Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of rich, buttery sweetness and cozy nostalgia, all delivered in every soft and chewy bite. These cookies shine thanks to real maple syrup and dark brown sugar, which come together to create a depth of flavor that’s pure comfort, yet never overpowering. Soft centers, crisp edges, and a delightful kiss of cinnamon make these treats impossible to resist—whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special gathering, or just craving a little something sweet on a quiet evening at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Good news: Maple Brown Sugar Cookies don’t require any fancy ingredients—just a handful of baking staples and a splash of real maple syrup. Each ingredient plays an important role in shaping the irresistible taste, tender crumb, and golden color of your finished cookies. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little tip for every star player:
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is the secret to cookies that are luxuriously rich and chewy in every bite.
- Dark brown sugar: This adds deep caramel notes and extra moisture, ensuring soft, flavorful cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness and helps your cookies bake up with crisp, golden edges.
- Pure maple syrup: Use pure syrup for that unmistakable maple aroma and naturally sweet undertone.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and gives just the right amount of structure for a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic warmth that brings all the flavors together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the backbone for these cookies, keeping them soft but never cakey.
- Baking soda: A tiny bit works wonders, giving your cookies just the right lift and chewiness.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! Salt will balance the sweetness and let the maple flavor really shine.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, subtle spice that pairs beautifully with maple and brown sugar.
How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Taking this moment to get your oven hot and your baking sheet ready ensures your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies bake up evenly golden and won’t stick when you transfer them to a rack.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture turns lighter in color and fluffy in texture—about 2-3 minutes. This step is what gives these cookies their irresistible chew and buttery richness.
Step 3: Add Maple, Egg, and Vanilla
Pour in the maple syrup, then crack in your egg, and add the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully incorporated. At this point, you’ll begin to notice the incredible aroma of real maple swirling through your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness ahead!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This allows the leavening and spice to be distributed evenly so that every bite of your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies is perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low just until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing; you want everything combined without developing too much gluten, so your cookies stay tender and soft.
Step 6: Scoop and Space the Dough
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out dough balls, placing them 2 inches apart on your prepared sheet. This space gives your cookies room to spread and take on those gorgeous golden edges—plus, it makes them easy to remove when they’re done!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye out: you want the edges just golden and the centers set but still slightly soft. They’ll finish cooking as they cool, ensuring they stay irresistibly chewy.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. This short rest helps them firm up and guarantees they won’t fall apart. Once fully cooled, crown your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with a maple glaze or a sprinkle of flaky salt for an extra-special flourish.
How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
One delicious way to dress up your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies is with a drizzle of homemade maple glaze—a simple mix of powdered sugar and maple syrup. For added crunch and warmth, you could sprinkle a few chopped pecans on top, or dust with a touch of extra cinnamon. Even a pinch of flaky sea salt makes the maple flavor pop!
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk (classic!) or serve alongside a creamy latte or hot cocoa. These cookies also play well with fresh berries or fruit salad for a lighter snack, and they’re the perfect companion to vanilla or butter pecan ice cream if you’re feeling especially indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies in rustic bundles tied with a ribbon for homemade gifts, or arrange them on a festive platter alongside candied nuts for parties. Tuck them into lunchboxes as a midday treat, or sandwich two cookies around a scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies tasting bakery-fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing to prevent any sogginess!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy fresh cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. Alternatively, shape the dough into balls and freeze those—then you can bake a few cookies at a time, straight from the freezer, whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
Refresh room-temperature or thawed Maple Brown Sugar Cookies by warming them in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and releases that just-baked aroma, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon.
FAQs
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
You absolutely can use light brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand—the cookies will still turn out tasty, though the flavor will be a bit milder and less caramel-y than when using dark brown sugar.
Do I have to use pure maple syrup, or will pancake syrup work?
Pancake syrup doesn’t offer the deep, authentic maple taste you’ll get with pure maple syrup. For the very best Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, stick with the real stuff—it’s worth it!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are fantastic add-ins and bring out the cookie’s warmth, while white chocolate chips give a sweet, creamy contrast. Fold in up to 1 cup with the dry ingredients for a fun twist.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough feels very soft or your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape and ensures thick, chewy centers.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely—Maple Brown Sugar Cookies make thoughtful homemade gifts. Their wonderful aroma, homey flavor, and soft texture make them a universal crowd-pleaser, ideal for care packages, cookie swaps, or holiday tins.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a batch of Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, whether it’s for a celebration or a quiet afternoon treat. They promise a warm hug of maple, brown sugar, and spice, turning simple ingredients into unforgettable moments. So roll up your sleeves and give these cookies a try—you’ll soon see why they’ve become a beloved favorite!
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
Indulge in the rich, warm flavors of these Maple Brown Sugar Cookies. With a perfect blend of maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon, these soft and chewy cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Make Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Enhance with a maple glaze or chopped pecans for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
