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- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), browned - 3/4 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Optional garnish: Chopped pecans I always start with high-quality unsalted butter. It gives the best flavor. Brown the butter until it is golden and smells nutty. This brings out a rich taste. I use powdered sugar for a smooth sweetness. Maple syrup adds a wonderful, warm flavor. For the base, I measure out all-purpose flour. It gives the cookies a nice crumb. A little salt balances the sweetness. Baking powder helps them puff up just right. I add vanilla extract for a lovely aroma. If you want, sprinkle chopped pecans on top. They add crunch and extra flavor. All these ingredients come together to create a special treat that everyone loves! To brown the butter, start by melting it in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent burning. Watch closely as it changes color. You want a golden brown hue with a nutty scent. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. The signs of doneness include a rich aroma and tiny brown bits forming at the bottom. Once it reaches this stage, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, and maple syrup. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix until smooth. This ensures a creamy and well-blended dough. It's important not to overmix, as this can make cookies tough. The goal is a nice, smooth consistency. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. This helps create even shapes when you slice. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. After chilling, unwrap the dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place them about an inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges as a sign they are ready. Allow them to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. To create the glaze, mix a few tablespoons of powdered sugar with a drizzle of maple syrup in a small bowl. Stir until you get a thick consistency. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set for a few minutes. For added texture, you can sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the glaze. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the cookies look lovely. To make the best brown butter maple glazed shortbread cookies, the right butter is key. I recommend using high-quality unsalted butter. It gives a clean taste and allows the flavors to shine. If you want a richer flavor, try European-style butter. It has more fat and less water. Adjusting sweetness is also important. You can tweak the powdered sugar in the glaze. If you prefer less sweetness, use less sugar. A little maple syrup adds great flavor without making it too sweet. Many people overmix the dough. This can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined, and then stop. Less is more here! Pay close attention while baking. Undercooking gives a soft, chewy cookie. Overbaking makes them dry. Look for lightly golden edges. This shows they are ready to come out. You can prepare the dough ahead of time. After forming it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for at least an hour or even up to two days. This helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier. When ready to bake, just slice and bake! {{image_2}} You can make these cookies even better! Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices give a warm flavor that pairs well with maple. If you want to change things up, swap maple syrup for honey or agave nectar. Each sweetener brings its own taste to the cookies. For a crunchier bite, use different nuts or seeds. Chopped almonds or walnuts work great. If you need a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. This way, everyone can enjoy these yummy treats. Make your cookies shine at special events! Decorate them with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter. You can also arrange them on a beautiful platter. For a fun touch, serve them with a small bowl of maple syrup for dipping. It adds a sweet twist that everyone will love! To keep your cookies fresh, use an airtight container. This type of container helps maintain softness. Place the cookies in a single layer to avoid sticking. You can store them at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, put them in the fridge. Just remember that cold air can change their texture. Freezing cookies is easy and keeps them tasty. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to push out any air before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, take out the cookies and let them thaw at room temperature. This way, they will stay soft and delicious. For best results, avoid refreezing thawed cookies. You can tell the cookies are done when the edges turn light brown. They should not look too soft. The center may still feel a bit soft. They will firm up as they cool. Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar. This change will make the cookies taste richer. The texture may be slightly chewy, not as smooth as with powdered sugar. These cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup instead. These will add sweetness but change the flavor. Adjust the amount if needed, as they can be sweeter than maple syrup. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious cookies using simple ingredients. We discussed browning butter for flavor and tips for preparing dough. Following clear steps for baking and glazing is key to success. Plus, we shared ways to enhance flavors and avoid common mistakes. Remember, proper storage keeps your cookies fresh. With a little practice, you can bake perfect cookies every time. Enjoy your baking journey and create treats everyone loves!

Brown Butter Maple Glazed Shortbread Cookies

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Brown Butter Maple Glazed Shortbread Cookies! This easy recipe combines nutty browned butter with sweet maple syrup, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for any occasion. Follow simple steps to create these delicious cookies and impress your friends and family. Don’t wait! Click through for the full recipe and start baking your new favorite cookies today! #Cookies #Shortbread #Baking #FallTreats

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), browned

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

    Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, and maple syrup. Mix until well combined.

      Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder together, then gradually add it to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

        Shape the Cookies: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

          Preheat the Oven: When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

            Slice the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

              Bake: Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Glaze the Cookies: In a small bowl, mix together a few tablespoons of powdered sugar with a drizzle of maple syrup until you achieve a thick glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set.

                  Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter or tiered stand, dust them lightly with additional powdered sugar for a snowy effect, and serve with a small bowl of maple syrup for dipping. Enjoy!