Buttery Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe: Sweet Bliss

Maple walnut shortbread cookies represent a delightful fusion of rich, comforting flavors that dance across your palate.

Sweet maple essence mingles beautifully with crunchy, robust walnuts in this classic treat.

Traditional shortbread reimagines into something extraordinary through careful ingredient selection and precise technique.

Buttery textures create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

These cookies offer a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic, balancing sweetness with nutty undertones.

Crisp edges and tender centers make each bite a delectable revelation.

Baking these delicate morsels promises a sensory journey that celebrates simplicity and indulgence.

Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

• Indulge in Seasonal Comfort: These maple walnut shortbread cookies capture the warmth of autumn with rich, nutty flavors that wrap you in cozy memories.
• Effortless Baking Delight: The simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers who want a quick, delicious treat.
• Versatile Treat for Any Occasion: Enjoy these cookies as a delightful dessert for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or a sweet personal indulgence that pairs wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate.
• Texture Perfection: The shortbread's crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with crunchy walnuts creates a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more bites.

Everything You Need for Maple Walnut Shortbread

• Pie Crust: Classic base for the pie, provides a delicate and flaky texture.

• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant fruit that adds a bright flavor and beautiful color to the pie.

• Sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the tartness of cranberries.
• Eggs: Helps bind and set the custard, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the custard.
• Flour: Helps thicken the custard and provides structure.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie.
• Orange Zest: Brings a subtle citrusy brightness and aromatic note.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the custard's flavor profile.

Steps to Bake Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Create Butter Magic

Soften the butter at room temperature until it becomes creamy and spreadable. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip the butter until it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 2: Blend Sweet Companions

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the ingredients dance together smoothly and create a harmonious blend.

Step 3: Introduce Flour Friends

Gradually add flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix- we want tender cookies!

Step 4: Welcome Walnut Wonders

Fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Dreams

Roll the dough into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7: Slice and Arrange

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Celebrate

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Perfect Texture in Maple Walnut Shortbread

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate shortbread cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain sharp edges during baking.
• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and butter to ensure the perfect shortbread texture- crumbly yet delicate.
• Toast Walnuts First: Lightly toast walnuts before adding to the dough to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the cookie's taste.
• Cut Carefully: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to create clean, uniform cookie edges while the dough is still cold.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool entirely on the baking sheet before transferring to prevent cracking and maintain their delicate structure.

How to Store Maple Walnut Cookies Without Losing Crunch

• Refrigeration: Carefully wrap cooled maple walnut shortbread cookies in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Place cookies between parchment paper layers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious.
• Reheating: Gently warm cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their original texture and enhance the maple walnut flavor, avoiding microwave to prevent softening.

Drinks and Desserts That Go with Maple Walnut Cookies

• Brew Comforting Coffee Companion: Pair these maple walnut shortbread cookies with a smooth medium-roast coffee that highlights the nutty, sweet undertones of the cookie. The warm coffee will complement the rich maple and walnut flavors, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
• Elevate with Sweet Wine Fusion: Match these cookies with a late-harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato. The wine's gentle sweetness will dance perfectly with the maple's caramel notes and the walnut's earthy crunch, offering a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Create Cold Milk Magic: Dunking these shortbread cookies into cold, creamy milk provides a classic, nostalgic pairing. The milk's smooth texture balances the cookie's buttery crispness and enhances the subtle maple and walnut flavors, making each bite pure comfort.
• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top the cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert. The cold, creamy vanilla will contrast beautifully with the cookie's warmth, creating a luxurious texture and flavor combination that feels indulgent and satisfying.

Flavor Twists for Maple Walnut Shortbread Fans

• Cranberry Maple Walnut Shortbread: Replace original shortbread with maple-infused cookie base, adding chopped walnuts and dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Spiced Orange Maple Shortbread: Incorporate ground cinnamon and additional orange zest into the cookie dough, creating a warm, aromatic variation with subtle holiday undertones.
• Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Option: Substitute traditional flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this delectable treat while maintaining the rich maple and walnut profile.
• Dark Chocolate Maple Drizzle Shortbread: Melt high-quality dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies, complementing the maple and walnut flavors with a decadent chocolate finish.

Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Maple walnut shortbread cookies offer a delightful blend of Canadian wilderness and buttery comfort. Crisp edges and nutty richness deliver a sweet promise of homemade indulgence you’ll savor with each tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh cranberries
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) sugar
• 10-inch unbaked pie shell

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Flavoring and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform blend of flour and a pinch of salt.
2. Cream the softened butter with maple syrup until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, developing a rich, smooth consistency.
3. Gently fold chopped walnuts into the butter mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into a compact log, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its shape.
6. Chill the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, allowing it to firm up and develop deeper flavors.
7. Preheat the oven to a precise 350°F, preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice into uniform rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
9. Arrange the cookie rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving sufficient space between each piece for even baking.
10. Bake the shortbread for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a delicate golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack, allowing them to crisp up and develop their signature shortbread texture.
12. Optional: Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with additional maple syrup for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Prepare ingredients at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Toast walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the cookies.
• Use high-quality pure maple syrup for an authentic, rich maple taste.
• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Roll dough between parchment paper for easier handling and less mess.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg