Maple Shortbread Cookies with Bourbon Frosting (with Bacon!)

Some cookies feel like a party all on their own—and these maple shortbread cookies with bourbon frosting and candied bacon are exactly that. They’re the kind of treat that makes friends lean in after one bite and say, “Can I get this recipe?”

For me, maple always brings back the coziness of autumn, while shortbread reminds me of Christmas cookie exchanges from my childhood. But this version isn’t just nostalgic—it’s grown up, a little fancy, and a whole lot of fun. With buttery maple shortbread, a swirl of bourbon-kissed frosting, and salty-sweet bacon crumbles drizzled with pure maple syrup, these cookies are destined to become your new holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet + salty combination – Maple, bacon, and bourbon create the perfect flavor balance.
• Festive and fun – Perfect for Christmas trays, parties, or gifting.
• Easy to make – No chilling required, just mix, bake, and decorate.
• Unique flavor twist – A crowd-pleaser that stands out from standard cookies.
• Make-ahead friendly – Store well for holiday planning.

Ingredients

Maple Shortbread:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Bourbon Frosting:

• 1/4 dram Lorann bourbon flavoring (or 1 teaspoon bourbon extract)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Toppings:

• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Pure maple syrup, for drizzling

Tip: Use thick-cut bacon for a heartier crunch, and cook until extra crisp for the best cookie topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in maple extract. Add flour, mixing until combined. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press each one down with your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indent.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 10 minutes, until edges are set but not browned. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Bourbon Frosting

Beat butter and powdered sugar together. Add bourbon flavoring and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Decorate

Pipe frosting onto cooled cookies, sprinkle with crumbled bacon, and drizzle with maple syrup.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

• Cookies spreading? Chill dough for 15 minutes before baking.
• Want extra maple flavor? Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the frosting.
• Don’t want bourbon? Substitute vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version.
• Presentation tip: Use a star piping tip for bakery-style swirls of frosting.

Variations & Serving Ideas

• Nutty twist: Sprinkle with toasted pecans instead of bacon.
• Holiday sparkle: Add a dusting of edible gold glitter for a festive look.
• Mini bites: Make smaller cookies for a holiday platter.
• Breakfast cookie: Swap bacon for candied pecans and serve with coffee.

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

• Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate up to 1 week for maximum freshness.
• Freeze unfrosted cookies up to 2 months; frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I use real bourbon instead of flavoring?
Yes, but stick with 1–2 teaspoons to avoid making the frosting runny.

Do I have to use bacon?
Not at all! They’re delicious with just frosting and maple drizzle.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—bake cookies, freeze, and decorate the day of serving.

What type of maple syrup should I use?
Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor, but pancake syrup works in a pinch.


Conclusion

These maple shortbread cookies with bourbon frosting and candied bacon are everything you want in a holiday treat—sweet, salty, buttery, and just a little boozy. Have you tried sweet-and-savory cookies before? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to 📌 save this recipe on Pinterest for later!

Maple Shortbread Cookies with Bourbon Frosting

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Ingredients

  

• - 1 cup butter softened
• - 2/3 cup sugar
• - 1/2 tsp maple extract
• - 2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 3 cups powdered sugar
• - 1 cup butter for frosting
• - 1/4 dram bourbon flavoring or 1 tsp extract
• - 2 tbsp heavy cream
• - 4 strips bacon cooked + crumbled
• - Maple syrup for drizzle

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar. Mix in extract.
• Add flour, roll into 1-inch balls, place on baking sheet.
• Press centers with thumb. Bake 10 minutes.
• Cool completely.
• Make frosting: beat butter + sugar. Add bourbon + cream.
• Pipe frosting onto cookies. Top with bacon + drizzle with syrup.

Notes

- Freeze unfrosted cookies up to 2 months.
- Swap bacon for pecans for variation.