Simple and Buttery Maple Shortbread Cookies for the Holidays

What kind of recipe is it?

Maple shortbread cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of traditional shortbread with the warm, comforting essence of maple syrup.

These cookies boast a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, making them a perfect accompaniment to festive gatherings or cozy family moments.

Ideal for both seasoned bakers and novices, this recipe is simple yet elegant, allowing everyone to partake in the joy of holiday baking.

With their unique flavor, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks)
Maple syrup	1/2 cup
Granulated sugar	1/4 cup
Powdered sugar	For dusting, optional
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

This list provides all the necessary ingredients to bake delicious maple shortbread cookies for the holiday season!

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Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 160 °C (325 °F) and adjust the rack to the middle position. This guarantees even baking of the cookies.

2. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and mix evenly with a whisk until well combined. This will incorporate air and guarantee uniform distribution of the salt.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (226 g) of unsalted butter (softened to room temperature, approx. 20 °C/68 °F) and 1/4 cup (50 g) of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.

At this stage, the mixture should appear pale and creamy.

4. Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) of maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing on low speed until fully incorporated, approximately 1–2 minutes. The batter should be smooth and glossy.

5. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Don’t overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.

6. Gather the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap the disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps solidify the butter, resulting in a finer texture.

7. After chilling, place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick. Trim the edges to create a rectangle if desired.

8. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, guaranteeing they’re spaced about 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart to allow for slight spreading.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but not browned.

The cookies should have a delicate aroma of maple and butter when done.

10. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking and guarantees they retain their shape.

11. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar (optional) for a festive touch.

Cookies should be crisp at the edges and soft in the center once cooled.

12. Store the maple shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

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Variations

Maple Nut Crunch: Add 1/2 cup (60 g) of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful nutty texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Maple Shortbread: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a 1:1 ratio for a suitable gluten-free treat.
Vegan Maple Shortbread: Replace unsalted butter with 1 cup (240 ml) of coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a completely plant-based cookie.
Spiced Maple Cookies: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger into the flour mixture for a warm, seasonal spice twist.

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Tips on plating and presentation

Once you’ve chosen a delightful variation of maple shortbread cookies, it’s time to think about how to showcase them beautifully.

I like using simple white plates to contrast with the cookies’ golden color. Add some festive touches—a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few vibrant berries.

A cozy holiday-themed napkin beneath the plate can also enhance the presentation. Trust me, it’s all in the details!

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

Pairing maple shortbread cookies with the right dishes can elevate your holiday spread beautifully.

I love serving them alongside a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or brie; the creamy textures bring out the cookies’ buttery flavor.

Adding some fresh fruit, like pears or apples, complements the sweetness perfectly.

For a festive touch, consider including spiced nuts to add crunch and warmth to your spread.

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What drinks can I pair it with?

Have you ever wondered what drinks would truly enhance the experience of enjoying maple shortbread cookies?

I’ve found that a warm cup of spiced chai complements their buttery sweetness perfectly.

If you’re in the mood for something festive, a glass of apple cider or a light-bodied red wine can elevate the flavors beautifully.

These pairings make for a delightful holiday treat!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can definitely freeze the cookie dough for later use! I often make a big batch and portion it out, making baking easy whenever I crave something sweet. Just wrap it tightly before freezing.

How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?

These cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. I usually keep mine there, but they rarely last that long around my family!

Can I Substitute Maple Syrup With Honey?

Sure, you can substitute maple syrup with honey! Just keep in mind that honey will change the flavor profile slightly. I’ve tried it, and it still tastes delicious, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

What Are Some Gluten-Free Alternatives for This Recipe?

You can use almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour as alternatives. I’ve tried these options, and they work well to create delicious, crumbly cookies that everyone will enjoy, gluten-free or not!

Can I Add Chocolate or Nuts to the Dough?

Absolutely, you can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough! I love mixing in dark chocolate and walnuts for added flavor and texture. Just adjust the sweetness if you like it less sugary!