Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a cookie that feels like a warm hug, I’m thrilled to share my beloved recipe for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies. These cookies are soft yet slightly chewy, with that irresistible caramel-like sweetness from brown sugar perfectly paired with the rich, comforting notes of pure maple syrup. Every bite brings that cozy, homemade charm you crave, making them an absolute must-bake for cookie lovers eager to explore unique flavors that don’t overpower but elevate. Whether for a casual tea time or a special treat, Maple Brown Sugar Cookies deliver a delicious twist that’s sure to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial to making the perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies. Each one pulls its weight, contributing to the texture, flavor, and aroma that make these cookies stand out in your cookie jar.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter creates that tender base essential for a chewy cookie texture.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a deep molasses sweetness that complements the maple syrup beautifully.
- Maple syrup: Not just a sweetener, it imparts the signature warm maple flavor and moistness to the cookies.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s soft structure.
- All-purpose flour: This is your foundation for cookie dough, giving shape and body.
- Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise just enough for softness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a smooth, aromatic undertone that ties all flavors together.
- Ground cinnamon: A gentle spice that adds warmth and depth, perfect with maple and brown sugar.
How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This small prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheets effortlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar
In a generous mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the packed brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is key for incorporating air and creating that tender cookie crumb. You can use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk if you prefer going old school.
Step 3: Add Maple Syrup, Eggs, and Vanilla
Now, pour in the maple syrup, crack in the eggs, and stir in the vanilla extract. Beat everything until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This luscious liquid blend infuses the dough with the classic sweet, maple-rich flavor that defines these cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices, so every bite is consistent in flavor and texture.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough instead of tender. A few lumps are okay; they’ll bake out perfectly.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie since they will spread slightly. This spacing helps ensure all your cookies bake evenly with lovely golden edges.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until you see the edges turn a light golden brown. The centers might look a tiny bit soft, but that’s exactly how you want them to stay chewy on cooling!
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This helps them set without breaking apart. Transfer them carefully onto a wire rack to cool fully. Cooling is key for the texture and ease of handling.
Step 9: Optional Add-Ins
If you want to mix things up, feel free to fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking. These little extras give your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies a delightful crunch or melty richness, adding another layer of deliciousness.
How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For a simple touch of elegance, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt atop each cookie just before serving. It enhances the maple and brown sugar flavors without overpowering them. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy, festive look perfect for gift-giving or holiday plates.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider to double down on the cozy, autumnal vibe. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also turns these cookies into a quick and easy dessert that’s hard to resist.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of maple syrup for dipping or drizzling. For a party, you can even sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting or maple buttercream for an irresistible twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to three months. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
If your cookies lose a bit of softness, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300-degree oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives their fresh-baked charm, making them taste like you just pulled them from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the maple syrup with honey?
While honey can be used, it will change the flavor profile of the cookies and might make them a bit denser. Maple syrup provides a unique, rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with brown sugar, so the taste will not be quite the same.
What if I don’t have ground cinnamon?
If you don’t have cinnamon, you can omit it or experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a different but still warm, spiced flavor. However, cinnamon gives the best complement to the maple flavor in this recipe.
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed with a soft and slightly chewy texture, especially in the center, with just a hint of crispness around the edges. They’re not crispy like thin biscuits but wonderfully tender and satisfying.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to avoid oversalting. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final salt balance, which is especially important in sweet baked goods.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges while the center still looks a bit soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so it’s okay if they seem slightly underbaked in the middle when you take them out.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are truly a joy to make and devour—rich in flavor, wonderfully soft, and infused with that unmistakable maple sweetness. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will become a cherished classic in your home. I can’t wait for you to try making and enjoying them because once you do, these cookies might just steal your heart as they did mine.
Print
Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies combine the rich, deep sweetness of brown sugar with the natural, warm flavor of maple syrup to create soft, chewy cookies perfect for any occasion. Enhanced with ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, these cookies offer a comforting fall-inspired treat that’s easy to bake and delightful to share.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for tender cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating well until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can develop gluten and make the cookies tough.
- Portion the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Add-ins: For variety, you can fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough before baking to add texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
- For a stronger maple flavor, consider using pure maple syrup rather than maple-flavored syrup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing dough balls is possible; thaw before baking for fresh cookies anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, maple syrup cookies, soft cookies, cinnamon cookies, easy cookie recipe, fall cookies
