Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are the perfect combination of nutty, sweet goodness that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Picture sinking your teeth into a buttery cookie that melts in your mouth, leaving behind notes of maple and rich brown butter that echo the cozy vibes of a crisp autumn day. Delicious Christmas Festive Trifle Festive Halloween Crinkle Cookies Melt-in-Your-Mouth Russian Tea Cookies.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What makes brown butter special?
- How do I know when my cookies are done?
- Can I freeze these cookies?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These delightful treats bring back memories of baking with my grandmother, who always made cookies like these to celebrate special occasions. Whether you whip them up for a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply to indulge yourself on a Tuesday, these cookies promise to be the star of the show. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The simplicity of these cookies means you can prepare them in under an hour
- Their flavor profile is a delicious blend of nuttiness and sweetness
- Visually appealing with their golden brown hue, they look adorable on any dessert platter
- Versatile enough to enjoy alone or as a delightful pairing with coffee or tea
I still remember my friends’ faces lighting up when I brought these cookies to our game night last year. They devoured them faster than we could finish the board game!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for that rich flavor; browning it is key to unlocking its nutty essence.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that delightful shortbread texture; don’t skimp!
- Brown Sugar: For moisture and that irresistible caramel undertone; dark brown sugar works wonders here.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour is perfect; it gives structure without being too tough.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Opt for real maple syrup for authentic flavor; it’s worth every penny.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for depth; imitation just won’t cut it here.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully; don’t forget this crucial ingredient!
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Adds a touch of sweetness and makes the cookies look extra charming.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Brown the Butter: Start by melting 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir frequently until it turns golden brown and smells nutty—about 5-7 minutes.
Mix Sugars and Maple Syrup: In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed brown sugar, and ¼ cup pure maple syrup. Pour in your browned butter while it’s still warm.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt into the sugar mixture. Mix gently until combined; avoid overworking the dough for tender cookies.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the dough for easier handling.
Shape into Bears!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until about ¼ inch thick. Use bear-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake and Cool!: Bake your adorable bear cookies for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Now you have an irresistible batch of Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies ready to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every bite while basking in those sweet nostalgic memories. Peanut Butter Blossoms for a Sweet Treat.
You Must Know
- Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are not just adorable; they melt in your mouth
- The rich, nutty flavor from the brown butter pairs perfectly with maple syrup
- Plus, these cookies are a hit at any gathering, making them a delightful treat for friends and family
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies, start by browning the butter first until it’s golden and fragrant. Then mix the dry ingredients while it cools, ensuring perfect cookie texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap maple syrup for honey or add chocolate chips for an extra treat. You might even sprinkle in some nuts or spices like cinnamon to personalize these cookies!
Storing & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to regain that fresh-baked softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies turn out perfect every time, remember to measure your flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method
- Don’t skip browning the butter; it adds depth of flavor
- For the best texture, allow the dough to chill before baking
The first time I made these cookies, my niece declared them “bear-y” delicious and insisted on helping decorate them. It turned into a joyful mess of sprinkles and laughter that I’ll never forget!
FAQ
What makes brown butter special?
Brown butter adds a nutty flavor that enhances baked goods beautifully.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and set in the center.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to three months!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are a delightful treat that combines nutty brown butter with the sweetness of pure maple syrup. These charming bear-shaped cookies melt in your mouth, making them perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy evenings at home. With a simple recipe that takes less than an hour to prepare, you’ll create lasting memories and smiles with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Brown the butter: Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until golden brown and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
- Mix sugars and syrup: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Add the warm browned butter.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in flour and salt until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Shape into bears: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out chilled dough and cut into bear shapes.
- Bake: Place on parchment-lined sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 68mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
