Description
These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm maple sweetness. Each cookie is made with rich brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and optional pecans for added crunch, then finished with a luscious maple glaze. Perfect for cozy fall baking, holiday dessert tables, or anytime you crave a homemade treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature (or 1 cup melted & cooled for chewier cookies)
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1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar (light, dark, or a mix)
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⅓ cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup
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1 large egg, room temperature
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 tsp maple extract (optional, enhances flavor)
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2 ⅓ cups (291 g) to 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
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½ tsp salt (or ¾ tsp kosher salt)
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp baking powder (optional, for puffier cookies)
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2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for softness)
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1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
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Granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
For Rich Maple Icing (thicker & sweeter):
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2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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⅓ cup pure maple syrup
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1 cup (112 g) confectioners’ sugar
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Pinch of salt
For Light Maple Glaze (thinner & subtle):
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½ cup confectioners’ sugar
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3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
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1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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¼ tsp maple extract (optional)
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough
• In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, or whisk melted butter with sugar until well blended.
• Add maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract; beat until combined.
2️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients
• In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder (if using), and cornstarch.
• Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
3️⃣ Optional Add-Ins
• Fold in pecans if desired.
• If rolling in sugar, prepare a small bowl with granulated sugar.
4️⃣ Shape & Chill
• Scoop 1.5–2 Tbsp dough per cookie, roll into balls, and optionally coat in sugar.
• Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 30–60 minutes for thicker cookies.
5️⃣ Bake
• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets.
• Bake for 9–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
6️⃣ Cool
• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7️⃣ Make the Glaze
• For icing: whisk butter, maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until smooth.
• For glaze: whisk all glaze ingredients until smooth and pourable.
8️⃣ Glaze the Cookies
• Once completely cool, drizzle or spread glaze over cookies.
• Let glaze set before storing.
Notes
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Butter Choice: Room temperature butter creates fluffier cookies, while melted butter yields denser, chewier results.
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Sugar Type: Dark brown sugar gives a deeper molasses flavor; light brown sugar produces a milder sweetness.
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Chilling Dough: Helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor development.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, or freeze dough/cookies for up to 2 months.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American