Name: Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1-2 tablespoons milk (for consistency); Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish

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Introduction

If you’re a fan of warm, comforting cookies with a hint of fall flavors, then you’re going to absolutely adore these Maple Brown Sugar Cookies. The blend of rich brown sugar and pure maple syrup creates a soft, chewy cookie that’s perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice. As soon as I baked these for the first time, my whole family was hooked—each bite delivers a cozy sweetness that’s perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The maple glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence, making these cookies feel special enough for holiday gatherings but simple enough to whip up on a lazy afternoon. Trust me, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love Maple Brown Sugar Cookies 🍁❤️

These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, but they shine particularly during fall and winter months. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Cozy Fall Flavors: The combination of brown sugar and maple syrup gives these cookies a warm, comforting flavor that feels like a hug in every bite. The subtle hints of cinnamon and vanilla make them even more irresistible.

Soft & Chewy Texture: These cookies bake up soft, chewy, and slightly crisp around the edges. They have just the right texture to melt in your mouth.
Easy to Make: With simple pantry ingredients and only a few steps, these cookies are perfect for beginner bakers or anyone in need of a quick sweet treat.
Perfect for Gifting or Sharing: Packaged in a cute tin or tied up in a decorative bag, these cookies make a great homemade gift for friends, family, or colleagues.

Maple Glaze for Extra Sweetness: The maple glaze adds a shiny, sweet finish, making these cookies even more decadent without being overwhelming.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Maple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1-2 tablespoons milk (for consistency)

Optional: A sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Once creamed, add in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid flour spilling out of the bowl. Mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cookies less tender.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use the palm of your hand to gently flatten each dough ball, creating a flat surface for even baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. These cookies are best when they are slightly soft and chewy in the center. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more if necessary. Once the glaze is ready, drizzle it generously over the cooled cookies. If you like, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for a festive touch.

Step 7: Serve
Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before serving. These cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 6g

Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g

Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield

Servings: 24 cookies

How to Serve

These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas on how to serve and enjoy them:

As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy them as a quick snack with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
For Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays, Thanksgiving, or Christmas celebrations.
For Gift-Giving: Package the cookies in a cute box or tin and gift them to friends or family during the holiday season.

As a Dessert for Dinner Parties: Serve them alongside a rich dessert like pumpkin pie or apple crisp.
For After-School Snacks: These cookies are a great way to treat your kids after school, paired with a glass of milk.

Additional Tips

Use Pure Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, always opt for pure maple syrup. The artificial maple-flavored syrups will not give the same depth of flavor to your cookies.

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will help the cookies hold their shape better when baking.
Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, take them out of the oven when the edges are golden and the center is set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Customize the Glaze: You can experiment with the glaze by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Make Mini Cookies: For smaller treats, you can reduce the dough ball size to 1 inch. These will bake a bit faster—around 6-8 minutes.

FAQ

1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag. Bake them from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges, and the centers should be set but still soft. If the cookies look too soft, they may need a little more time in the oven.

3. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
You can, but using brown sugar gives the cookies a richer, molasses-like flavor that complements the maple syrup. If you use white sugar, the flavor will be slightly different.

4. Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a great addition to these cookies. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients.

5. How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend includes xanthan gum to help the cookies hold together.

7. How can I make the glaze thicker?
To make the glaze thicker, reduce the amount of milk or add extra powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

8. Can I use a different type of syrup?
While maple syrup is traditional for these cookies, you can substitute it with other syrups like agave or honey for a different flavor profile.

9. How can I make the cookies spicier?
If you love spice, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth.

10. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Absolutely! A hand mixer will work just fine for creaming the butter and sugar, as well as mixing the dough.

Conclusion

These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are a delightful, cozy treat that will make any day feel a little more special. With the perfect balance of maple sweetness, brown sugar richness, and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies are great for sharing during the holidays or enjoying with your favorite warm beverage. The maple glaze is the perfect finishing touch, adding just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, gifting homemade cookies, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking rotation. Happy baking!

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies