Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you love irresistibly chewy cookies that feel like autumn in every bite, Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are about to become your new obsession! These cookies capture everything cozy with their rich blend of brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and a subtle hint of cinnamon, all topped off with a satiny maple glaze. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself to something special, these cookies pack a punch of comforting flavor and homey aroma that makes every batch pure joy to share—or to secretly keep for yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Maple Brown Sugar Cookies is in the straightforward, familiar ingredients—each one plays an essential role, creating that plush texture and warm, inviting flavor. Gather these simple staples, and you’re halfway to cookie bliss!

• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and creates a tender, chewy crumb for the cookies.
• Brown sugar: Brings deep molasses notes and a delightful chewiness that sets these cookies apart.
• Pure maple syrup: The star ingredient—use the real deal for authentic, cozy maple flavor.
• Large egg: Helps bind everything together, giving the cookies structure without drying them out.
• Vanilla extract: A splash adds warmth and balances the sweet maple tones.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough that keeps the cookies sturdy yet soft.
• Baking soda: Gives just the right lift for a plump, tender cookie.
• Salt: Sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Ground cinnamon: A touch for subtle spice that pairs perfectly with maple and brown sugar.
• Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet base for the finishing drizzle.
• Milk (for the glaze): Thins the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.

How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by getting your oven ready—set it to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make clean-up effortless. This tiny bit of prep work means you can focus on making perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies without worrying about a sticky mess.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the biggest mixing bowl you own, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Whip them together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about two to three minutes. Add the pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing again until everything is smooth and luscious. This step creates the creamy base that guarantees chewy, flavorful cookies every time.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures all the leavening and spices are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until blended—overdoing it here can make your cookies tough, so stop folding as soon as everything comes together.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out the dough with a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll it between your palms to create 1 1/2-inch balls. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets so they have room to spread just a touch. Gently pat each ball with your hand to slightly flatten the tops, giving them the perfect surface for the maple glaze later.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Slip the trays into the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and set centers—the sweet spot for that soft, chewy texture Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are known for. Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack, so they firm up just enough to handle the glaze.

Step 6: Prepare the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and just enough milk to reach a silky, pourable consistency. This glaze should coat the back of a spoon without being too runny. Drizzle generously over completely cooled cookies, then dust with a little cinnamon if you’re in the mood for extra flair.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Give the glaze a few minutes to set, then dig in! Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or tea and savor the flavors of fall—these Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are truly a treat worth waiting for.

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle glazed cookies with a scant pinch of ground cinnamon or even a few chopped toasted pecans. Edible gold dust or a swirl of extra maple syrup looks stunning for special occasions, giving your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies bakery-level style with zero fuss.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with cozy sides! Serve them alongside a mug of spiced chai, a velvety latte, or even a cool glass of milk. For a full dessert spread, pair them with vanilla bean ice cream—the warm spices and sweet glaze become even more irresistible next to a creamy scoop.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a rustic wooden platter with a jug of maple cream for dipping, or gift a dozen in a pretty tin lined with parchment and tied with a ribbon. For a playful twist, sandwich vanilla cream or cinnamon buttercream between two cookies for the ultimate Maple Brown Sugar Cookies whoopie pie!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Maple Brown Sugar Cookies fresh for days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Tuck a slice of sandwich bread in the container to help maintain that just-baked softness—the cookies will absorb just enough moisture to stay perfectly chewy.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later, both the dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully. To freeze dough, roll into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag—bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time. Baked cookies (unglazed or glazed) can be frozen in a single layer, then stored stacked with parchment in between. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Craving that fresh-baked warmth? Pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back the irresistible softness and makes the maple aroma bloom again—almost as if they just came out of the oven!

FAQs

What can I use instead of pure maple syrup?

If you’re in a pinch, honey or agave syrup can stand in, but for the true flavor of Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, pure maple syrup really is best. Imitation syrup won’t give the same depth or subtle caramel notes.

How do I keep my cookies soft and chewy?

Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread; the cookies will soak up moisture from the bread and stay plush. Also, be careful not to overbake them—pull them out when the edges are just set for optimal softness.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely—you can use salted butter and simply reduce the added salt in the recipe to a small pinch. This little tweak won’t affect the tender texture or lovely flavor of your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies.

Is chilling the dough necessary?

While the recipe works without chilling, if your dough feels very soft or your kitchen is warm, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. This extra step helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excess spreading.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! If you’re baking for a crowd or just really enthusiastic about Maple Brown Sugar Cookies (I relate), doubling the recipe is as easy as simply scaling up the ingredients. Just be sure to mix in batches so you don’t overwork the dough.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know just how delightful and easy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are to whip up, I hope you’ll treat yourself and your favorite people to a fresh batch. Nothing says home quite like the aroma of maple and brown sugar wafting from your oven—so grab your apron, turn up your favorite playlist, and fill your kitchen with cozy cookie magic!

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