DEAN & DELUCA Unveils “Bärenpratzen”: Bear-Paw German Delights with a Kawaii Twist

Background on the “Gift Project”

This release marks the fourth installment of DEAN & DELUCA’s “Gift Project,” an initiative that reimagines traditional sweets from around the world in collaboration with Rika Fukuda. The project operates under the unifying theme of “C’est mignon × Classique” (cute × classic), presenting global confections with a fresh, gift-oriented perspective. Each creation emphasizes carefully selected ingredients and flavors, undergoing numerous trials to encapsulate the essence of the season and the sentiment of giving. Previous editions have explored French “Petits Diamants” cookies, British “Tea Biscuits,” and Swedish “Hallongrottor,” with Germany now taking center stage.

Introducing Bärenpratzen: A Symbol of Warmth

“Bärenpratzen,” meaning “bear paws” in German (Bären = bear, Tatzen = paws), are traditionally cherished during winter festivities as a symbol of good luck. Rika Fukuda herself had long admired these “delicious piped cookies.” For this collaboration, the cookies are piped with a star-shaped nozzle, then dipped in chocolate to perfectly mimic the endearing shape of a bear’s paw.

The cookies are crafted with a rich blend of hazelnuts and almond flour, imparting a deep, aromatic flavor that pairs exquisitely with chocolate. Emphasizing a rustic, homemade feel, the texture is designed to be satisfyingly crisp yet melt-in-your-mouth crumbly. To enhance their charm and ease of consumption, they are formed into smaller, “little bear paw” sizes.

The thoughtfulness extends to the packaging, which features playful illustrations by artist Izumi Shiokawa. True to their name, the tins are designed to evoke the feeling of a heartfelt, hand-delivered gift, even including a hidden bear paw print on the back of the 4-piece tin as a delightful surprise.

A Palette of Four Flavors

Four distinct flavor combinations are available, each offering a unique experience:

• MAPLE: Maple with Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate

• COCOA: Cocoa with Almond and White Chocolate

• COFFEE: Coffee with Roasted Almond and White Chocolate

• SPICE: Spice with Roasted Almond and Dark Chocolate

Pricing and Availability

The “Bärenpratzen” are available for purchase from January 16, 2026.

• Bärenpratzen Gift Tin M (8 pieces): ¥4,104 (tax included)

• Bärenpratzen Gift Tin S (4 pieces): ¥1,944 (tax included)

These delightful treats can be found at DEAN & DELUCA Market Stores, select Cafe Stores, and through their official online store. For more details, visit the special feature page: https://x.gd/0YArw

Rika Fukuda’s Valentine’s Gift Selections

As part of the launch, Rika Fukuda also shared her special Valentine’s gift recommendations from DEAN & DELUCA’s 2026 chocolate collection, categorized into four themes:

• 1 “Self-Reward Chocolate”

• 2 “For That Special Someone to Express Gratitude”

• 3 “An Exquisite Item Discovered at First Sight”

• 4 “A Deep Selection to Captivate Connoisseurs”

Reflecting on the selection process, Fukuda commented, “Everything was so lovely, I truly had a hard time choosing!” Her thoughtful curation brings a world of carefully selected flavors and the joy of giving. More information on her selections can be found on the DEAN & DELUCA special feature page: https://www.deandeluca.co.jp/contents/special/detail/26_001

Rika Fukuda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riccafukuda/

A Future of Kawaii and Culinary Exploration

The introduction of Bärenpratzen exemplifies DEAN & DELUCA’s commitment to blending global culinary traditions with a touch of “kawaii” charm, a cornerstone of Japanese culture. This ongoing “Gift Project” not only introduces delightful new sweets but also fosters a deeper appreciation for international baked goods through a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. By transforming traditional treats into adorable, gift-worthy creations, DEAN & DELUCA and Rika Fukuda are certainly enriching the global landscape of sweet indulgences, inviting everyone to discover the simple joys of a warm coffee break with a “little bear paw” cookie.