Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the warmth of maple syrup. Their cute bear shapes make them perfect for kids and adults alike. These cookies not only taste amazing, but they also offer some health benefits, making them a great choice for those looking for a lighter option.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
One of the best parts about these Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies is their quick meal prep. You can easily whip up a batch in just a few hours, and the dough can even be made ahead of time and refrigerated. This means they are great for meal prep, allowing you to have a tasty yet healthier snack option ready when cravings hit. Plus, using real maple syrup instead of refined sugar means you’ll be indulging in a treat that has fewer artificial ingredients.
HOW TO MAKE Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
Making your own Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies is easy and fun. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious cookies that are lower in calories and can easily fit into a balanced diet. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Light-colored saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Wire rack
- Piping bag or freezer bag
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
-
Brown the Butter: Place the butter into a small light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling often, until small brown bits start to form at the bottom, and the butter smells nutty, about 8 to 10 minutes. Pour the butter into a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
-
Mix Ingredients: Add maple syrup and brown sugar to the browned butter and stir to combine. Next, mix in the vanilla extract, maple extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until all ingredients are well combined.
-
Prepare Dough: Gradually add in the flour and baking powder. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover and place the dough into the fridge for at least 2 hours.
-
Shape Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, flatten it slightly, and place it onto the baking sheet. For the bear’s snout, scoop out and flatten a smaller ball of dough, placing it on top of the larger dough ball. Use tiny balls of dough for the ears and place them on either side of the cookie. Chill the assembled cookies in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up.
-
Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Once preheated, carefully remove the baking sheet from the fridge and place it in the oven. Bake until the cookies are slightly browned on the bottom, which should take about 20 to 23 minutes.
-
Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. To decorate, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour the melted chocolate into a piping bag or freezer bag, and snip a small corner to create a piping tip. Pipe out eyes and noses for the bear cookies, then allow the chocolate to harden before serving. Store any extra cookies in an airtight container.
HOW TO SERVE Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
These Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies make for a delightful treat at any time of the day. Serve them as a dessert, an afternoon snack, or even a fun addition to a lunchbox. For portion control, consider serving just one or two cookies alongside a healthy side like fruit or yogurt, adding fiber and balance to your snack time.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw or heat them gently in the oven before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
To keep your snack balanced, serve your cookies with a side of fresh fruit like apple slices or berries. These fruits can provide additional fiber and nutrients, making your snack both enjoyable and healthy!
VARIATIONS
-
Healthier Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for almond flour to make these cookies gluten-free and lower in carbs. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar for a low-calorie option.
-
High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: Add a scoop of protein powder to the dough for a higher protein meal. This also makes the cookies more filling. Alternatively, use a sugar substitute to reduce calories and make the cookies lower in sugar.
-
Air Fryer Version: If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F and cook the bear cookies in batches for about 10-12 minutes for a delicious, perfectly cooked version.
FAQs
-
Are Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies healthy?
These cookies are a healthier alternative to many traditional cookies. They are lower in refined sugars and provide a delightful flavor with natural ingredients. -
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days before baking, making it perfect for meal prep. -
How should I store the cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month. -
Are these cookies suitable for diabetics?
With proper ingredient swaps, such as using sugar substitutes and whole grain flours, these cookies can be adapted to fit a diabetic-friendly diet.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
To save time, consider preparing the dough in advance. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough and shape it into bear cookies. This makes for easy meal prep and provides a fun activity for kids! Plus, you’ll have a delightful, healthier treat ready when your sweet tooth strikes.
Enjoy making and sharing these adorable and tasty Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies. No matter how you serve them, you will love the delicious flavor and the little bit of comfort they bring to any occasion!
Brown Butter Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the Butter: Place the butter into a small light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling often, until small brown bits start to form at the bottom, and the butter smells nutty, about 8 to 10 minutes. Pour the butter into a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: Add maple syrup and brown sugar to the browned butter and stir to combine. Next, mix in the vanilla extract, maple extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare Dough: Gradually add in the flour and baking powder. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover and place the dough into the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Shape Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, flatten it slightly, and place it onto the baking sheet. For the bear’s snout, scoop out and flatten a smaller ball of dough, placing it on top of the larger dough ball. Use tiny balls of dough for the ears and place them on either side of the cookie. Chill the assembled cookies in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Once preheated, carefully remove the baking sheet from the fridge and place it in the oven. Bake until the cookies are slightly browned on the bottom, which should take about 20 to 23 minutes.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. To decorate, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour the melted chocolate into a piping bag or freezer bag, and snip a small corner to create a piping tip. Pipe out eyes and noses for the bear cookies, then allow the chocolate to harden before serving.