Polar Bear Paws (See's Candies Copycat)

These Polar Bear Paws combine sweet and salty caramel, crunchy peanuts, and creamy white chocolate for a festive homemade candy treat.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Holiday, Kids

Keyword bark, caramel, peanuts, Polar Bear Paws

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Cooling Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Servings

Calories 265kcal

Author Stacey aka the Soccer Mom

Cost $12

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Add the unwrapped soft caramels, heavy cream, and butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring frequently, until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove pan from heat and stir in the roasted peanuts.
Allow the mixture to cool for 20–25 minutes, stirring at the halfway point to prevent the mixture from setting unevenly.
Use a medium cookie scoop (1 1/2 - 2 Tablespoons) to portion the somewhat cooled mixture into mounds on the prepared pan.
Allow the clusters to cool completely until firm. To speed this up, you can place the baking sheet in the fridge or freezer.
Place the vanilla almond bark (or white chocolate chips) and the oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between, until completely melted and smooth.
Dip each cooled peanut cluster into the melted white chocolate coating, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl.
Place on the baking sheet to dry.

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only.

Use soft caramels for smooth melting; older, hard caramels may not melt as evenly.

Adding a little oil to the almond bark helps it melt smoothly, stay shiny, and prevents cracking as it sets.

Let the caramel mixture cool slightly before scooping. If it’s too warm, the clusters will spread and flatten.

Cashews can be used in place of peanuts.

Drizzle with dark chocolate, add sprinkles, or stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.