Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

These Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the warmth of homemade baking. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or simply a cozy afternoon snack, these adorable bear-shaped cookies blend the rich flavors of brown butter and sweet maple syrup. With their unique shapes and delicious taste, they are sure to bring smiles to both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown butter and maple syrup creates a rich, nutty flavor that’s irresistible.
• Fun for Everyone: These bear-shaped cookies are not only tasty but also fun to make with family or friends.
• Versatile Occasions: Ideal for holiday celebrations, birthday parties, or everyday treats.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Great for Gifting: Packaged beautifully, these cookies make a lovely gift for loved ones.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful cookie recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Light-colored saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Refrigerator
• Piping bag or freezer bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly, which is crucial for the texture of the cookies.
• Light-colored saucepan: Allows you to see the browning of the butter clearly, preventing burning.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.

Ingredients

These bear-shaped shortbread cookies are flavored with brown butter and maple syrup.

For the Cookie Dough

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon baking powder

For Decoration

• 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, or as needed

How to Make Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

1. Place unsalted butter into a small light-colored saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook while swirling often until small brown bits form at the bottom and the butter smells nutty (about 8 to 10 minutes).
3. Pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients Together

1. Add pure maple syrup and dark brown sugar to the cooled butter; stir until combined.
2. Mix in vanilla extract, maple extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Combine well.
3. Gradually add in all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 3: Shape the Bear Cookies

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove dough from fridge; scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
3. Place it on the cookie sheet and flatten slightly.
4. Scoop out 1/4 teaspoon of dough; roll it into a small ball, flatten into a circle shape, then place it on top of the larger ball as the bear’s snout.
5. For ears, scoop out two 1/8 teaspoons of dough; roll them into tiny balls and place them on each side of the top cookie.
6. Space cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet; chill in fridge for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Bake Your Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Remove baking sheet from fridge and place it in the preheated oven.
3. Bake until cookies are slightly browned on the bottom (about 20 to 23 minutes).
4. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 5: Decorate Your Cookies

1. Place chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl; heat until melted (about 1 minute), stirring every 30 seconds.
2. Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag or freezer bag; snip off one corner.
3. Pipe eyes and noses onto your bear cookies once cooled, allowing chocolate to harden before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies! Store any extras in an air-tight container to keep them fresh!

How to Serve Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

These adorable bear-shaped cookies are not just delightful treats; they also make great conversation starters at any gathering. Here are some fun ways to serve your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies.

With Hot Beverages

• Serve alongside hot cocoa for a cozy pairing.
• Offer with herbal tea for a soothing afternoon snack.
• Enjoy with coffee to balance the sweetness of the cookies.

For Parties and Gatherings

• Create a fun dessert table featuring these cute cookies as a centerpiece.
• Package them in clear bags tied with ribbons as party favors for guests to take home.
• Arrange on decorative platters for an eye-catching display.

As a Kid-Friendly Treat

• Serve with milk for a classic combination that kids love.
• Include them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise during school hours.
• Decorate with colorful icing or sprinkles for additional fun.

How to Perfect Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

Perfecting your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your cookie-making game.

• Use light-colored pans: This allows you to monitor the browning of the butter better, ensuring it reaches the perfect nutty flavor without burning.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain its shape during baking and enhances the flavors.
• Pre-measure ingredients: This ensures accuracy and speeds up your preparation time, making the process smoother.
• Watch baking time closely: Each oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to avoid over-browning.
• Cool completely before decorating: Letting them cool helps prevent melted chocolate from running off when you pipe eyes and noses.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies can enhance their flavor and create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delightful options.

1. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like berries and melons add a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy, crunchy side that complements sweetness.
3. Ice Cream: Vanilla or maple-flavored ice cream creates a deliciously creamy accompaniment to these cookies.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can balance the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
5. Nut Mix: A bowl of assorted nuts provides a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cookies.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat that enhances their rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter can prevent the cookies from achieving the desired texture. Always use softened butter for a smooth dough.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Remember to chill the dough for at least 2 hours.
• Measuring flour incorrectly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to an excess amount, making cookies dense. Use a spoon to fluff the flour before measuring it.
• Overbaking: Baking cookies too long can lead to dryness. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are slightly golden on the bottom.
• Neglecting to cool properly: Trying to move cookies while they are still hot can cause them to break. Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Make sure each layer is separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies into a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place cookies on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a non-stick skillet over low heat, flipping once, for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies.

Can I use different sweeteners?

You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey, but this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

How do I make vegan Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies?

To make these cookies vegan, replace unsalted butter with plant-based butter and ensure that all other ingredients are dairy-free.

What if I don’t have maple extract?

You can either omit it or increase the amount of pure maple syrup slightly for added flavor.

How should I decorate my Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies?

You can use melted chocolate, icing, or sprinkles for decoration. Get creative and customize them!

How do I store leftover cookie dough?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are delightful treats perfect for any occasion. Their unique blend of flavors makes them stand out as both delicious and charming. Feel free to customize these cookies with different shapes or decorations to suit any festive celebration!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are whimsical and delicious treats that bring a smile to everyone. With a rich, nutty flavor from the brown butter and the sweetness of pure maple syrup, these adorable bear-shaped cookies are perfect for any occasion—from holiday celebrations to cozy afternoon snacks. Easy to make and even more fun to decorate, they can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. Whether served with hot cocoa or packaged as gifts, these cookies will undoubtedly become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

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• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon baking powder
• Chocolate chips for decoration

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Instructions

1. Prepare brown butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty (about 8-10 minutes). Cool slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled brown butter with maple syrup and brown sugar; mix well.
3. Add vanilla extract, maple extract, spices, and salt; stir until combined.
4. Gradually mix in flour and baking powder until a smooth dough forms. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Shape dough into bear cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-23 minutes until slightly golden on the bottom. Cool before decorating with melted chocolate.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 30g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg