Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

These Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a touch of whimsy to any occasion. Their charming bear shape, combined with the rich flavors of brown butter and maple syrup, makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or simply as a fun baking project with kids. Not only are they adorable, but they also offer a unique twist on traditional shortbread cookies, providing both texture and taste that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: The combination of brown butter and maple syrup creates a deep, nutty taste that stands out among typical cookie flavors.
• Fun Shape: These bear-shaped cookies are not just delicious; they’re visually appealing and fun for both kids and adults.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions like holidays, parties, or just as a sweet surprise for your family.
• Customizable Decoration: The melted chocolate eyes and noses allow you to get creative with decorating your cookies.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these tasty bear cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Small light-colored saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (bear-shaped)
• Piping bag or freezer bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly. A larger bowl helps prevent spills during mixing.
• Baking Sheet: Provides an even surface for baking cookies, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Piping Bag: Perfect for decorating your cookies with precision when adding chocolate eyes and noses.

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Ingredients

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

For the Cookie 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 the 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 the browned butter into a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Mix in Sweetness

Add maple syrup and dark brown sugar to the cooled butter; stir well to combine. Then mix in vanilla extract, maple extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well blended.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually add flour and baking powder to the mixture. Stir until a smooth dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheet

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

Step 5: Shape the Bear Cookies

Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball; place it onto your prepared cookie sheet and flatten slightly. For the bear’s snout, scoop out 1/4 teaspoon of dough, roll it into a small ball, then flatten it before placing it on top of the larger ball. Roll two tiny balls (each about 1/8 teaspoon) for ears and position them on either side of the head.

Step 6: Chill Again

Continue forming bear shapes until you’ve used up all the dough. Space each cookie about an inch apart on the baking sheet. Chill in the fridge again for about 20 minutes to firm up.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Remove from fridge and place in preheated oven. Bake until cookies are slightly browned on the bottom, around 20 to 23 minutes. After removing from oven, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Decorate

Melt chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup until smooth (about 1 minute), stirring every 30 seconds. Transfer melted chocolate into a piping bag or freezer bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe eyes and noses onto cooled cookies as desired. Allow chocolate decorations to harden before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delightful Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies! Store any extras in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.

How to Serve Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

Serving your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies can be just as fun as baking them. These adorable cookies are not only delicious but also make for charming presentations at any gathering. Here are some delightful serving ideas to enhance their appeal.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pair your cookies with a warm drink like chai tea or hot chocolate. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.

As Party Favors

• Wrap each cookie in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon. Ideal for parties or holidays, these make sweet take-home treats.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the bear cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other sweets, such as fruit tarts or brownies, to create an inviting display.

With Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that balances warmth and creaminess.

How to Perfect Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

To ensure your Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips for baking success.

• Use Light-Colored Cookware: This helps you monitor the browning of the butter more easily, preventing it from burning.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours helps solidify the butter, resulting in firmer cookies that maintain their shape.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be slightly browned on the bottom but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Melt Chocolate Properly: Ensure you melt chocolate in short bursts and stir frequently to avoid scorching it.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

When serving Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies, consider these delicious side dishes that pair well with their sweet and nutty flavor profile.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of this tangy frosting can elevate your cookie experience, perfect for those who enjoy extra richness.
3. Nutty Granola: Serve a small bowl of crunchy granola alongside for added texture and flavor contrast.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt with berries and granola create a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ richness.
5. Herbal Tea Selection: Offer a variety of herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, which can provide a calming beverage option.
6. Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda that pair nicely with the sweet notes of maple syrup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with delicate recipes like these Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the butter properly can lead to a less flavorful cookie. Make sure to cook it until it develops a nutty aroma and small brown bits form.
• Not chilling the dough: If you skip chilling the dough for at least 2 hours, your cookies may spread too much during baking. This step is crucial for maintaining shape.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can affect how well your dough comes together. Always let your butter come to room temperature before mixing.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should be slightly browned on the bottom but still soft in the center for perfect texture.
• Ignoring measurements: Baking is a science, so precise measurements matter. Use a kitchen scale if possible for accuracy in your ingredients.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and heat cookies for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies vegan?

You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, ensuring all other ingredients are also plant-based.

Can I use different extracts in these shortbread bear cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with almond extract or lemon zest for unique flavor variations.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough doesn’t hold together, try adding a teaspoon of water or more maple syrup gradually until it forms a cohesive mixture.

How long will my Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will remain fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are not only adorable but also deliciously rich with flavor. Perfect as a sweet treat or dessert option, they can easily be customized with different shapes or toppings. Try them today and delight your family and friends!