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