These Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are not only adorable but also bursting with delightful flavor. Perfect for holidays, birthday parties, or any celebration, these cookies bring a smile to both kids and adults alike. The unique combination of brown butter and maple syrup creates a rich, nutty flavor that sets them apart from traditional cookies. Plus, their charming bear shape makes them a fun treat for gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The brown butter adds depth and richness while the maple syrup provides a sweet touch.
- Fun Presentation: Shaped like cute bears, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any event.
- Easy to Make: With simple instructions and common ingredients, these cookies are accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions, from holiday festivities to casual get-togethers.
- Customizable Design: Feel free to get creative with decorations using melted chocolate or colorful sprinkles.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting your cookie adventure.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Light-colored saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Refrigerator
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Cookie cutter (bear-shaped)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowls: These help combine ingredients thoroughly for a uniform dough.
- Light-Colored Saucepan: Essential for browning butter without burning it, allowing you to see the color change easily.
- Baking Sheet: Provides a stable surface for cookies to bake evenly in the oven.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.
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 Decorating
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, or as needed
How to Make Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Place butter into a small light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling often, until small brown bits begin to stick to the bottom of the pan and the butter smells nutty, about 8 to 10 minutes. Pour butter into a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Add maple syrup and dark brown sugar to the cooled butter; stir until combined. Mix in vanilla extract, maple extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined. Gradually add flour and baking powder; mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and place it into the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Step 3: Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper while waiting for your dough to chill.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Remove chilled dough from the fridge. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball; place it onto the cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Scoop out 1/4 teaspoon of dough; roll it into a small ball, flatten it into a circle shape, then place it on top of the larger ball for the bear’s snout. Scoop out two tiny balls (1/8 teaspoons each) for ears; place them on each side of the top of the cookie. Continue shaping bear cookies until all dough is used up, spacing them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for another 20 minutes.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Remove the baking sheet from the fridge and place it in the preheated oven. Bake until cookies are slightly browned on the bottom, approximately 20 to 23 minutes. Allow cooling on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Decorate Cookies
Melt chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup for about 1 minute; stir every 30 seconds until smooth. Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag or freezer bag; snip off one corner to pipe eyes and noses onto each cookie. Allow chocolate decorations to harden before serving. Store any extra cookies in an airtight container.
Enjoy your delightful Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies!
How to Serve Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
These delightful bear-shaped cookies make for an adorable and tasty treat that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
For a Cozy Family Gathering
- Hot Cocoa Pairing: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a comforting winter snack.
- Milk and Cookies: Classic milk is always a hit! Enjoy these shortbread bears with a glass of cold milk, perfect for kids and adults alike.
At Holiday Parties
- Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats for a beautiful display.
- Gift Boxes: Package these cookies in cute boxes or bags as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
For Kids’ Parties
- Themed Snack Table: Include these cookies as part of a bear-themed snack table, adding fun decorations to match the theme.
- Interactive Cookie Decorating: Set up a cookie decorating station where kids can use melted chocolate and sprinkles to personalize their own bear cookies.
How to Perfect Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies can be simple with a few tips.
- Use Light-Colored Pan: A light-colored saucepan helps you monitor the browning of the butter, preventing overcooking.
- Chill Dough Properly: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours ensures better shaping and prevents spreading during baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your dough until just combined to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking; they should be lightly brown on the bottom but still pale on top.
- Store Correctly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
While these shortbread bear cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that pairs well with the buttery texture of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Select mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to create a savory contrast alongside sweet shortbread.
- Nut Medley: A mix of roasted nuts provides a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cookies beautifully.
- Herbal Tea Selection: Serve these cookies with various herbal teas, such as chamomile or mint, creating a soothing flavor experience.
- Vegetable Crudités: Fresh vegetables with dip offer a crisp, refreshing bite that balances out the richness of the shortbread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Not browning the butter properly: If you don’t allow the butter to brown correctly, you miss out on its nutty flavor. Cook until the butter has a golden hue and smells aromatic.
Skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always refrigerate for at least two hours for best results.
Using incorrect measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully to ensure you have the right amounts of each ingredient.
Overbaking the cookies: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be slightly browned on the bottom but soft on top when finished.
Neglecting to cool before decorating: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding chocolate decorations. This prevents melting and ensures neat designs.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
- Freeze baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Place parchment paper between layers for added protection against sticking.
Reheating Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5–10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe for balance.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make these Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies vegan, substitute plant-based butter and use a suitable egg replacer if needed.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
You can use chopped nuts, dried fruits, or other candies if you prefer not to use chocolate chips.
How should I decorate my bear cookies?
Feel free to get creative! Use melted white chocolate instead of dark chocolate or add colorful sprinkles for extra fun.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets and adjust your chilling time if necessary.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are not only adorable but also packed with rich flavors. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a fun afternoon treat. Customize them with your favorite toppings or shapes—your imagination is the limit!
Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweetness of maple syrup, resulting in an irresistible cookie that will charm both children and adults alike. These adorable bear-shaped cookies are perfect for any occasion, from festive holiday gatherings to casual birthday parties. Easy to make and customizable with fun decorations, they are sure to be a highlight at your next event. Enjoy the warm, buttery goodness in every bite!
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, or as needed
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 8-10 minutes). Let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooled butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla and maple extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape chilled dough into bear cookies as instructed and chill again for 20 minutes.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes until lightly browned on the bottom. Let 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 (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For a vegan option, substitute plant-based butter. Experiment with different decorations such as colorful sprinkles or dried fruits.