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The BEST EVER Polar Bear Paws (See’s Candy Copycat)

November 6, 2017 by thedomesticrebel | 38 Comments

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a polar bear paws candy split in half Just like the candy served at the famed See’s Candy shop, these Polar Bear Paws are highly addictive, super delicious, and SO easy to make! Crunchy, salty peanuts enrobed in buttery caramel and coated in white chocolate. A perfect holiday treat!

When I was in high school, the cool place to hang out with my friends was the mall.

Keep in mind, this mall sucked then and it continues to suck to this day. It’s called Sunrise Mall, and it has maybe 20 real stores, and the rest are closed down or like, “Ray’s Shirts” or whatever. But back then, it was a little bit better, with a cool Hot Topic, a Sam Goody, and a cheap movie theater for me to make out with my boyfriends. Hey, don’t judge! You were once 16, too.

I would always go with my BFF, Katrina, and we’d spend hours walking around the perimeter of the mall, like mall walkers but cooler, obvi. We’d get ourselves Orange Julius drinks and get a major sugar high, then when we felt ourselves crashing, we’d always crawl into See’s Candies to get a free square of fudge. However, I always dug around for a couple quarters so I could buy myself a highly coveted Polar Bear Paw.

Once I had a taste of this magical invention, I was hooked. However, I generally try to avoid See’s Candy now only because I’m older and don’t have the same metabolism as I did when I was a teen. Also, the See’s Candy at the new mall in town is ALWAYS packed and your girl ain’t about waiting around for fudge when I could make my own!

polar bear paws candy piled on a white plate So with the holidays creeping up, I figured these would be the perfect treat for me to copycat and recreate so we can all enjoy the deliciousness! Not only are these SO SIMPLE (seriously – a few ingredients!), they can be made start to finish in like 30 minutes. No joke! And of course, they’re no-bake which is a HUGE timesaver during the bustling holidays.

polar bear paws candies arranged on a white plate

one polar bear paws candy split in half sitting on top of other candies Crunchy, slightly salted peanuts are coated in buttery caramel, then the whole shebang is enrobed in sweet white chocolate. Of course, you could probably make these “black bear paws” and coat them in chocolate if white chocolate ain’t your thang, but I prefer white chocolate + caramel the most!

For the holidays, consider these bad boys for gift-giving… or for hoarding yourself.

close up of the center of the polar bear paws candy

These POLAR BEAR PAWS taste even BETTER than the ones at See's Candy! Buttery caramel and crunchy, slightly salty peanuts are enrobed in sweet white chocolate for an addictive candy made start to finish in about 30 minutes! So easy and great for gift-giving!
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5 from 5 votes

The BEST EVER Polar Bear Paws (See's Candy Copycat)

These Polar Bear Paws taste just like the candy at See's Candies but BETTER. Only a few simple ingredients needed to create this EASY candy recipe, perfect for the holiday season!
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Candy, Dessert, No-Bake Treats
Cuisine: American, Dessert
Servings: 18 -20
Author: Hayley Parker, The Domestic Rebel

Ingredients

  • One 11-oz bag Kraft caramel bits or caramel squares, unwrapped if using
  • 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1¼ cups unsalted peanuts
  • One 16 oz pkg vanilla/white chocolate CandiQuik or similar white candy coating

Instructions

  • In a medium microwaveable bowl, combine the caramel bits (or squares if using), the heavy whipping cream, and the butter. Microwave for about 90 seconds, stopping to stir the mixture every 30 seconds. The first two times you stir the mixture, it will be kind of hard to stir, but you just want the mixture to move around some so it doesn't burn. Mixture will be smooth, glossy and melted around the 90 second mark. Stir in the vanilla, and then pour in the peanuts and let set for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop heaping Tablespoonful mounds of the caramel peanut mixture scattered about on the baking sheet, keeping them somewhat spaced out so they don't all seep together. Once the little caramel nut puddles are made, freeze the baking sheet until the caramel mounds are solid, about 5-10 minutes. They should easily peel away from the parchment when solid enough to handle.
  • Prepare the vanilla CandiQuik according to package directions or until smooth and melted. Dunk each caramel nut mound into the white candy coating, using a fork to coat all sides. Return the coated polar bear paw to the baking sheet and repeat with remaining paws. Wait until chocolate hardens (should be quick on contact with the cold mixture) before serving.

polar bear paws cracked to show texture Easy, addictive, delicious candy great for the holidays! Hope you enjoy these as much as I did!

see's candy copycat polar bear paws collage Have a super sweet day!

xo, Hayley

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Comments

  1. Annette says

    November 6, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    Well these sure do look delicious!

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      November 7, 2017 at 6:49 am

      Thanks Annette! Can’t wait to see on IG if you make them!

      Reply
  2. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says

    November 6, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    Is it weird that i have all the ingredients for these? I want to make them now!

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      November 7, 2017 at 6:49 am

      You totally should; they are SO dang good! I’m going to make another batch soon 🙂

      Reply
  3. cakespy says

    November 7, 2017 at 9:26 am

    HOLY YUM I NEED THESE.

    Reply
  4. Patty says

    November 14, 2017 at 4:51 pm

    Can these be frozen? Looking to start my baking early this year. These look so yummy

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      November 16, 2017 at 8:18 am

      Hi Patty! You could totally freeze them but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let them come to room temperature before serving them! I cannot afford your dental bill when you bite into frozen caramel and break a tooth! 😉

      Reply
  5. Janie Allen says

    November 29, 2017 at 11:58 pm

    How long can these be made in advance? How do you store them?

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      November 30, 2017 at 7:59 am

      Hi Janie! Keep them airtight at room temperature – if you do refrigerate or freeze, PLEASE let them come to room temperature before serving as cold caramel is not great for teeth 🙂 I’d say they would last up to a week, week and a half!

      Reply
  6. Jen says

    November 30, 2017 at 10:58 am

    Have you made these with salted and unsalted peanuts? The recipe calls for unsalted, but your post says slightly salted. Just wondering which would taste better!

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      November 30, 2017 at 6:41 pm

      Hi Jen, I would use unsalted. I said in the post the peanuts give a nice salty bite because I personally find even unsalted peanuts a little salty compared to the other ingredients 🙂 Hope that clears it up!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 1, 2017 at 5:07 pm

        Thanks!!

        Reply
  7. Danielle says

    December 4, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    When do you add the tsp of vanilla extract?

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      December 4, 2017 at 3:53 pm

      Hi Danielle! Oops, it’s after the butter/caramel/cream mixture has melted, right before you add the peanuts. Editing my instructions now!

      Reply
  8. Lesley says

    December 6, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    I seem to only find dry roasted peanuts. Does it matter if they are unsalted AND dry roasted? Peanut and white chocolate are one of my favorite combos. Can’t wait to try these!

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      December 6, 2017 at 1:31 pm

      Hi Lesley, that’d be just fine! I just didn’t want to use salted or flavored peanuts so the natural flavor can come through AND so they aren’t too salty 🙂

      Reply
    • Diane says

      December 8, 2019 at 8:17 am

      I found the peanuts at Walmart, Planters Cocktail Peanuts.

      Reply
  9. Kathryn says

    December 9, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    How many caramels are in a 11 Oz PKG? I only have individual ones.

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      December 10, 2017 at 12:12 pm

      That’s a good question… if you have a measuring scale, you can weigh out individual caramels to weigh 11 oz. Otherwise, maybe 45-50?

      Reply
  10. Hollie says

    December 14, 2017 at 11:26 am

    Hello, can I use white chocolate chips or bar instead of the candi quik? Thanks.

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      December 15, 2017 at 8:08 pm

      Hi Hollie – I would use a white chocolate baking bar if you cannot use the candy coating. Chocolate chips have a low melting point so they are more prone to seizing. Just melt the white chocolate bar low and slow.

      Reply
  11. Savonna says

    December 20, 2017 at 2:03 pm

    Made these for my office Christmas party! They were absolutely delicious!!!!!!!!!! I did have to use a whole 24 oz block of Almond Bark for mine and I changed it from peanuts to Pecans!!!

    Reply
    • Glynnie says

      August 11, 2018 at 11:31 pm

      5 stars
      Ooh yummy, I love pecans. Will make these both ways for the holidays. Thanks for the great idea! I’d make them right now, but ….dang…wish I was young and skinny again! Lol

      Reply
  12. Duane K Sartori says

    November 13, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    5 stars
    I made these also with cashews and my family absolutely devoured them. They are requesting more. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      November 14, 2018 at 5:03 pm

      Love cashews!!!

      Reply
  13. Carol says

    November 28, 2018 at 7:16 pm

    Could you use anything in place of heavy whipping cream?

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      November 29, 2018 at 12:18 pm

      Sure, you can try to use milk! It should work.

      Reply
  14. Kathy says

    August 22, 2019 at 5:44 am

    I love these things, I get them at Sees’ at the mall too. I loved reading your nostalgic description of the mall–it takes me back! I’ll be making these soon. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply
  15. Alice says

    October 25, 2019 at 4:03 pm

    I think you 4 the recipe I am going to make this

    Reply
  16. Kenny Gooch says

    December 29, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    5 stars
    These are easy and absolutely delicious !

    Reply
  17. GiniD says

    July 7, 2021 at 6:25 am

    5 stars
    These are absolutely delicious! I make them every Christmas; however, I find them to be very time-consuming to make. Just my opinion.

    Reply
  18. Tina Merrow says

    August 6, 2021 at 10:00 am

    5 stars
    I realize this is an old post, and we all know this is an awesome recipe… I just want to say kudos to you for your writing!! Every time I read this post I LMAO!! You are such a good writer, you bring the reader into your story and make them feel as though they are living it… walking through the mall that kinda sucks, smelling candy stores, Popcorn, new leather and pizza!! You took me back and left me wanting to read on!!!

    Reply
  19. Susie says

    October 26, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    Could I use Ghirardelli white chocolate chips to melt for the chocolate? I hate the flavour of thee fake stuff.

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      October 26, 2021 at 3:20 pm

      Hi Susie, you can if you melt it really low and slow, perhaps in a double boiler as opposed to the microwave which tends to seize the chocolate easier.

      Reply
  20. Stephanie says

    October 28, 2021 at 6:11 pm

    I think I will make Grizzly Bear claws and use milk chocolate instead of the white. My family is not fond of white chocolate.

    Reply
  21. Karen says

    December 15, 2022 at 10:40 am

    I find that my caramel doesn’t firm up like it should and tends to spread out too widely. Is this an altitude thing or is there something I can do to firm up the caramel a bit? Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • thedomesticrebel says

      December 21, 2022 at 8:03 pm

      Hi Karen, when you first melt the caramel it will be really runny. Let it stand for a few minutes to kind of harden up some and get more sticky and thickened.

      Reply
  22. Maye says

    December 22, 2022 at 6:22 pm

    Easy to prepare.. did find mixture thickens quickly and you have to hurry when dropping the Peanut puddles…
    I did used sea salted peanuts, came out just fine,.

    Reply

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About me

Welcome to The Domestic Rebel! My name is Hayley and I am the 31-year old writer, photographer, recipe developer, taste-tester and creator of this blog. I’m so glad you’ve stopped by my little slice of sprinkly, butter-laden heaven on the interwebs. If it wasn’t apparent, I like to bake… a lot. Read More…

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