Gummy Bear Cookies

Introduction

Gummy Bear Cookies are a fun, colorful twist on traditional cookies, combining chewy gummy bears with a soft, buttery cookie base. These vibrant cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and chewy texture, with the playful addition of gummy bears making them irresistible for both kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for brightening up a party, making special treats for holidays, or just adding a bit of whimsy to your baking routine. Whether you’re a fan of gummy candies or just looking for a unique cookie, Gummy Bear Cookies are sure to bring joy to every bite.

I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. Everyone was delighted by the bright colors and fun twist on classic cookies. The gummy bears melted just the right amount into the dough, creating chewy pockets of sweetness that were a big hit. What I love about these cookies is how customizable they are—you can mix in different flavors of gummy bears or even add sprinkles for extra color and fun. Whether for a birthday party, holiday treats, or just a sweet surprise, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Kids’ parties
• Holiday baking
• School lunches
• Treat boxes
• Gummy bear fans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Gummy Bear Cookies will be your new favorite treat:

• Fun and Colorful: The gummy bears add a pop of color and a chewy, fruity texture that makes each bite exciting.
• Chewy and Soft: The cookies are soft, buttery, and slightly chewy, with the gummy bears providing an extra burst of sweetness and chewiness.
• Customizable: You can choose your favorite flavor of gummy bears, or mix different flavors for a fun variety.
• Perfect for All Ages: These cookies appeal to both kids and adults, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: The dough comes together quickly, and there’s no need for special equipment or ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Gummy Bear Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 ½ cups gummy bears (or your favorite gummy candy, chopped if too large)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: Provides a rich, tender base for the cookie dough.
• Gummy Bears: Add a chewy, fruity burst to the cookies, and their vibrant colors make the cookies visually exciting.
• Sugar: Balances the sweetness of the gummy bears and helps to create a soft and chewy texture in the cookies.
• Eggs: Help bind the dough and give the cookies their chewy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Gummy Bear Cookies:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the egg and egg yolk, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the Gummy Bears: Gently fold the gummy bears into the dough. If your gummy bears are too large, you can chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the dough.

Chill the Dough:

6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Bake the Cookies:

7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
10. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy:

11. Serve: Once cooled, enjoy the chewy, colorful goodness of these Gummy Bear Cookies!

How to Serve

Gummy Bear Cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be served in various fun ways:

• For Parties: Serve them on a festive tray to brighten up any gathering.
• Giftable: These cookies make great homemade gifts, especially when packaged in a cute box or jar.
• With Milk: Pair them with a cold glass of milk for a fun, nostalgic treat.
• For Lunchboxes: Pack them into lunchboxes for a sweet treat during the school day or work break.
• As a Dessert for Kids: These colorful cookies are a hit with kids, making them the perfect end to any family meal or celebration.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Gummy Bear Cookies turn out perfectly:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for these cookies because it helps prevent the gummy bears from melting too much during baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies, so mix until just combined.
• Use Small Gummy Bears: If your gummy bears are large, chop them into smaller pieces so they distribute more evenly in the dough.
• Check for Doneness: The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so be sure not to overbake them.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 fun variations you can try for Gummy Bear Cookies:

1. Tropical Gummy Bear Cookies: Use tropical-flavored gummy bears like pineapple, mango, or coconut for a fun twist.
2. Sour Gummy Bear Cookies: Add sour gummy bears for a tangy contrast to the sweet cookie dough.
3. Chocolate Chip Gummy Bear Cookies: Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips for a sweet and savory combination.
4. Rainbow Gummy Bear Cookies: Use a mix of different colored gummy bears for a vibrant, rainbow effect.
5. Peach Gummy Bear Cookies: Try peach-flavored gummy bears for a fruity, aromatic twist.
6. Vegan Gummy Bear Cookies: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg for a plant-based version.
7. Gluten-Free Gummy Bear Cookies: Use gluten-free flour to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
8. Peanut Butter Gummy Bear Cookies: Add peanut butter to the dough for a nutty flavor that complements the sweet gummy bears.
9. Coconut Gummy Bear Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the dough for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
10. Gummy Worm Cookies: Switch out gummy bears for gummy worms for a fun variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze the dough balls, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer for 1-2 extra minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Gummy Bear Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: Helps to cream the butter and sugar smoothly.
• Cookie Scoop: Perfect for making uniform dough balls.
• Parchment Paper: Use it to line your baking sheets for easy cleanup.
• Cooling Rack: Ensures the cookies cool evenly and don’t become soggy.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of gummy candies?
   Yes, you can use gummy worms, gummy rings, or any other gummy candy that you like!
2. Can I skip chilling the dough?
   It’s best to chill the dough to prevent the gummies from melting too much, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step—just keep an eye on them while baking.
3. Can I use sugar substitutes?
   Yes, you can try using sugar substitutes like Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener, but keep in mind this may alter the texture slightly.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
5. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

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Conclusion

Gummy Bear Cookies are a whimsical and fun treat that add a splash of color and joy to any occasion. The chewy gummy bears tucked into soft, buttery cookie dough create a delightful combination of flavors and textures that bring a sense of nostalgia with every bite. Perfect for birthdays, school snacks, or just a playful baking project, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.

Whether you’re making them for a party, a surprise snack, or just because, Gummy Bear Cookies are a guaranteed hit. They’re sweet, chewy, and oh-so-fun to eat!

I’d love to see how your Gummy Bear Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!