makes every bite feel extra special. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share these delightful treats with your loved ones—they’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or just treating yourself. Enjoy every joyful bite!
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Polar Bear Paws (See’s Candies Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50-65 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delightful homemade treat with these Polar Bear Paws, a copycat of See’s Candies classic. Featuring a luscious blend of creamy caramel, roasted salted peanuts, and a smooth white chocolate coating, these bite-sized clusters are perfect for gifting or indulging in a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Caramel Mixture
- 11 ounce bag Kraft Caramel Bits (or unwrapped soft caramel candies)
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup roasted salted peanuts
Chocolate Coating
- 12 ounces Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside to make a non-stick surface for the candy clusters.
- Melt the caramel mixture: Place caramel bits, heavy cream, and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each, until the mixture is completely smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler for controlled heating.
- Mix in nuts and cool: Stir the roasted salted peanuts into the melted caramel. Let the mixture rest in the bowl for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to help it cool and thicken slightly.
- Form clusters: Using a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of the caramel and peanut mixture onto the prepared parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
- Chill clusters: Place the tray of clusters in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes until they are firm and set.
- Melt white chocolate wafers: Following the package directions, melt the Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers, stirring until completely smooth and ready for dipping.
- Dip clusters: Working with a few clusters at a time and keeping the rest chilled, dip each caramel cluster into the melted white chocolate. Use a fork to lift it out, tapping the fork on the bowl’s rim to allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, then place the coated cluster back on the parchment-lined pan.
- Set the chocolate coating: Return the dipped clusters to the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes, or until the white chocolate has fully hardened. Serve immediately or package the candies as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Notes
- For melting caramels, a double boiler can prevent burning and provide smoother caramel.
- You can substitute Kraft caramel bits with any other soft caramel candies but ensure they are unwrapped before melting.
- Use Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers for the best texture and melting consistency; other white chocolates may behave differently.
- Store finished Polar Bear Paws in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Allow enough time for proper chilling to ensure firm clusters and chocolate coating.
