Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

These Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their charming bear shape and the rich flavors of brown butter and maple syrup make them a standout dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want to impress your friends with cute cookies, these bear cookies will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. They are easy to make and pack a delicious punch, making them an ideal choice for family gatherings or festive celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delectable Flavor: The combination of brown butter and maple syrup creates a rich, nutty flavor that elevates traditional shortbread.
• Cute Presentation: Shaped like adorable bears, these cookies are visually appealing and perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, birthdays, or as a sweet snack, these cookies fit into any occasion effortlessly.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip up these delightful treats.
• Fun Decorating: Use melted chocolate to add eyes and noses, turning each cookie into a unique creation.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful bear-shaped cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Small light-colored saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Refrigerator
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (optional)
• Piping bag or freezer bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without spills.
• Parchment paper: This non-stick surface ensures your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup effortless.
• Piping bag: Using this tool helps you achieve precise designs when decorating your bear cookies with chocolate.

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 begin to stick to the bottom of the pan, about 8 to 10 minutes, until the butter smells nutty.
3. Pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Remove the dough from the fridge.
4. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough; roll it into a ball and place it on the cookie sheet. Flatten slightly.
5. For the bear’s snout, scoop out 1/4 teaspoon of dough; roll into a small ball, flatten it into a circle shape, and place it on top of the larger ball.
6. For ears, scoop out two 1/8 teaspoons of dough; roll them into tiny balls and place one on each side of the top of the cookie.
7. Continue shaping until all dough is used up, spacing bear cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
8. Chill assembled cookies in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place the chilled baking sheet into your preheated oven.
2. Bake until cookies are slightly browned on the bottom, roughly 20 to 23 minutes.
3. Allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Melt chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup for about 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted.
2. Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag or freezer bag; snip a small hole in one corner.
3. Pipe eyes and noses onto each cookie as desired.
4. Allow chocolate decoration to harden before serving or storing.

Enjoy your deliciously crafted Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies, perfect for sharing with family or friends!

How to Serve Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

These delightful Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are perfect for sharing and can be served in various fun ways. Their adorable bear shape and delicious flavor make them a hit at any gathering, especially during the holidays.

Creative Cookie Presentation

• Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with festive accents like sprigs of holly or colorful napkins.
• Gift Boxes: Pack the cookies into small gift boxes or bags for a sweet homemade gift that friends and family will love.

Pairing with Beverages

• Milk: Serve these cookies alongside a chilled glass of milk for a classic pairing that kids will adore.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea, enhancing their rich brown butter flavor.

Themed Parties

• Holiday Gatherings: Use these cookies as part of your holiday dessert table to delight guests of all ages.
• Kids’ Birthday Parties: These cute bear-shaped cookies can be the highlight of any children’s party or playdate.

How to Perfect Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

Creating the perfect Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out wonderfully every time.

• Chill the Dough: Always chill the cookie dough for at least 2 hours. This helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring beautifully shaped bears.
• Use Light-Colored Pans: Baking on light-colored pans helps achieve even browning on the bottom of your cookies.
• Control Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are just slightly browned on the bottom; they will continue to cook while cooling.
• Decorate After Cooling: Wait until your cookies are completely cool before decorating them with melted chocolate to avoid melting and losing their shape.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies can be complemented by several delightful side dishes. These pairings enhance the experience and create an enjoyable dessert spread.

1. Ice Cream Sundae: A scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with caramel sauce pairs excellently with these cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies, making it a refreshing side.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served alongside fresh fruits and your bear cookies makes for a fun dipping experience.
5. Whipped Cream Dip: A light whipped cream dip flavored with maple syrup complements the cookie’s taste perfectly.
6. Nut Mix: A blend of roasted nuts adds crunch and savory notes that contrast well with the sweetness of shortbread bears.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies, it’s easy to overlook details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the browning process: Failing to brown the butter properly can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to cook the butter until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
• Not chilling the dough long enough: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours is essential for maintaining shape during baking. Plan ahead to avoid cookies that spread too much.
• Incorrectly measuring flour: Too much or too little flour can alter cookie texture. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking them too long can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them, and take them out when they’re slightly browned on the bottom.
• Neglecting storage tips: Improper storage can lead to stale cookies. Store your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies in an airtight container for freshness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months; just separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering them with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

To make these delightful cookies, you need unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, spices, and flour. Follow the recipe instructions carefully for best results.

Can I customize my Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even different extracts to enhance flavor. The base dough is versatile for many variations.

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

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky after mixing, try chilling it longer before shaping. You can also dust your hands with flour while rolling out the shapes.

Are Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies suitable for kids?

Yes! These cute bear-shaped cookies are perfect for kids’ parties and holiday celebrations, making baking fun and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are not only adorable but pack a rich flavor that everyone will love. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your preferences or occasions. Try making these delightful treats today!

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: Jennifer
• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful charm of Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies, a perfect treat for any occasion. These adorable cookies combine the nutty richness of brown butter with the sweet embrace of pure maple syrup, creating a flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. Their cute bear shape adds a playful touch, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or simply as a fun baking project with kids. Easy to prepare and customizable with chocolate decorations, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family while filling your home with a warm, inviting aroma.

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Ingredients

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• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons 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
• 1 tablespoon chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. 1. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty; let cool.
2. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled butter with maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and spices until smooth.
3. 3. Gradually add flour and baking powder until dough forms; refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. 4. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and shape chilled dough into bear cookies on a lined baking sheet.
5. 5. Bake for 20-23 minutes until slightly browned; cool before decorating with melted chocolate.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (18g)
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 20mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg