Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

With big flavor and a delightful combination of textures, Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a festive party, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. Their crisp edges and chewy centers make them irresistibly delicious, while the maple icing adds a unique touch that elevates every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a rich and sweet taste that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delicious cookies with confidence.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a regular day when you crave something sweet.
• Chewy Centers: The secret to their appeal lies in the chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with the crisp edges.
• Homemade Icing: The homemade maple icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes these cookies stand out.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Gather these items before starting your cookie-making adventure!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for an even mix.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps you organize your ingredients effectively during preparation.
• Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.

Ingredients

With big flavor, crisp edges, mega chewy centers, and maple icing, these maple brown sugar cookies are a definite favorite. Chilling the cookie dough is imperative, so set aside 2 hours or prepare the cookie dough the day before.

For the Cookies:

• 2 and 1/3 cups (291g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 cup (130g) chopped pecans

For the Icing:

• 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 cup (112g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
• Pinch salt, to taste

How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar on medium speed until smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
• Add the egg to the mixture and beat on high speed until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

• Pour in the pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract. Beat on high speed until well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined.
• Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill Dough

• Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer dough to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days). If chilled longer than a few hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easier cleanup.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

• Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake

• Bake each batch for 12-13 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Make sure they look soft in the center as they will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

• Allow warm cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Make Maple Icing

• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together unsalted butter and pure maple syrup while whisking occasionally. Once melted, remove from heat.
• Whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.

Step 11: Drizzle Icing

• Drizzle icing over cooled cookies once they have completely cooled down. Let icing set for about an hour before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Maple Brown Sugar Cookies! They’ll stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week.

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Maple brown sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but there are many creative ways to serve them. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies can be paired with various accompaniments for an enhanced experience.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee – The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweet maple notes beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate – A warm cup of hot chocolate offers a cozy pairing, perfect for chilly days.
• Tea – Choose herbal or chai tea for a fragrant match that balances the sweetness.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Selection – Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese for a savory contrast.
• Fruits – Fresh fruits like apple slices or berries add freshness and color to your platter.
• Chocolate Dips – Melted chocolate or chocolate sauce can be drizzled over the cookies for an indulgent treat.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Place a scoop between two cookies for a classic dessert.
• Maple Ice Cream – Enhance the flavor profile by using maple-flavored ice cream.

How to Perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Achieving the perfect maple brown sugar cookies involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough – Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately – Using proper measuring techniques ensures consistent results in texture and taste.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ingredients like butter and egg should be at room temperature to create a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on baking times; removing cookies when they’re slightly soft in the center ensures chewiness.
• Store Properly – To maintain freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Serving side dishes alongside your maple brown sugar cookies can create a more satisfying dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that pair well with these sweet treats.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
3. Pecan Pie Bars – These bars echo the nutty flavors of your cookies while offering a different texture.
4. Chocolate Fondue – A warm chocolate dip invites fun dipping experiences with the cookies.
5. Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Seasonal muffins provide warmth and spice that complements the maple flavor perfectly.
6. Caramel Sauce – Drizzling caramel over cookies creates an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
7. Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess alongside your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking maple brown sugar cookies, small mistakes can lead to big flavor losses. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Incorrect Dough Chilling: Not chilling the dough properly can result in flat cookies. Always chill for at least 2 hours to maintain shape.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much after adding the flour can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Skipping the Salt: Omitting salt can dull flavor. Even a pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
• Inconsistent Cookie Sizes: Unevenly sized cookies bake unevenly. Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform shapes and sizes.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Baking directly on sheets may lead to sticking. Always line your baking sheets for easy removal and cleanup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze them in single layers separated by parchment paper.

Reheating Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making maple brown sugar cookies.

Can I use different nuts in my Maple Brown Sugar Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

How do I know when my Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are done?

Cookies should be lightly browned around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm as they cool.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

What can I use instead of maple extract?

You can substitute maple extract with additional vanilla extract or a touch of almond extract if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I store leftover icing?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before using again.

Final Thoughts

These maple brown sugar cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing room for customization with different nuts or spices. Their chewy centers and delightful maple icing make them irresistible, perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!