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Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears

Indulgent Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears to Sweeten Your Day

Delight in the magic of Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bears, a charming cookie recipe that brings joy to novice and seasoned bakers alike.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 58 minutes
Course Uncategorized
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Refrigerator
  • Oven
  • piping bag

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter Brown it until nutty for added depth of flavor.
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup Choose high-quality syrup for authentic sweetness.
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances overall sweetness and aroma.
  • ½ teaspoon maple extract Amplifies the maple flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Complements the maple flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Enhances all other flavors.
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Provides structure for tender cookies.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps cookies rise.

For Decorating

  • ½ cup chocolate chips Melt for eyes and noses on bear cookies.

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Brown the butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and nutty.
  • Combine sweet ingredients: Mix in ½ cup of pure maple syrup and ½ cup of dark brown sugar until fully combined.
  • Add flavorings: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of maple extract, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
  • Make the dough: Gradually fold in 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder until a smooth dough forms. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Shape the bears: Scoop a tablespoon of chilled dough, roll into a ball, flatten, and shape into bears.
  • Chill the cookies: Refrigerate the shaped cookies for 20 minutes.
  • Bake to perfection: Bake for 20 to 23 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
  • Decorate: Melt chocolate chips and use them to create eyes and noses on each bear once cooled.

Notes

For best results, follow all steps carefully and refrigerate dough to maintain shape during baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Bears, Brown Butter, cookies, dessert, Maple, Shortbread
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