These brown butter-maple shortbread bear cookies are a delightful twist on classic shortbread, infused with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter and the sweet, comforting taste of maple syrup. Perfectly crumbly with a hint of sweetness, these cookies are shaped like adorable bears, making them a fun and festive treat for any occasion. Whether you¡¯re baking for a holiday, a party, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress with their buttery flavor and charming appearance.
INGREDIENTS:
list of 8 items
? 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
? 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
? 2 cups all-purpose flour
? 1/2 cup powdered sugar
? 1/4 teaspoon salt
? 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
? 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
? Bear-shaped cookie cutters
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INSTRUCTIONS:
list of 8 items
1. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a golden brown
color and has a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and
well combined. Gradually add the flour and cinnamon (if using), mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will make the dough easier to roll
out.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350¡ãF (175¡ãC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll Out and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use bear-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the
cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to remain
tender.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve or Decorate: Once cooled, you can serve the cookies as is or decorate them with a drizzle of maple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar.
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Enjoy your adorable and delicious Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies!
