Description
Delightful bear-shaped cookies made with rich brown butter and sweet maple syrup, perfect for creating lasting memories in the kitchen.
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
- In a small, light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, swirling often until small brown bits form and it smells nutty, about 8-10 minutes. Pour into a mixing bowl to cool for 5 minutes.
- Add maple syrup and brown sugar to the cooled butter, then stir in vanilla, maple extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and flatten slightly on the baking sheet. Shape additional smaller pieces for the snout and ears.
- Chill the baking sheet with shaped cookies in the fridge for an additional 20 minutes.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes or until the bottoms are slightly browned.
- Cool cookies on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and use to pipe eyes and noses on cookies.
Notes
For best results, chill the dough to maintain the cookie shape. Feel free to add chopped nuts or dried fruits for variations.