If you’re a fan of soft, chewy cookies with rich maple flavor, you’re going to love these Maple Brown Sugar Cookies! Infused with real maple syrup and topped with a smooth maple glaze, these cookies are the perfect treat to pair with a warm cup of coffee. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you love maple treats, be sure to check out my Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Cookies—they have the same rich maple flavor but with a delightful nutty crunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Maple Flavor: Uses real maple syrup and maple extract for a deep, authentic taste.
- Soft and Chewy: Perfectly textured cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra deliciousness.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze the dough or baked cookies for convenience.
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – If using salted butter, reduce added salt.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Provides sweetness with subtle caramel undertones.
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup – For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup, not imitation.
- 1 teaspoon maple extract – Enhances the maple flavor.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Gives the cookies a slight lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup – Adds rich maple flavor to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream – Helps achieve the right glaze consistency.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the maple syrup, maple extract, and egg, then mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Maple Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies.
- Allow the glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Add-Ins & Mix-Ins
Looking to customize your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies? Try these delicious mix-in ideas:
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- Chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark chocolate)
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots)
- Toffee bits for a caramelized crunch
- Coconut flakes for added texture
Storage Tips
At Room Temperature:
- Once the glaze has set, store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
- Let cookies cool completely before freezing.
- Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Cookie Dough:
- Scoop cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Transfer the frozen dough balls into a freezer-safe container, labeling with the date.
- When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
Do I need maple extract for these cookies?
While not absolutely necessary, maple extract enhances the flavor. If you skip it, the cookies will still be delicious but with a milder maple taste.
Can I use imitation maple syrup?
For the best flavor, use real maple syrup. Imitation syrups don’t have the same depth of flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for best results.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles well for making larger batches.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves maple-flavored treats. With their soft, chewy texture and rich, buttery maple glaze, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you make them as-is or customize them with mix-ins, they’re sure to be a hit!
Tried this recipe? Leave a rating and comment below! I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out. Enjoy!