If you’re looking for the coziest treat to warm up your kitchen, Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are the answer. These cookies combine the deep, caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar with the rich, earthy flavor of pure maple syrup, resulting in irresistibly soft, chewy bites that taste like autumn in cookie form. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday platter or just want a comforting snack to pair with your afternoon coffee, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are delightfully simple to make but feel like a special indulgence every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Maple Brown Sugar Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the creamy butter to the fragrant vanilla, working together to create cookies with unmatched flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): The base for rich flavor and that perfect chewy texture—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): The star ingredient, infusing the cookies with unmistakable maple warmth.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a little lift for that perfect cookie crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and brings everything into harmony.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure-builder—just the right amount for a soft, yet not-too-cakey cookie.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle rise and prevents the cookies from being too dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the maple and brown sugar flavors.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a whisper of spice that pairs beautifully with maple, especially in the cooler months.
How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking and help the cookies bake up evenly. Taking a moment for this step means you’ll have perfectly golden cookies that slide right off the pan.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key: creaming incorporates air, which leads to soft, tender Maple Brown Sugar Cookies. Don’t rush it—give it a good two to three minutes with your mixer.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the pure maple syrup, crack in the egg, and add the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully combined and the batter looks glossy and smooth. The maple syrup will make the dough slightly sticky, but that’s exactly what you want for chewy cookies.
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. Whisking ensures the leavening and spice are evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with any salty or spicy pockets in your cookies.
Step 5: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. At this stage, the dough should come together easily but still feel a touch sticky. Be careful not to overmix—just fold until everything is incorporated for the most tender Maple Brown Sugar Cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet about two inches apart to give them room to spread. Flatten each one slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass—this helps them bake evenly and gives you that perfect cookie shape.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look a little soft, but they’ll set up as the cookies cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. This little pause ensures your cookies stay soft and chewy.
How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special finish, drizzle your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with a simple maple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling festive, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt adds wonderful texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a mug of hot apple cider, a cozy chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an effortless dessert plate. The warmth and spice of the cookies are a natural match for creamy or spiced drinks and treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Maple Brown Sugar Cookies make a charming gift—stack a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a homemade treat anyone would love. For parties, try sandwiching two cookies with a maple buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist. You can even crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet breakfast touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, making them perfect for lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or anytime snacking.
Freezing
To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for fresh cookies on demand—just add a minute or two to the baking time straight from the freezer.
Reheating
If you love warm cookies, pop a Maple Brown Sugar Cookie in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. This little trick revives that just-baked softness and brings out the maple aroma all over again. For larger batches, a few minutes in a 300°F oven will do the trick.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
While margarine can work in a pinch, unsalted butter really shines in Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, giving them their signature flavor and perfect chewy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, try using a high-quality plant-based butter substitute for the best results.
How can I make these cookies extra maple-y?
For a stronger maple punch, add 1/2 teaspoon of maple extract along with the vanilla. You can also drizzle the finished cookies with a maple glaze or sandwich them with maple buttercream for double the maple goodness.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies can happen if your butter was too soft or melted, or if you overmixed the dough. Make sure your butter is just softened, not melty, and mix until just combined. Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking can also help your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies hold their shape.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts are a classic addition, bringing crunch and extra flavor. For a decadent twist, fold in a handful of white or dark chocolate chips. Just be sure not to overload the dough so the cookies still bake up soft and chewy.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are a wonderful homemade gift—package them in a cute tin or wrap them in parchment and tie with a ribbon for an irresistible treat. They ship well and stay delicious for days, making them a thoughtful choice for care packages or holiday exchanges.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a batch of Maple Brown Sugar Cookies and sharing them with friends or family. They’re simple, comforting, and bursting with flavor—just the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite cookie, too!
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
Deliciously soft and chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies combine the rich flavors of brown sugar and pure maple syrup for a perfect fall or holiday treat. These classic American-style cookies are easy to bake and bring a warm, comforting sweetness to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This step helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the pure maple syrup, the egg, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball using your palm or the bottom of a glass to help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps prevent breakage and allows full flavor development.
Notes
- For extra maple flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon maple extract to the wet ingredients.
- These cookies remain soft and chewy, making them ideal for fall or holiday baking.
- Drizzle with a maple glaze or sprinkle with coarse sugar for a special decorative touch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
