The Best Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Treats

Sweet maple brown sugar cookies bring warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen gathering.

These delectable treats capture the essence of comforting indulgence with their rich, caramel-like undertones.

Soft and chewy textures promise a delightful sensory experience that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Fragrant notes of pure maple syrup infuse each bite with a distinctive, rustic charm.

Traditional baking techniques craft simple ingredients into an irresistible confection that sparks memories of cozy autumn afternoons.

Subtle hints of caramelized sugar create a complex flavor profile that elevates these cookies beyond ordinary sweets.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft these delightful morsels with ease and confidence.

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Warm Spice

• Savor Maple Magic: These cookies capture the rich, warm essence of maple syrup in every delectable bite, bringing a cozy New England-inspired flavor that dances on your taste buds.
• Texture Triumph: Soft, chewy centers with slightly crisp edges create a perfect cookie experience, while chopped pecans add a delightful crunch that elevates the entire treat.
• Stress-Free Baking Delight: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, making it an approachable and enjoyable weekend baking project that delivers impressive results.

Ingredients for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookie base.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, moist cookie with deep caramel notes.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
• Maple Syrup, Maple Extract, Vanilla Extract: Delivers authentic, warm maple flavor with subtle complexity.

• Pecans: Adds nutty crunch and complements the maple flavor.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet icing for drizzling over cookies.
• Butter, Maple Syrup (for Icing): Provides rich base for the glossy maple icing.

How to Bake Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Gather and whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment to blend butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Egg

Beat in egg at high speed until fully incorporated, scraping bowl sides as needed.

Step 4: Mix Flavor Enhancers

Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract. Beat at high speed until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients at low speed until fully blended.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold chopped pecans into dough, mixing on low speed to distribute evenly.

Step 7: Chill Cookie Dough

Cover dough and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. If chilling longer, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Step 8: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 9: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll dough into small balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each, and place on prepared baking sheets.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake for 12-13 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Centers will appear soft.

Step 11: Create Cookie Texture

Remove from oven and tap pan on counter to create slight cracks on cookie surface.

Step 12: Cool Cookies

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 13: Prepare Maple Icing

Melt butter and maple syrup in small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar.

Step 14: Decorate Cookies

Drizzle maple icing over completely cooled cookies. Allow icing to set for one hour.

Step 15: Store Cookies

Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Expert Tips for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Chill Strategically: Refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife for consistent cookie texture.
• Distribute Pecans Evenly: Fold chopped pecans gently to ensure uniform nut distribution throughout the cookie dough.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate baking temperature, preventing over or underbaking.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool entirely on the baking sheet before transferring to prevent breaking and ensure perfect texture.

Storing Maple Brown Sugar Cookies to Retain Freshness

• Refrigerate: Store maple brown sugar cookies in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. These delicate treats will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days at room temperature.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies maintain their delicious flavor for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for optimal texture.
• Reheating: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture. For best results, enjoy cookies at room temperature, which highlights their rich maple and brown sugar flavors.

Pairing Recommendations for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Pair with Warm Bourbon Cider: Sip on a spiced bourbon cider that complements the maple and pecan notes in the cookies. The rich, warming drink enhances the sweet and nutty flavors, creating a cozy autumn-inspired pairing.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, soft cookie, while the vanilla highlights the maple undertones.
• Enjoy with Caramel Latte: Indulge in a smooth caramel latte that echoes the brown sugar and maple sweetness. The coffee's depth and the caramel's richness create a decadent companion to these maple pecan treats.
• Complement with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a fragrant chai tea that brings out the warm spices and nutty elements of the cookies. The tea's complex blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger perfectly balances the cookie's sweet profile.

Inspired Variations on Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Nutty Maple Crunch: Replace pecans with toasted walnuts and add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Chocolate Maple Swirl: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the maple icing for a rich, decadent touch.
• Spiced Maple Warmth: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger into the dry ingredients to create a warm, aromatic cookie with subtle winter spice notes.
• Maple Coconut Dream: Fold in shredded toasted coconut and use coconut extract alongside maple extract for a tropical-inspired maple cookie experience.

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet maple brown sugar cookies bring nostalgic Canadian comfort to classic dessert traditions. Warm spices and rich maple syrup create irresistible homemade treats you will crave with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ⅓ cups (291g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1 large egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• ⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 cup (130g) chopped pecans

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Maple Icing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 cup (112g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients by whisking flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar using a mixer on medium speed until smooth and uniform.
3. Incorporate egg into the mixture, beating on high speed until fully integrated and scraping bowl sides as needed.
4. Blend maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract into the mixture, beating on high speed until thoroughly combined.
5. Gradually introduce dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until completely incorporated.
6. Gently fold chopped pecans into the dough, ensuring even distribution and maintaining a creamy, soft texture.
7. Refrigerate dough for minimum 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld. If chilling longer than a few hours, let dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
9. Shape dough into uniform balls, approximately 1.5 tablespoons each, and arrange on prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake cookies for 12-13 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers remain soft.
11. Remove from oven and gently tap pan on counter to create surface cracks and slightly deflate cookies.
12. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
13. Create maple icing by melting butter and maple syrup together over low heat, whisking occasionally.
14. Remove from heat and whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar, adding a pinch of salt if desired.
15. Drizzle cooled icing over cookies and allow to set for approximately 1 hour.
16. Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

• Chill the dough for at least 2 hours to enhance flavor and prevent spreading during baking.
• Room temperature dough before baking ensures even cookies with perfect texture.
• Lightly bang the baking sheet after removing from oven to create beautiful surface cracks.
• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking.
• Drizzle maple icing after cookies completely cool for a professional and delicious finish.
• Store in airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness for up to one week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes (per batch)
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg