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Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Nothing brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen quite like the aroma of fresh-baked cookies. Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for fall, combining the deep, caramel-like sweetness of dark brown sugar with the robust flavor of pure maple syrup. These cookies are irresistible with their crisp edges, chewy centers, and a drizzle of luscious maple icing that adds an extra layer of decadence.

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Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

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🦃🍁 A table full of gratitude and deliciousness—this Thanksgiving, let the feast begin! #ThankfulEats

  • Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
  • Yield: 28-30 cookies Category: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • All-Purpose Flour (2 1/3 cups): Provides structure to the cookies while keeping them soft.
  • Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise, giving them a light texture.
  • Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and ensures the cookies stay tender.
  • Dark Brown Sugar (1 cup): Gives the cookies their signature deep flavor and chewy texture.
  • Egg (1 large): Acts as a binding agent while adding moisture.
  • Pure Maple Syrup (1/3 cup): Provides the cookies with their distinct maple flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Maple Extract (1 tsp): Intensifies the maple flavor, ensuring every bite is bursting with autumnal goodness.
  • Chopped Pecans (1 cup, optional): Adds texture and a nutty depth.

For the Maple Icing:

  • Unsalted Butter (2 Tbsp): Creates a smooth base for the icing.
  • Pure Maple Syrup (1/3 cup): Infuses the icing with authentic maple sweetness.
  • Confectioners’ Sugar (1 cup, sifted): Creates a silky, lump-free icing.
  • Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness of the icing.

Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar on medium speed until smooth (about 1–2 minutes).
  3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract. Beat on high until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans, if using.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days.

Baking the Cookies:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Shape the Dough: Roll chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  3. Bake: Bake for 12–13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. If the cookies look puffy, gently bang the pan on the counter to create lovely cracks.
  4. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Making the Maple Icing:

  1. Melt Butter and Syrup: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and maple syrup together, whisking occasionally.
  2. Add Confectioners’ Sugar: Remove from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Adjust with a pinch of salt to taste.
  3. Drizzle Over Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the icing over them. Allow the icing to set for about an hour.

Notes

  • Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances the flavors.
  • Use Pure Maple Syrup: For the most authentic flavor, avoid imitation syrups.
  • Substitute Wisely: If you don’t have pecans, try chopped walnuts or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.
  • Control the Sweetness: Taste the icing as you prepare it. A small pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness beautifully.
  • Make It Ahead: Freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months and bake straight from the freezer for freshly baked cookies anytime.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes

This recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings, gifting during the holidays, or simply indulging in a sweet moment to yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are straightforward to prepare, and the results are absolutely worth the time spent. Let’s dive into the magic behind these delightful treats!

Why These Cookies Stand Out

What sets these cookies apart is their perfectly balanced flavor profile. The dark brown sugar lends a rich molasses undertone that pairs beautifully with the maple. The optional pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty warmth, while the maple icing elevates the cookies to bakery-level perfection.

But these aren’t just cookies—they’re an experience. Picture biting into a cookie that’s crisp at the edges, meltingly soft in the center, with a kiss of maple sweetness in every bite. Pair them with a steaming mug of tea or coffee, and you’ve got yourself a fall day made perfect.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Perfection

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and why they matter in creating these dreamy cookies:

For the Cookies:

  • All-Purpose Flour (2 1/3 cups): Provides structure to the cookies while keeping them soft.
  • Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise, giving them a light texture.
  • Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and ensures the cookies stay tender.
  • Dark Brown Sugar (1 cup): Gives the cookies their signature deep flavor and chewy texture.
  • Egg (1 large): Acts as a binding agent while adding moisture.
  • Pure Maple Syrup (1/3 cup): Provides the cookies with their distinct maple flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Maple Extract (1 tsp): Intensifies the maple flavor, ensuring every bite is bursting with autumnal goodness.
  • Chopped Pecans (1 cup, optional): Adds texture and a nutty depth.

For the Maple Icing:

  • Unsalted Butter (2 Tbsp): Creates a smooth base for the icing.
  • Pure Maple Syrup (1/3 cup): Infuses the icing with authentic maple sweetness.
  • Confectioners’ Sugar (1 cup, sifted): Creates a silky, lump-free icing.
  • Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness of the icing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar on medium speed until smooth (about 1–2 minutes).
  3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract. Beat on high until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans, if using.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days.

Baking the Cookies:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Shape the Dough: Roll chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  3. Bake: Bake for 12–13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. If the cookies look puffy, gently bang the pan on the counter to create lovely cracks.
  4. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Making the Maple Icing:

  1. Melt Butter and Syrup: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and maple syrup together, whisking occasionally.
  2. Add Confectioners’ Sugar: Remove from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Adjust with a pinch of salt to taste.
  3. Drizzle Over Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the icing over them. Allow the icing to set for about an hour.

The Flavor and Texture Journey

Every bite of these cookies is a sensory delight. The crisp edges provide a satisfying crunch, while the center remains soft and chewy, thanks to the perfect ratio of butter and brown sugar. The maple icing adds a sweet, glossy finish that ties everything together. The aroma of warm maple and brown sugar wafts through the kitchen, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances the flavors.
  • Use Pure Maple Syrup: For the most authentic flavor, avoid imitation syrups.
  • Substitute Wisely: If you don’t have pecans, try chopped walnuts or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.
  • Control the Sweetness: Taste the icing as you prepare it. A small pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness beautifully.
  • Make It Ahead: Freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months and bake straight from the freezer for freshly baked cookies anytime.

Variations

  1. Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  2. Spiced Maple Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
  3. Maple Chocolate Chip Cookies: Toss in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough.
  4. Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute for both the cookies and icing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a hot cup of spiced chai, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Final Thoughts

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are everything you want in a fall-inspired dessert—cozy, flavorful, and easy to share. They’re perfect for bake sales, holiday cookie trays, or simply as a treat to brighten someone’s day. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite autumn playlist, and let these cookies fill your home with joy.

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