Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies are a holiday favorite. They combine the crisp texture of shortbread with the sweet, warm flavor of maple. These cookies are simple to make, easy to decorate, and perfect for fall gatherings or festive cookie platters. With a buttery base and a glossy maple glaze, they taste like a bite‑sized version of a maple donut.
Why These Cookies Stand Out
Shortbread has been loved for centuries. It began in Scotland as a simple mix of butter, sugar, and flour. Over time, bakers added flavors like chocolate, citrus, and spices. The maple‑glazed version is a modern twist. It captures the cozy taste of fall and adds a festive touch to a classic recipe.
These cookies are:
Perfect for gifting or storing ahead of time.
Buttery and crisp.
Sweetened with a maple glaze.
Easy to shape with seasonal cutters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookies:
- 2 cups all‑purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
For the glaze:
Optional toppings: chopped pecans or sprinkles
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1½ teaspoons maple extract
A splash of milk (to thin)
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- Make the dough Mix flour and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add maple extract. Slowly blend in the flour mixture until a dough forms. Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll and cut Roll dough to ¼‑inch thickness. Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Place on a baking sheet and chill again for 15 minutes.
- Bake Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14–16 minutes. Edges should be lightly golden. Cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed.
- Glaze and decorate Spread glaze over cooled cookies. Add pecans or sprinkles if desired. Let the glaze set before serving.
Expert Baking Tips
- Chill the dough twice: Once before rolling and again after cutting shapes. This ensures cookies hold their form.
- Use cold butter: Softened butter will make the dough greasy and compromise texture.
- Measure flour correctly: Scoop and level rather than spooning or sifting. Too much flour will make cookies dry.
- Don’t skip the glaze: The shortbread itself is not overly sweet; the glaze provides balance and flavor.
- Experiment with toppings: Pecans add crunch, while sprinkles make them festive for kids.
Storage and Shelf Life
Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw and glaze fresh for best results. This make-ahead option is ideal for holiday planning.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 151
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are indulgent but portion-controlled, making them a reasonable treat during the holiday season.
Variations to Try
- Maple Pecan Shortbread: Add finely chopped pecans to the dough for nutty flavor.
- Spiced Maple Shortbread: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves into the dough for a warm, spiced twist.
- Chocolate-Dipped Maple Shortbread: After glazing, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate.
- Maple Sandwich Cookies: Use two shortbread cookies with maple buttercream filling.
Serving Suggestions
Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies are versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As part of a holiday cookie platter.
- Paired with coffee, tea, or hot cider.
- Packaged in decorative tins for edible gifts.
- Served alongside other fall desserts like pumpkin pie or apple crisp.
The Role of Shortbread in Holiday Traditions
Shortbread has long been associated with celebrations, particularly Christmas and New Year’s in Scotland. Its rich, buttery flavor made it a luxury item historically reserved for special occasions. Today, shortbread remains a staple of holiday baking worldwide. The maple-glazed version adds a North American twist, making it especially popular in regions where maple syrup is a cultural icon.
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FAQ
Yes. Bake and freeze the cookies without glaze, then thaw and glaze before serving.
Honey can be used, but the flavor will differ. For authentic maple taste, stick with maple syrup and extract.
Shortbread dough is naturally crumbly. If it doesn’t come together, press gently with your hands or add a teaspoon of milk.
Chill the dough thoroughly before baking and avoid overworking it.
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies: The Ultimate Guide to a Festive Fall Favorite
Description
Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies are more than just a seasonal treat—they are a celebration of buttery shortbread paired with the warm, comforting sweetness of maple. Perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or holiday cookie exchanges, these cookies bring together classic baking techniques and festive flavors.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making, serving, and enjoying Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies—from history and ingredients to expert baking tips, storage advice, and creative variations.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp maple extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp maple extract (for glaze)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin glaze)
- Optional: chopped pecans or festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine flour and salt. In another bowl, cream cold butter and sugar until smooth. Add maple extract and mix in flour until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut: Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters (maple leaf shapes are popular). Chill again for 15 minutes.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14–16 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth.
- Glaze and Decorate: Spread glaze on cooled cookies. Top with pecans or sprinkles. Let set before serving.
Notes
Expert Baking Tips
- Chill the dough twice to maintain shape.
- Use cold butter for the ideal crumbly shortbread texture.
- Measure flour accurately—too much makes cookies dry.
- Don’t skip the glaze—it balances sweetness.
- Add pecans for crunch or sprinkles for festive flair.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months, then thaw and glaze fresh.
Conclusion
Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies are the perfect marriage of classic shortbread and seasonal maple flavor. With their crisp texture, glossy glaze, and festive appeal, they are a must-have for fall and holiday baking. Whether you enjoy them plain, topped with pecans, or decorated with sprinkles, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. By following the expert tips outlined here, you can create bakery-quality cookies at home that are as beautiful as they are delicious.