Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
Who doesn’t love a delightful cookie to brighten the day? Enter the Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies—the perfect blend of rich, nutty flavors and a whimsical presentation that is bound to bring a smile. Whether you are planning a cozy afternoon treat, a fun baking activity to do with the kids, or a unique addition to your dessert table, these cookies offer all that and more. The combination of brown butter and maple syrup creates a buttery, caramel-like flavor that makes these cookies irresistibly delicious. Let’s dive into why these charming cookies deserve a spot in your baking repertoire.
Why Make This Recipe
- The warm, nutty aroma of brown butter gives these cookies a sophisticated twist that elevates them from regular shortbread.
- Maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness that complements the earthy flavors, making these treats perfect for any occasion.
- Their adorable bear shape will captivate both kids and adults alike, bringing joy and fun to your kitchen table.
Easy Method for Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
Creating these delightful cookies is an experience that combines simplicity with the joys of baking. Each step allows you to appreciate the beautiful transformation of ingredients into the final product. Let’s get started with making these cookies!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to whip up these adorable bear cookies:
- 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)
Directions
Now it’s time to create your cookies! Follow these detailed steps for a delightful baking experience:
Brown the Butter: Start by placing the unsalted butter into a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. This will help you see the color changes better, which is crucial for browning. Cook the butter, swirling it often, until small brown bits begin to stick to the bottom of the pan and the aroma becomes nutty—this should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s browned, pour the butter into a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: To the cooled brown butter, add the maple syrup and dark brown sugar. Stir to combine, and then mix in the vanilla extract, maple extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Keep stirring until the mixture is well combined.
Combine with Dry Ingredients: Next, add in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Once fully combined, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours. This step is essential for developing the flavors and solidifying the dough for easier handling.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: After your dough has chilled, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ready to receive those adorable bear cookies.
Shape the Cookies: Remove the dough from the fridge. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, placing it onto the prepared cookie sheet and flattening it slightly. Now, scoop out 1/4 teaspoon of dough, roll this into a small ball, and flatten it into a circle shape. This will be the snout of your bear; place it on top of the larger cookie ball. For the ears, scoop out two 1/8 teaspoons of dough and roll them into tiny balls. Place one on each side of the top of the cookie. Repeat this process, spacing the bear cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Once done, chill the baking sheet in the fridge for another 20 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Once the oven is preheated, remove the baking sheet from the fridge and place it in the oven. Bake until the cookies are slightly browned on the bottom, which should take about 20 to 23 minutes. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate: To add the finishing touches, place chocolate chips into a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup and heat them until melted, about 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate into a piping bag or a freezer bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe small dots of chocolate onto each bear cookie to create eyes and noses. Allow the chocolate to harden before serving.
Keeping Bear Cookies Fresh
Following the right storage methods will ensure your cookies stay delicious. Here are some guidelines for keeping those adorable Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can extend their freshness by storing them in the refrigerator for about 5–7 days.
- Freezing: To enjoy these cookies later, freeze them for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Serving Suggestions for Bear Cookies
The fun doesn’t stop with just baking! Here are some delightful ways to serve your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies:
- Cookie Platter: Arrange the bear cookies on a colorful platter surrounded by fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries. This makes for an eye-catching centerpiece for gatherings.
- Coffee Pairing: Serve these cookies alongside a fresh cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Themed Parties: These charming bear cookies are perfect for themed birthday parties or baby showers. Consider using decorations related to nature or wildlife to fit the theme.
- Snack Packs: Pack a few cookies in lunchboxes or as school snacks; they’re sure to bring happiness and smiles to kids.
Tips to Make Bear Cookies Perfectly
- Chill the Dough Well: Don’t skip the chilling step; it is essential for easier handling and shapes.
- Monitor Browning: Keep an eye on the butter while browning to avoid burning—it should be a golden brown color.
- Use Piping Tips: For more elaborate decorations, consider using piping tips which allow for precision when creating eyes and noses.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit or use what you have on hand, consider these variations:
- Nut Substitution: If you prefer a nutty flavor, try adding finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough along with the flour.
- Maple Syrup Alternatives: You could replace maple syrup with honey or agave syrup if you’re looking for a different flavor profile or do not have maple syrup on hand.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to a week, or even freeze it for longer storage. Just roll them out and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q: Can I use a different shape instead of bears?
A: Certainly! Feel free to cut the dough into any shapes you like, such as hearts, stars, or flowers for a lovely twist.
Q: What do I do if my dough is too sticky?
A: If you find your cookie dough is too sticky to work with, you can sprinkle a bit of flour on your hands or the work surface while shaping the cookies.
Q: How do I keep my bear cookies soft?
A: To maintain soft cookies, ensure they do not overbake. Additionally, storing them in an airtight container will help retain moisture.
Creating Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies is not only about satisfying your sweet tooth, but it is also an engaging experience bringing friends and family together. The nutty, caramel flavor combined with the adorable bear shapes makes them a perfect treat for various occasions. From the mixing bowl to the baking sheet, and finally to the delightful decoration, each step is sure to bring a sense of joy and accomplishment. So, roll up your sleeves and embrace the magic of baking with these delightful cookies that are destined to become a family favorite.
Print
Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies with a rich, nutty flavor and whimsical bear shapes, perfect for any occasion.
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 saucepan over medium heat until nutty and golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix cooled brown butter with maple syrup and dark brown sugar, add vanilla extract, maple extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, stirring to combine.
- Add all-purpose flour and baking powder, mix until a smooth dough forms. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the dough into bear cookies and chill for another 20 minutes.
- Bake until slightly browned on the bottom, about 20 to 23 minutes. Cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.
- Melt chocolate chips and use to decorate cookies with eyes and noses. Allow to harden before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or refrigerate for 5–7 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.