Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies
Capture the cozy essence of fall with these Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies, perfect for satisfying your seasonal cravings. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread is delicately flavored with maple and finished with a sweet, sticky glaze that intensifies every bite.
Each cookie is carefully crafted from a simple blend of butter, cornstarch, and maple flavoring, rolled and baked until golden. The rich glaze brings a hint of maple syrup to the forefront, creating a delightfully sweet yet subtle treat.
Ideal for gatherings or quiet moments with a warm drink, these cookies are sure to become a fall favorite. They’re as charming in appearance as they are delicious—irresistible autumn treats that evoke pure comfort.
Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
- Butter – The foundation of shortbread, lending richness and that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.
- Sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the buttery base, adding a subtle hint of caramelized depth.
- Cornstarch – Ensures every bite is soft and crumbly, enhancing the shortbread’s delicate texture.
- Maple Flavoring – Infuses the dough with a cozy, autumnal warmth, giving each cookie that unmistakable maple essence.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the shortbread light, perfect for a classic leaf-shaped cookie.
Recipe Tips for Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies
- Chill the Dough for Perfect Texture
Chilling the dough is essential for achieving that signature shortbread crumb. Refrigerate for about 45 minutes; this allows the butter to solidify and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If your kitchen is warm, consider popping the dough back in the fridge between rolling batches to keep it firm. For an extra tip, wrap the dough disk tightly in plastic wrap to lock in moisture and flavor while it chills. - Use a Light Hand with Flour When Rolling
Shortbread dough can be delicate, so avoid adding too much extra flour when rolling it out. Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, and add just a small sprinkle as needed. Over-flouring can make the cookies denser and tougher. If the dough gets sticky, gently lift it with a spatula, flouring only when necessary. This will help you achieve the perfect, crumbly bite without compromising the texture. - Experiment with Maple Intensities in the Glaze
To enhance the maple flavor, consider adding a bit more maple syrup to the glaze if you love a stronger taste. A hint of maple extract or a drop of vanilla can also bring out the depth of flavors. The glaze should be smooth but not too thin, so adjust with a touch of confectioners’ sugar if it gets runny. This balance lets the maple flavor shine without overpowering the buttery notes of the shortbread.
What to Serve with Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies
- Hot Beverages
These cookies pair beautifully with hot drinks, like coffee, chai, or even maple-flavored tea. The warmth and bitterness of coffee or tea enhance the sweetness of the maple glaze, making it an ideal match for cozy moments or holiday gatherings. - Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
If you want a special treat, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy vanilla complements the maple notes and provides a delightful contrast to the crunchy shortbread. Perfect for holiday desserts or even a charming dinner party finale. - Fruit Compote or Spiced Apples
A simple fruit compote or warm spiced apples offers a naturally sweet and tangy counterbalance to the cookies. Try apples, cranberries, or even pears stewed with cinnamon and a hint of maple syrup to keep the flavors cohesive and seasonal.
FAQ for Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to two days in advance. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, making them great for advance baking.
Q: Can I substitute maple flavoring with pure maple syrup?
A: While you can add a bit of maple syrup, it may affect the texture of the dough. Maple flavoring or extract provides a concentrated taste without adding extra moisture, making it the best choice for these cookies.
Q: How can I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
A: Ensuring the dough is well-chilled before baking is key. Additionally, avoid overworking the dough, as too much handling can soften the butter, causing spreading.
Q: Do I need to use leaf-shaped cutters, or can I choose other shapes?
A: Leaf shapes are festive, but any shape will work! Just adjust the baking time slightly for larger or smaller cutters, as the thickness can affect baking.
Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon maple flavoring
- For the Glaze:
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and cornstarch, blending thoroughly. Add the maple flavoring and mix well. Gradually incorporate the flour, blending until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a flat disk and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for approximately 45 minutes, or until the dough is firm enough to roll out.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly flour a work surface, and roll the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Using a floured leaf-shaped cookie cutter (approximately 2-3/4 inches), cut out shapes. Place the cookies 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Spread the glaze over each cookie and allow it to set fully before serving.
