Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the rich flavors of maple syrup and brown sugar, creating a cookie that is both soft and chewy. As I take a bite, I am instantly transported to cozy autumn days, where the scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air. This recipe has its roots in traditional North American baking, where maple syrup has long been cherished for its unique sweetness and versatility. People love these cookies not just for their irresistible taste, but also for their comforting texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Join me as we dive into the world of Maple Brown Sugar Cookies and discover why they are a must-try for any cookie lover!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup coarse sugar for rolling (optional)
Preparing the Dough
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. 2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour. 3. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air into the butter, making your cookies tender. 4. **Add Wet Ingredients**: Next, add the maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until everything is well combined. The maple syrup will add a lovely flavor and moisture to the cookies. 5. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in at this stage using a spatula.Chilling the Dough
6. **Chill the Dough**: Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the dough easier to handle.Shaping the Cookies
7. **Prepare Baking Sheets**: While the dough is chilling, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. 8. **Shape the Cookies**: After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll them into balls and, if desired, roll each ball in coarse sugar for a sparkling finish. 9. **Place on Baking Sheets**: Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.Cooking Process
10. **Bake the Cookies**: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. 11. **Cool the Cookies**: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. 12. **Transfer to Wire Rack**: After 5 minutes, use a spatula to carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.Storing and Serving
13. **Store the Cookies**: Once the cookies are completely cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. 14. **Serve and Enjoy**: These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. They also make a delightful gift when packaged in a decorative box. 15. **Optional Variations**: Feel free to get creative with your cookies! You can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a different flavor profile. The base recipe is versatile, so don’tConclusion:
In summary, these Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and warmth. The rich flavor of maple syrup combined with the deep notes of brown sugar creates a cookie that is not only delicious but also evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a cup of tea later in the day, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert or crumbling them over yogurt for a delightful breakfast twist. You can also experiment with variations by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how they turn out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your baking success together. Happy baking! PrintMaple Brown Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Deliciousness
- Total Time: 40-42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Enjoy the sweet and comforting taste of Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, made with a delightful mix of maple syrup and brown sugar for a soft, chewy texture. Optional nuts and a sparkling sugar finish add an extra touch, making these cookies perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup coarse sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- After chilling, portion out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, rolling them into balls. Optionally, roll each ball in coarse sugar.
- Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Serve with milk or coffee, or package as a gift. Optional variations include adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding the optional maple extract.
- Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before storing to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes