Nutty Maple Bliss: Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful maple walnut shortbread cookies brings pure comfort to any kitchen.

Warm, golden afternoons call for a maple walnut shortbread cookies recipe that melts in your mouth.

Crisp edges and a delicate crumb define these irresistible treats that dance between sweet and nutty.

Walnuts add a gorgeous crunch while maple syrup infuses deep, rich flavor into every buttery bite.

The aroma of these cookies will draw everyone near, tempting them with their rustic charm.

Some recipes simply sparkle with simplicity, and this one delivers pure baking magic.

Dive into this delectable recipe and let each cookie transport you to a cozy, delicious moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 352 kcal

Servings: 9

Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies Ingredient List

• Cranberries: Tangy jewels that provide vibrant color and bursts of tart flavor to contrast the creamy custard filling.

• Sugar: Sweetens the entire filling and helps create a smooth, silky texture.
• Eggs: Bind the custard together and provide rich, luxurious structure.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Delivers incredible richness and creates a velvety, luscious consistency.
• Flour: Stabilizes the custard and helps it set perfectly without crumbling.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes that complement the cranberries' tartness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic depth and rounds out the flavor profile.

• Pie Crust: Serves as the golden, flaky foundation that holds the dreamy cranberry custard filling.

Tools for Baking Maple Walnut Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sugar, eggs, cream, and other filling components smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Pie dish: Standard 9-inch round pan works best for this recipe.
• Pie crust shield or tin foil: Helps protect pie edges from excessive browning.
• Zester or grater: Needed to create fine orange zest.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping and transferring mixtures.

Making Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies

• Cranberry Custard Base

Spread fresh cranberries across an unbaked pie shell, creating a vibrant fruity foundation that will later burst with tangy flavor.

• Creamy Custard Mixture

Blend together a silky combination of sugar, eggs, cream, flour, salt, bright orange zest, and vanilla in a smooth, elegant mixture that will transform into a luxurious filling.

• Initial Baking Blast

Kickstart the baking process by placing the pie in a hot 400°F oven for an initial 10-minute burst of heat that begins the magical transformation.

• Gentle Finishing

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F and gently shield the pie’s edges with a protective crust cover, allowing the custard to set perfectly over the next 40-45 minutes.

• Cooling and Serving

Allow the pie to cool completely, letting the custard firm up and the flavors meld. Refrigerate any remaining slices for later enjoyment, preserving the pie’s delicate texture and taste.

Cookie Tips for Maple Walnut Variations

• Use festive cookie cutters to transform these shortbread cookies into seasonal delights for holidays or special occasions.
• Gently roast walnuts in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty, rich taste and add extra depth to the cookies.
• Drizzle a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and pure maple syrup over cooled cookies for an extra sweet finish.
• Keep cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Swap butter with coconut oil for a delicious dairy-free version that maintains the cookie's signature crumbly texture.

How to Serve Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these maple walnut shortbread cookies on a beautiful ceramic platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant Christmas presentation.
• Cozy Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these delicate cookies with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea or spiced chai for a delightful midday treat that brings comfort and sweetness to your relaxation moment.
• Dessert Gifting Inspiration: Package the shortbread cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a small cinnamon stick, creating a homemade gift perfect for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.
• Winter Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert that elevates the maple and walnut flavors of the shortbread.

Storing Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies Properly

• Tasty Storage Secrets: Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies
• Cookie Jar Magic: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful crumbly texture and rich maple flavor.
• Freezer Friendly Stash: Layer cookies between parchment paper in a sealed freezer container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months, ready for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Moisture Shield Trick: Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to keep cookies soft and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Room Temperature Comfort: Allow frozen cookies to thaw naturally at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying their full maple walnut goodness.

Buttery Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet maple walnut shortbread cookies combine rich Canadian heritage with buttery, nutty goodness. Crisp edges and delicate crumble make these treats irresistible for someone craving a classic, comforting dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
• 10-inch unbaked pie shell
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup (30 g) flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Mixing Dry Ingredients: Sift flour and salt together in a mixing bowl, creating a fine, uniform base for the shortbread.
2. Butter Preparation: Whip softened butter with maple syrup until achieving a silky, aerated texture that promises delicate cookies.
3. Walnut Integration: Fold chopped walnuts into the butter mixture, ensuring an even distribution of nutty crunch throughout the dough.
4. Dough Formation: Gradually blend dry ingredients into the butter mixture, kneading until a cohesive, malleable dough develops.
5. Dough Conditioning: Shape the dough into a compact log and encase in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
6. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating an ideal baking environment.
7. Cookie Shaping: Extract chilled dough and slice into consistent 1/4-inch rounds, maintaining uniform thickness for even baking.
8. Baking Process: Arrange cookie rounds on prepared sheet, spacing them adequately, and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling and crisp development, then optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances the butter’s flavor, creating a more compact and richer cookie.
• Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife and steady hand to cut uniform cookie rounds, ensuring consistent baking and professional-looking results.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Golden brown edges indicate perfect doneness; avoid overbaking to maintain the delicate, crumbly shortbread texture.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust maple syrup quantity to control the intensity of the maple flavor, allowing personalization of the cookie’s taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg