Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies Recipe

If you’re ready to dive into something wonderfully buttery, subtly sweet, and just a little bit fancy, then you’ve got to try this Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies have that classic melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture with a beautiful maple glaze that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s simple, reliable, and the glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness without being overpowering. Keep reading—I promise you’re going to want to make a batch (or two!).

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies Recipe calls for some classic pantry staples that blend beautifully, plus a couple of magic touches. The cornstarch is a trick I discovered that helps the cookie stay tender without being greasy, and the maple flavoring brings a neat twist that’s subtle but unmistakable.

• Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for a rich base and control over the salt level in your cookies.
• Sugar: Plain granulated sugar works great to add subtle sweetness and structure.
• Cornstarch: This helps make the shortbread melt in your mouth by softening the texture.
• Maple Flavoring: Pure maple extract or flavoring enhances that fall-harvest vibe without overpowering the buttery notes.
• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone for your dough, make sure to measure carefully for perfect results.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Essential for the glaze to get that smooth, powdered texture and sweet finish.
• Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup adds authenticity to your glaze—don’t substitute with pancake syrup if you want true flavor.

Variations

I love making this Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies Recipe just as is—but you can absolutely tweak it to suit your mood or occasion. Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. You might also try dipping the bottoms in melted chocolate for a fun twist.

• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Adding about a half teaspoon of either spice can add a cozy dimension that makes the cookies perfect for chilly evenings.
• Chocolate-Dipped: After glazing and drying, dip half of each cookie into semi-sweet melted chocolate and let set for a decadent upgrade.
• Gluten-Free: I tested a blend of almond and oat flours as a substitute; results were nicely tender but needed an extra pinch of flour to hold shape.
• Maple-Glaze Only: Skip the glaze for a more subtle treat, or drizzle maple glaze lightly for a less sweet finish.

How to Make Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Cornstarch

Begin by beating the softened butter, sugar, and cornstarch together in a large bowl until they’re well combined and fluffy. I usually use a hand mixer for this—you want it light, not greasy. This step sets the foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add the Maple Flavoring and Flour

Next, beat in the maple flavoring so the dough starts to smell like fall itself. Gradually add the flour, mixing just enough to bring the dough together. You’ll see it form a bit crumbly but pressable mass. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disk and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for about 45 minutes until it’s firm enough to roll out. This chilling step is crucial—it helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading while baking.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. I love using a leaf-shaped cookie cutter for a seasonal vibe, but any shape you like works perfectly. Just be sure to flour the cutter so the dough doesn’t stick. Arrange cookies about 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake the cookies at 325°F (163°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. It’s tempting to bake till dark golden, but I’ve learned the delicate golden edge keeps the cookies tender inside. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on wire racks before glazing.

Step 6: Make and Spread the Maple Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup until smooth and glossy. When the cookies are fully cool, spread the glaze over the tops using a spoon or small spatula. Let them stand at room temperature until the glaze sets—it usually takes about an hour.

How to Serve Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnish simple—a light dusting of extra powdered sugar over the glaze can add an elegant snow-kissed look. For a little festive flair, I sometimes sprinkle small chopped pecans or finely chopped crystallized ginger right after glazing to add some texture and a hint of spice.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee. I also love them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert, or as part of a holiday cookie platter with dark chocolate bark and cranberry shortbread.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies in a circular wreath shape on a pretty platter, decorating with fresh rosemary sprigs and a few red cranberries to channel festive vibes. Wrapping a batch in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming homemade gift, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once glazed and set, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep fresh for about 4-5 days—just make sure they’re layered between parchment paper to avoid sticking together.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unglazed cookie dough disk-wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen the baked cookies after cooling (unglazed as well) with great results. Just thaw the dough overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking. Glazed cookies don’t freeze as well because the glaze can become sticky.

Reheating

If you want to refresh a few leftover cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 3-5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. Avoid reheating glazed cookies in the microwave since the glaze may soften too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies Recipe truly feels like a little love letter in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for cozy nights in, holiday treats, or just because, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of buttery crumb and sweet, shiny glaze that I always get compliments on. I hope you love making and sharing them as much as my family and I do—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. So grab your butter and maple syrup, and let’s get baking!

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