Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 24
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Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies bring a delightful twist to a classic treat with a hint of maple and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Perfect for fall, these cookies are a great way to cozy up your baking routine.

Ingredients for Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies

Butter: The backbone of our shortbread, providing richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it's softened so it creams easily with the sugar.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right, complementing the maple syrup without overpowering it.

Pure maple syrup: Adds that distinct, natural maple flavor that makes these cookies special. It's worth using the real stuff here.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure. Too much can make them tough, so measure carefully.

Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Walnuts: Finely chopped, they distribute evenly throughout the dough, adding texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with maple.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature butter for the best creaming results.
  • If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  • Experiment with different nuts like pecans if walnuts aren’t your favorite.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are a perfect match for a cozy cup of chai tea or a warm apple cider. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead?
Yes, but reduce the added salt by half to avoid over-salting.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.

Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. You’re looking for a light and fluffy mixture, which will take about 2-3 minutes of mixing. This aerates the butter, making for a lighter cookie.

Next, add in the maple syrup. Mix until it's fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with the syrup adding a nice golden hue.

Gradually incorporate the flour and salt. Add it bit by bit, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be gentle here; overmixing can make the cookies tough.

Fold in the chopped walnuts. This is where the dough gets its crunch. Make sure the walnuts are evenly distributed throughout.

Now, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, giving each ball a little bit of space to spread.

Using a fork, gently flatten each ball. This gives the cookies their classic shortbread look and helps them bake evenly.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until you see the edges turning a nice golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving to ensure they set properly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients that come together quickly for busy bakers.
  • Rich, buttery texture with a unique maple flavor that stands out.
  • The walnuts add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the maple syrup and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Fold in the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the dough.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Flatten each ball gently with a fork.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

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