Bear Claw Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 02, 2025

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Bear Claw Recipe: A Deliciously Decadent Treat

Are you ready to bake up a batch of irresistible bear claws? This recipe will guide you through creating these flaky, buttery, and wonderfully sweet pastries that are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this step-by-step guide will make the process easy and enjoyable. Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 12 bear claws. Adjust quantities as needed.

For the Dough:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
• ½ cup (120ml) ice water

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Dough:

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents shrinkage during baking.

Assembling the Bear Claws:

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
3. Spread the Filling: Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a ½-inch border on one of the long sides.
4. Roll and Slice: Starting from the opposite long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
5. Shape the Claws: Gently curve each slice into a claw shape, slightly pulling the ends apart to resemble a bear's claw.

Baking the Bear Claws:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Bake: Place the bear claws on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Cool: Let the bear claws cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Glaze (Optional):

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice), and salt until smooth. Add more milk or lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.
2. Drizzle: Once the bear claws have cooled, drizzle the glaze over them.

Tips for Success:

• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is crucial for a flaky pastry.
• Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in a tough pastry.
• Chill the dough thoroughly: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and prevents the bear claws from spreading during baking.
• Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your bear claws and adjust baking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your warm, freshly baked bear claws with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat. They are also delicious served alongside ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent dessert.

This recipe provides a delightful baking experience and a delicious outcome. Enjoy your homemade bear claws! Remember to share your baking creations with friends and family – they’ll thank you for it!