When the aroma of brown butter wafts through your kitchen, you know something magical is about to happen. Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies deliver a delightful crunch with a warm, nutty flavor that dances on your palate. cheesecake brownies for dessert The sweetness of maple syrup enhances the buttery goodness, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. bat-shaped brownies for Halloween. For more inspiration, check out this ultimate chocolate cake recipe recipe.
Imagine indulging in these adorable bear-shaped cookies while sipping tea or coffee, sharing hearty laughs with loved ones. Each bite is a reminder of joyful moments spent in the kitchen, crafting sweet memories that linger long after the last cookie disappears. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies promise to delight your taste buds and bring smiles all around.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare and require simple ingredients
- The unique flavor combination of brown butter and maple syrup creates a rich and irresistible taste
- Their charming bear shape makes them visually appealing and perfect for any celebration
- Enjoy these versatile cookies at parties, as gifts, or simply as a delightful snack
Baking these cookies has led to countless compliments from friends who marvel at their deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor; browning it adds a nutty richness.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetness balances the nuttiness of the brown butter perfectly.
- Maple Syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup; it makes all the difference in flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that gives structure to our delightful cookies.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth; choose pure extract for the best results.
- Powdered Sugar (for decoration): Sprinkle on top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Workspace: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter until it starts bubbling. Stir continuously until it turns golden brown and smells nutty—this usually takes about 5 minutes.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, granulated sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy; you should see a beautiful glossy sheen.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt using a spatula until combined. The dough should come together but remain soft and slightly sticky; resist the urge to overmix.
Shape Your Cookies: Take small portions of dough and roll them into small balls before pressing them into bear shapes on your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie since they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake & Cool: Place your cookie tray in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until edges turn golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Now you have delicious Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies ready to be devoured! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence. fun monster popcorn mix. For more inspiration, check out this delicious Easter cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- These Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are a delightful twist on classic shortbread
- The nutty aroma from the brown butter combined with the sweet maple syrup creates an irresistible flavor that will have you dreaming of cozy winter nights
- Perfect for sharing, or not!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the butter until it smells nutty, then let it cool before mixing in your sugars. This sequence ensures a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap maple syrup with honey or add chocolate chips for an extra treat. Customize these bear cookies to suit your taste preferences and make them uniquely yours. easy chocolate cookies recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again, warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother cookie dough
- Avoid overmixing after adding flour; this keeps your cookies tender
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps maintain their shape while baking
Baking these cookies reminds me of my childhood kitchen adventures, where my family would gather to create magic from simple ingredients and laughter.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, brown sugar adds moisture, but you can substitute with granulated sugar if needed.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for a light golden color around the edges, indicating they are perfectly baked.
Can I freeze these bear cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for later enjoyment.
Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the sweet warmth of maple syrup. These adorable bear-shaped cookies are perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. Enjoy them with tea or coffee while creating sweet memories with loved ones. Simple to prepare and visually charming, these cookies will elevate any occasion and leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until golden brown and nutty, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together browned butter, granulated sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until combined; do not overmix.
- Roll small portions of dough into balls and shape into bears on the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown; cool on wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
