What is a bear claw?

A bear claw is a type of pastry, typically made with a sweet dough and filled with almond paste or a similar sweet filling. The pastry is shaped to resemble a bear's claw, with sliced almonds decorating the top to resemble the claws. Bear claws are popular in American bakeries and are often enjoyed as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. They are known for their rich and flaky texture, as well as their sweet and nutty flavor.