Glazed Maple Shortbread (Printable Version)
Buttery maple-flavored shortbread with a sweet glaze, crisp edges, and soft centers, ideal for cozy gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookies
01 -
2 cups all-purpose flour (8 ounces)
02 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
03 -
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced into 1 tablespoon pieces
04 -
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 -
1/2 teaspoon maple extract
→ Glaze
06 -
1 cup powdered sugar (approximately 4 ounces)
07 -
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
08 -
1 1/2 teaspoons maple extract
09 -
Milk, as needed to thin glaze
10 -
Fall-colored sprinkles (optional)
11 -
Finely chopped pecans (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Whisk together all-purpose flour and salt in a mixing bowl until evenly blended.
02 -
Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat cold diced butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and homogeneous.
03 -
Mix in maple extract thoroughly into the butter-sugar mixture.
04 -
With mixer set to low, gradually add flour-salt mixture, mixing just until dough forms without overmixing.
05 -
Divide dough into two equal portions, shape each into 5-inch disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate separately for 30 minutes.
06 -
Roll one dough disk on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness, dusting top lightly with flour; cut out shapes using a maple leaf cookie cutter and place on ungreased baking sheet.
07 -
Refrigerate baking sheet with cookies for 15 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).
08 -
Bake chilled cookies in preheated oven until edges turn lightly golden, approximately 14 to 16 minutes.
09 -
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
10 -
Repeat rolling, cutting, chilling, and baking with remaining dough disk.
11 -
Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and maple extract in a medium bowl; add milk in 1/2 teaspoon increments until glaze reaches thick but spreadable consistency.
12 -
Spread glaze evenly over cooled cookies; immediately sprinkle with fall-colored sprinkles or finely chopped pecans if desired.
13 -
Let glazed cookies rest at room temperature until icing is fully set.
14 -
Keep cookies in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Ensure dough is properly chilled before rolling to maintain shape and prevent spreading.