The moment you bite into a Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookie, you’ll be transported to a cozy woodland cabin filled with the sweet aromas of autumn. Imagine the rich, nutty scent of browned butter mingling with warm maple syrup, creating an irresistible treat that’s both comforting and magical. pecan pie crescent rolls These cookies are not just adorable; they’re like a warm hug for your taste buds.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How can I make my Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies even sweeter?
- Can I freeze these Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies?
- What can I use instead of brown butter?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Growing up, my family’s kitchen was always bustling with laughter and delicious smells. My grandma would whip up batches of cookies that brought us all together. I remember sneaking these bear-shaped delights while they were still warm, their buttery goodness melting in my mouth. buttery Russian tea cookies delicious sugar cookie cheesecake Now, I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you for those moments when you need a little sweetness in your life.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- Their rich flavor profile combines nutty brown butter and sweet maple syrup for a delicious treat
- Visually appealing with their cute bear shape, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike
- These cookies are versatile enough for holiday baking or simply enjoying on a cozy afternoon
I once baked these cookies for a family gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about them—especially the kids who thought they were “the cutest cookies ever!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor; it’s essential in achieving that rich brown butter taste.
- Granulated Sugar: This will add sweetness and help create that perfect shortbread texture.
- Brown Sugar: It provides moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the maple syrup beautifully.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Opt for real maple syrup over imitation for an authentic taste that shines through in each cookie.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works perfectly here; it gives the cookies their structure.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors in your cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla adds depth and warmth to your cookie dough.
- Baking Powder: This helps your cookies rise slightly, giving them a tender texture.
- Bear Cookie Cutter: Essential for shaping these delightful treats; you could also use any cookie cutter if bears aren’t available.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together
Brown the Butter: Start by placing unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it melts and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma.
Add Sugars and Maple Syrup: Remove from heat and whisk in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup until well combined. Let it cool slightly.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the cooled butter mixture until just combined.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This makes rolling out easier and enhances flavors.
Shape Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Use your bear cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
Bake Until Golden: Place shaped cookies on lined baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool before serving.
And there you have it! The process is simple but rewarding as you get to enjoy these adorable Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies fresh from your own oven! For more inspiration, check out this chewy caramel coconut cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies are not only adorable but also melt-in-your-mouth delicious
- The nutty aroma of brown butter combined with maple sweetness will warm your kitchen and heart
- These cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially when shared with loved ones
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the butter to achieve a rich flavor, then mix dry ingredients separately for better consistency before combining everything.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap maple syrup for honey or add chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist on these cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly shaped bear cookies, chill the dough before cutting shapes; this prevents spreading during baking
- Always use high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor, and don’t skip browning the butter—it makes all the difference!
Baking these cookies reminds me of my childhood adventures in the kitchen with my grandma, who would always say that a little love goes into every batch.
FAQ
How can I make my Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies even sweeter?
Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
Can I freeze these Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies?
Yes, they freeze well! Just ensure they’re stored in an airtight container.
What can I use instead of brown butter?
You can substitute regular softened butter, but you’ll miss that nutty flavor! soft Christmas peppermint candies.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with these delightful Brown Butter-Maple Shortbread Bear Cookies. Each bite delivers a rich, nutty flavor from browned butter, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of pure maple syrup. Their cute bear shape makes them a charming addition to any occasion, bringing joy to family and friends alike. Easy to make and even more fun to share, these cookies are like a warm hug for your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Bear cookie cutter
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, stirring frequently until golden brown and nutty in aroma.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and whisk in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the cooled butter mixture until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Shape Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out chilled dough to 1/4 inch thick and use a bear cookie cutter to cut shapes.
- Bake: Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg





