Bear Paws Cookies: A Traditional Christmas Treat from the Czech Republic

4. 8. 2024

Bear Paws (also known as Pracny) is a traditional Christmas cookie in the Czech Republic.

Despite their simple appearance, they are very aromatic and full of flavor. While they may seem like just flour and cocoa powder, they are made with walnuts and spices, giving them a strong aroma.

They smell wonderful, with hints of crushed cloves, dark cocoa, cinnamon, and freshly grated lemon zest.

The most challenging part of this recipe is to find the mold if you don’t live in the Czech Republic. This is what the molds look like:

It’s a metallic mold in the shape of a paw or perhaps an elongated shell.

But you can use any other shape and even silicone molds.

Bear paws are a delightful type of Christmas cookie that can be easily shaped into various designs.

One of the advantages of bear paws is that they don’t require intricate decorating, unlike many other holiday treats. Simply coating them in powdered sugar is sufficient for achieving a perfect, elegant look, but for an indulgent twist, they can also be dipped in rich, velvety chocolate.

For those who haven’t experienced bear paws before, they boast a delicious flavor profile with notes of nuts, cocoa, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of lemon, making them a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.

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