Cinnamon Maple Shortbread Bars: A Sweet and Spiced Delight

These Cinnamon Maple Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that combines the buttery richness of shortbread with the warm flavors of cinnamon and maple. The bars feature a tender shortbread base layered with a brown sugar cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cinnamon maple icing. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt, these bars are a wonderful addition to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This: These bars are incredibly rich and flavorful, with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The buttery shortbread melts in your mouth, while the cinnamon and maple syrup add a cozy, autumnal flavor. The texture contrast between the crisp shortbread and the smooth icing makes each bite a delight. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Perfect Occasion: Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a delightful afternoon snack, these shortbread bars are sure to impress. They also make a lovely homemade gift, packaged beautifully for friends or loved ones.

Decoration Tips: For a decorative touch, sprinkle the top with a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a few extra drizzles of maple syrup over the icing. Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can also be sprinkled on top for added texture and flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • For the Shortbread:
    • 1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup (100g) almond flour
    • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
    • 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter, room temperature
    • 1 1/2 cups (170g) powdered sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling:
    • 1 cup (205g) light brown sugar, packed
    • 1 tbsp cinnamon
    • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • For the Cinnamon Maple Icing:
    • 3/4 cup (75g) powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
    • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
    • 1–2 tbsp milk, room temperature
    • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shortbread:
   • Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Coat an 8×8 inch square baking dish with nonstick spray and line all sides with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
   • Trace a square outline of the pan on a separate sheet of parchment paper and set aside.
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and kosher salt. Set aside.
   • In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Start on low speed and gradually increase to prevent the sugar from flying out of the bowl.
   • Once smooth, mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
   • Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the dry ingredients until fully combined, with a consistency similar to mashed potatoes.
2. Layer the Shortbread:
   • Scoop half of the dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
   • Spread the other half of the dough onto the parchment paper outline. Spread it to fit the square as best as possible.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a bowl, combine the light brown sugar, cinnamon, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and pure maple syrup. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
   • Crumble and lightly press an even layer of the filling over the shortbread dough in the pan.
   • Carefully flip the parchment paper dough over the filling layer and peel back the paper. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to scrape away any dough that sticks to the paper, spreading the top layer as evenly as possible.
4. Bake the Shortbread:
   • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until evenly puffed and the edges are a light golden brown.
   • Let the shortbread rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill uncovered for about an hour.
5. Prepare the Icing:
   • Once the bars have chilled, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted and cooled butter, and pure maple syrup. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more if needed to reach the desired consistency.
   • Spread the icing over the chilled shortbread bars immediately, as it will set quickly. Sprinkle with a light touch of flaky sea salt if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Cut the shortbread into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, buttery flavor with a delightful cinnamon and maple twist!

These Cinnamon Maple Shortbread Bars are sure to become a favorite with their irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Enjoy!