Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

These Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy family afternoons. Their adorable bear shapes, combined with the rich flavor of brown butter and sweet maple syrup, make them irresistible. Not only are they fun to make, but they also create lasting memories for kids and adults alike. Enjoy these cookies as a charming dessert or a special snack that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and maple syrup creates a rich, nutty taste that stands out.
• Fun Shapes: These bear-shaped cookies add a whimsical touch to any dessert table.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up quickly.
• Great for All Occasions: Whether for holidays or casual get-togethers, these cookies fit right in.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Get the little ones involved in shaping and decorating these cute cookies.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure, gather your tools for an efficient process. Having everything ready will help you create these delightful cookies without a hitch.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Light-colored saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (bear shape)
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly, ensuring even flavor throughout the dough.
• Light-colored saucepan: Helps monitor the browning of the butter accurately without burning it.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when baking your cookies.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

These bear-shaped shortbread cookies are flavored with brown butter and maple syrup.

For the 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: 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 the Ingredients

Add maple syrup and brown sugar to the cooled butter; stir well to combine. Mix in vanilla extract, maple extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well incorporated. Gradually add flour and baking powder into the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper while waiting for the dough to chill.

Step 4: Shape Your Cookies

Remove dough from fridge. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball; place it onto your prepared cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Take 1/4 teaspoon of dough, roll it into a small ball, then flatten it into a circle shape; place this on top of the larger ball to form the ‘snout’ of the bear. Roll two tiny balls (1/8 teaspoons each) for ears and position them on either side of the ‘snout’. Continue shaping until all dough is used up, ensuring there’s about 1 inch between each cookie on the sheet. Chill baking sheet in fridge for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Remove baking sheet from fridge and place it into the preheated oven. Bake until cookies are lightly browned on the bottom, approximately 20 to 23 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Decorate Your Bears

Place chocolate chips into a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup and heat until melted (about 1 minute), stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag or freezer bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe eyes and noses onto each cookie once cooled completely. Allow chocolate decorations to harden before serving your delightful bear cookies! Store any extras in an air-tight container.

Enjoy making these scrumptious Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family!

How to Serve Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

These delightful bear-shaped cookies are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your treats even more enjoyable.

Pair with Milk

• A classic choice, serving these cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances their rich flavor and provides a satisfying contrast.

Create a Cookie Platter

• Arrange the bear cookies on a decorative platter alongside other cookies and treats. This makes for an eye-catching dessert display at any gathering.

Serve with Hot Cocoa

• Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. The sweetness of the maple pairs perfectly with the chocolate flavors.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced strawberries or apple wedges for a refreshing balance to the rich shortbread. The fruit adds a pop of color and flavors that complement the cookies.

Use as Ice Cream Toppers

• Crumble the cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra special dessert. The brown butter-maple flavor will elevate your sundae experience.

How to Perfect Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies is key. Follow these tips for perfect results every time.

• Brown the butter correctly: Cook until it reaches a nutty aroma and golden-brown color, which enhances the flavor of your cookies.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least two hours ensures it holds its shape during baking and creates a better texture.

• Use light-colored baking sheets: These help prevent over-browning, ensuring your cookies bake evenly and maintain their delightful light color.

• Don’t skip the cooling time: Letting your cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them preserves their structure and prevents crumbling.

• Experiment with shapes: While bears are fun, feel free to use cookie cutters in various shapes for different occasions!

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies can enhance your dessert table. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda that pair well with sweet desserts, offering a savory counterpoint.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy accompaniment.

4. Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts can add texture and provide a salty contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookies.

5. Mini Cupcakes: Small, simple cupcakes can create variety without overwhelming guests; opt for vanilla or chocolate flavors.

6. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These elegant treats not only look appealing but also share similar flavor profiles that complement shortbread beautifully.

7. Coffee or Tea Service: Offering brewed coffee or herbal teas can enhance the experience by adding warmth and richness to your cookie enjoyment.

8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up toppings next to ice cream so guests can create their own sundaes, including crumbled bear cookies as one of the toppings!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not browning the butter properly – Failing to achieve the right nutty aroma and color will affect the flavor. Watch for small brown bits at the bottom of the pan.
• Skipping the chilling step – If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Always chill for at least 2 hours to firm up.
• Measuring flour inaccurately – Too much or too little flour can ruin the texture. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
• Overbaking the cookies – Keep an eye on them! Cookies should be slightly browned on the bottom but not too dark. Check them around 20 minutes.
• Not using quality ingredients – Using lower-quality maple syrup or butter can lead to bland cookies. Opt for pure maple syrup and high-quality unsalted butter for better flavor.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for freshness.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, covering it until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or regular granulated sugar, but this may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits?

Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for additional flavor and texture variations in your cookies.

What’s the best way to decorate these bear cookies?

Use melted chocolate or icing for eyes and noses. Get creative with sprinkles or edible glitter as well!

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are delightful treats perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavor and cute shape make them fun for kids and adults alike. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like spices or toppings to customize them further!