Introduction to Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears
There’s something magical about baking, especially when it involves adorable shapes like these Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears. As a busy mom, I know how chaotic life can get. But these delightful cookies offer a little slice of joy amidst the hustle. They blend rich flavors with fun presentation, making them perfect for impressing friends and family without breaking a sweat. Whether you need a quick dessert for a school event or a cozy treat for family movie night, these bears are your new secret weapon. Trust me, they’re irresistibly delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears
These Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals. They come together quickly, allowing you to bake while juggling life’s many demands. Plus, the combination of nutty brown butter and sweet maple syrup creates a flavor that dances on your palate. Your family will adore their charming bear shapes, making cookie time feel extra special. Who knew simple could be this delightful?
Ingredients for Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears
Gathering the right ingredients for your Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears is half the fun and key to their deliciousness! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This is your base flavor; brown it for a nutty aroma and taste.
- Pure maple syrup: It sweetens and adds richness—always opt for real maple for the best flavor.
- Dark brown sugar: This enhances the cookie’s depth with its molasses notes. It’s scrumptious!
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that adds warmth to the cookies.
- Maple extract: For a boost of that delightful maple flavor, especially if you want it to shine.
- Ground cinnamon: A sprinkle of warmth; it complements the maple beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a lovely, subtle spice that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt: This is crucial to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your dough, providing structure and texture.
- Baking powder: A little lift for the cookies; they’ll be delightfully soft.
- Chocolate chips: Optional, but oh-so-tasty. They make the bears come to life with little eyes and noses!
Exact quantities of these ingredients can be found at the end of the article for easy printing. Feel free to get creative! Each element brings its unique flair to your delightful bear-shaped cookies.
How to Make Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears
Making these Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears is simple and rewarding! With each step, you’ll feel more like a baking wizard. Let’s dive right into the instructions, shall we?
Step 1: Brown the Butter
The first step is all about that luscious brown butter. Place your unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. As the butter melts, swirl the pan occasionally. Keep an eye on it! In about 8 to 10 minutes, you’ll see little brown bits forming. The nutty aroma will be your cue that it’s time to move on. Pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Next, add your pure maple syrup and dark brown sugar to the cooled butter. Give it a good stir to combine. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, maple extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Each ingredient adds another layer of flavor, so mix until everything melds beautifully.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Now it’s time for the flour! Gradually add all-purpose flour and baking powder to the mixture. Stir until a smooth dough forms. It may feel a bit soft, but that’s just right. Once it’s ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Trust me, chilling the dough will make your cookies tender and perfect!
Step 4: Shape the Bears
After the dough has chilled, it’s shaping time! Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it slightly and place it on your prepared baking sheet. For the bear snout, take ¼ teaspoon of dough, roll it into a circle, and press it into the larger ball. For the ears, use two tiny balls (1/8 teaspoon each) on top of the cookie. Don’t worry about perfection; the charm is in their uniqueness!
Step 5: Chill and Prepare to Bake
Repeat the shaping process until you’ve used all your dough. Space the bears about an inch apart. Now, chill the baking sheet in the fridge for 20 minutes. This will help them keep their shape during baking, giving you adorable little bears!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Once they’ve chilled, place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 23 minutes or until the bottom edges are slightly browned. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be incredible! Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Decorate the Bears
Now comes the fun part—decorating! Melt your chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate into a piping bag or a small freezer bag; snip a corner off. Pipe little eyes and noses onto each bear. Allow the chocolate to harden before serving. Every bear will have its own personality, don’t you think?
Tips for Success
- Always use a light-colored saucepan to monitor the browning of your butter.
- Don’t skip the chilling time; it’s key to getting tender cookies.
- Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste.
- Experiment with different chocolate chip types for a fun twist.
- Keep an eye on cookies while baking, as ovens may vary.
Equipment Needed for Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears
- Light-colored saucepan: You can always use a stainless steel pan for easy monitoring of browning.
- Mixing bowls: Any size will do, but a larger bowl is best for easy mixing.
- Baking sheet: A standard sheet works, but a silicone mat can also prevent sticking.
- Parchment paper: For lining your baking sheet; aluminum foil is a suitable substitute.
- Piping bag or freezer bag: Use a resealable plastic bag if you don’t have a piping bag.
Variations for Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears
- Nut Variations: Add finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunchy texture and rich flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies gluten-free and just as tasty!
- Sweetness Adjustments: For a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of maple syrup and dark brown sugar by a tablespoon each.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist that complements the maple flavor beautifully.
- Creative Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create various animal shapes or festive designs for holidays, keeping the fun alive!
Serving Suggestions for Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears
- Serve with Milk: Pair these charming bears with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo that kids will adore.
- Coffee Companion: Enjoy them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
- Presentation: Arrange on a colorful plate or tiered stand to add a festive touch for special occasions.
FAQs about Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but keep in mind that using salted butter will add extra saltiness to your cookies. For the best flavor balance, I recommend sticking to unsalted butter and adjusting the salt in your recipe.
How do I store the Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them, too. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly!
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day or two ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and bake those adorable bear cookies.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
If you want to switch things up, honey or agave syrup can work as a substitute, but they will alter the flavor profile. It’s best to use real maple syrup for that signature taste.
Are there any allergy concerns with these cookies?
This recipe contains common allergens like gluten and dairy. Be sure to check labels for any additional allergens, especially if you’re making these for kids or friends with food sensitivities.
Final Thoughts on Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears
There’s something profoundly joyful about baking these Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears. Each step invites creativity and brings warmth to the kitchen. As you mold dough into adorable bear shapes, laughter and smiles abound. Sharing these cookies with family adds an extra layer of happiness to any gathering or quiet moment. The delicious scent wafting from your oven is just one perk of baking! So, embrace the charm of these cookies and let every bite remind you of love, laughter, and treasured time spent together. Happy baking, my fellow food enthusiasts!
Print
Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears are irresistibly delicious, combining the rich flavors of brown butter and maple syrup in a fun bear shape.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, or as needed
Instructions
- 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, 8 to 10 minutes. Pour butter into a mixing bowl and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Add maple syrup and brown sugar to butter and stir to combine. Mix in vanilla extract, maple extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
- Add in flour and baking powder and mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover and place into the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove dough from the fridge. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball; place onto the cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Scoop out 1/4 teaspoon of dough and roll into a small ball, then flatten into a circle to form the snout of the bear. Scoop out two 1/8 teaspoons of dough and roll into tiny balls; place on each side of the top of the cookie to make the ears. Continue rolling out and forming bear shapes until dough is used up. Space cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Chill baking sheet in the fridge for 20 minutes to allow cookies to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 165°C (325°F). Remove the baking sheet from the fridge and place into the oven. Bake until cookies are slightly browned on the bottom, 20 to 23 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Place chocolate chips into a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup and heat until melted, about 1 minute, stopping to stir every 30 seconds. Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag or a freezer bag and snip a small hole in one corner. Pipe eyes and noses onto the cookies. Allow the chocolate to harden before serving.
Notes
- Using light-colored saucepans helps you see the butter browning more easily.
- Feel free to adjust the chocolate chip quantity based on preference.
- Make sure to chill the dough long enough to achieve the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
