Name: Brown Sugar Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup softened butter at room temperature (227 grams); ⅔ cup brown sugar (133 grams); ½ teaspoon almond extract; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour (270 grams); 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (113 grams); ½ cup powdered sugar (65 grams); 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 48 reviews

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If you are on the lookout for a buttery, tender, and irresistibly nutty treat, this Brown Sugar Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need to bake. These cookies combine the warm richness of brown sugar with the satisfying crunch of finely chopped walnuts, all wrapped up in a delicate shortbread texture that melts in your mouth. With a subtle hint of almond and vanilla, and a soft maple glaze drizzled on top, these cookies bring both comfort and a touch of elegance to any dessert table. Whether you’re sharing with family or gifting to friends, they’re sure to become a beloved classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six small white dishes arranged on a white marbled surface. The top left dish is filled with white flour, and below it is a white plate holding blocks of pale yellow butter cut into rectangular pieces. To the right of the flour is a tiny white bowl with a dark brown liquid, while above it is a small bowl containing white granulated salt. Below the salt bowl, there is a slightly larger white bowl filled with light brown sugar, and to the left of it, a white bowl holds chopped nuts that are light and dark brown. The dishes are neatly spread out and well-lit, with a simple, clean look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Trust me when I say this Brown Sugar Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe shines because of its simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy butter providing richness, to the brown sugar’s deep caramel notes, every component is essential for creating that perfect cookie balance of flavor and texture.

Butter (1 cup softened): Room temperature butter is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Brown sugar (⅔ cup): Adds warm, molasses tones and helps create a slightly chewy texture.
Almond extract (½ teaspoon): A subtle nutty flavor that enhances the walnuts beautifully.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds sweet, aromatic depth to the cookie base.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure of the cookies, giving them just the right bite.
Walnuts (1 cup finely chopped): Provides crunch and a rich, buttery nutty flavor.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): For a smooth, luscious glaze that’s not overpowering.
Maple syrup (2-3 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and a gorgeous amber shine to the finishing glaze.

How to Make Brown Sugar Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang to make transferring the dough easier later on. This set-up ensures your cookies bake evenly and effortlessly slide out for slicing.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the shortbread an irresistibly tender texture.

Step 3: Add Extracts and Salt

Mix in the almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well blended. These little flavor boosts transform your cookies from simple to sublime, layering taste complexities with every bite.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Walnuts

Slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined—you want to avoid overworking the dough or tough cookies might result. Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts, distributing the nutty crunch evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Flatten and Chill the Dough

Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. To make flattening easier without sticking, place a piece of plastic wrap over the dough and press it down evenly with your hands or a spatula. Use a fork to gently prick the dough about 35 times—this traditional touch helps the shortbread bake beautifully. Cover and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, or freeze for 15 minutes if you’re short on time.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pop the dough into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow the shortbread to rest for 5 minutes; this lets them firm up just enough for slicing.

Step 7: Slice and Cool

Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 18 equal portions—each about 2.6 inches by 1.3 inches. Let the cookies cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. This patience pays off as the cookies set perfectly, holding their shape without crumbling.

Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle Maple Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and maple syrup together until smooth to make a glaze—add a touch more maple syrup if you prefer it thinner. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cookies to add a sweet, glossy finish that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of light brown square blondies placed in rows on a black wire cooling rack. Each blondie has one layer with a soft, moist texture filled with small bits that add a grainy look. Some of the blondies have a light tan drizzle in thin, wavy lines on top, adding a smooth contrast to the crumbly surface. The cooling rack sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, which softly contrasts with the warm tones of the blondies. The photo focuses tightly on the blondies, showing detailed texture and coloring. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an elegant touch, sprinkle a few more chopped walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the warmth of the flavors and add a cozy, aromatic note.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat. Serving alongside fresh fruit or creamy vanilla ice cream makes for a delightful dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a beautiful jar or tin as a thoughtful gift. Alternatively, arrange them alongside a cheese board or dessert platter for a sophisticated touch at your next gathering or holiday party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Brown Sugar Walnut Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to one week. This helps maintain their perfect texture while keeping them ready to enjoy anytime.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the cookies (un-glazed or glazed) in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature when ready.

Reheating

To revive a bit of warmth and freshness, pop your cookies in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5-7 minutes. This softens the shortbread slightly and enhances the maple glaze’s aroma beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work beautifully in this recipe, offering a different but equally delightful crunch and flavor.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps the shortbread hold its shape and develop a better texture. If you skip this step, the cookies might spread too thin and bake unevenly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency as sometimes gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently.

Do these cookies stay fresh longer glazed or unglazed?

Un-glazed cookies tend to keep their texture better over time. The glaze adds moisture and sweetness but might make the cookies softer if stored too long.

What’s the best way to chop walnuts for this recipe?

Finely chopping walnuts ensures they distribute evenly without overpowering the cookie texture. Use a sharp knife or pulse briefly in a food processor for the best results.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Brown Sugar Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those comforting treats that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. The blend of flavors and textures is absolutely addicting, and the simple process makes it accessible even if you’re new to baking. Once you taste these, I’m sure they’ll become a go-to favorite for any season or celebration.

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