If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the cozy, rich warmth of autumn with every soft, buttery bite, then this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies blend the deep, caramel sweetness of brown sugar with the unique, fragrant touch of pure maple syrup, creating a simple yet decadent treat that feels like a hug in cookie form. Perfectly tender with just a hint of spice if you choose to add cinnamon, these cookies are an absolute joy to bake and even more delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with a handful of essential ingredients, each contributing to the cookie’s irresistible flavor, texture, and aroma. From the creamy butter that makes the dough tender to the fragrant maple syrup that infuses every bite, every element counts.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb without overpowering sweetness.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and caramel notes that deepen the cookie’s flavor.
- Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): The star ingredient that delivers that signature maple flavor and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and helps create the cookie’s soft texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, floral warmth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure that holds the cookies together.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect soft chew.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle spicy warmth that’s perfect for fall vibes.
How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step is essential to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and your cookies easy to lift off the pan.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air, giving the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Take your time and enjoy watching the transformation.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. These wet ingredients bring moisture and depth, with the maple syrup providing that unmistakable richness that defines this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which makes for consistent flavor and texture in every cookie.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. It should feel a little pliable but not sticky — just the right consistency to scoop and shape.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart because these cookies do spread slightly while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely, light golden color.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period lets the cookies finish setting up so they hold together beautifully without losing that tender softness.
How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze to take them over the top. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add an exciting balance to the sweetness and highlight the maple notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence. They also make a lovely complement to a bowl of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a maple-infused cream cheese frosting or spread. Alternatively, arrange a festive cookie platter with fall-themed decorations and garnishes to impress guests at any gathering while celebrating this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe in style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor for several days, making it easy to enjoy these treats whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these dough balls or fully baked cookies freeze really well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw the dough before baking or the cookies before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. This way, you can enjoy the fresh, soft texture even after they’ve been stored.
FAQs
Can I use dark maple syrup instead of light maple syrup?
Absolutely! Using dark maple syrup will give your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe a richer, more intense maple flavor. It’s a wonderful option if you want that deep, almost molasses-like sweetness.
What if I don’t have ground cinnamon? Can I skip it?
Yes, the cinnamon is optional and many people love the cookie without it. It adds warmth but isn’t essential, so your cookies will still be deliciously sweet and full of maple goodness.
How do I keep these cookies soft instead of crunchy?
The key is to avoid overbaking them. Take them out the moment their edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. Also, storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread can help maintain softness.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! The ingredients scale up nicely. Just make sure to bake your cookies in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven, which could affect their texture and baking time.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe is perfectly vegetarian-friendly, using no animal-derived gelatin or other non-vegetarian ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade cookies that bring people together, and this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe does just that with its warm, inviting flavors and tender softness. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat, a holiday party, or just because, these cookies are a delightful way to share a little sweetness and love. I can’t wait for you to try them—enjoy every magical bite!
Print
Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the rich flavors of pure maple syrup and brown sugar. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet, comforting treat, these cookies combine the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of maple to create a classic American dessert that’s easy to make and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined, creating the base for your soft cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar, stirring until all ingredients are fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon if you want to add that extra warm spice flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until a soft dough forms but do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, so they develop the ideal soft and chewy texture.
Notes
- For a deeper maple flavor, substitute light maple syrup with dark maple syrup and add a few drops of maple extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for several days.
- Optionally, drizzle cooled cookies with a maple glaze for extra sweetness and presentation.
