With their big maple flavor, crisp edges, mega chewy centers, and crunchy pecans, Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, these cookies stand out with their rich taste and comforting texture. The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, the simple preparation makes them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of maple syrup and brown sugar gives these cookies a unique sweetness that you won’t find in ordinary cookies.
- Chewy Texture: With crisp edges and chewy centers, each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are suitable for holidays, parties, or as an everyday snack.
- Easy to Make: The straightforward recipe allows even beginners to create delicious cookies without stress.
- Versatile Topping Options: Drizzle with a sweet glaze or enjoy them plain—either way, they’re delicious!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this cookie recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture in the cookies.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps keep wet and dry ingredients separate until it’s time to combine them.
Ingredients
With big maple flavor, crisp edges, mega chewy centers, and crunchy pecans, these maple brown sugar cookies are a definite favorite. Chilling the cookie dough is imperative, so set aside 2 hours or prepare the cookie dough the day before. This recipe is also in my New York Times best-selling cookbook, Sally’s Baking 101.
Ingredients:
– 2 and 1/3 cups (292g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 cup (200g) packed dark brown sugar
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1/3 cup (113g/80ml) pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon maple extract
– 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
– 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
– 1/3 cup (113g/80ml) pure maple syrup
– 1 cup (112g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
– pinch of salt, to taste
How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and creamy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add the egg and beat on high speed until combined (about 30 seconds). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Mix in pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract until well-combined (about 1 minute).
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Chill Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least two hours or up to three days.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
If chilled longer than three hours:
1. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping.
2. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons (35g) of dough per cookie.
3. Roll into balls and arrange them three inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Bake for about 12–13 minutes until edges are lightly browned but centers appear soft. Allow cooling on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring cookies to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Drizzle Icing
In a small saucepan over low heat:
1. Melt butter with pure maple syrup while whisking occasionally.
2. Once melted, remove from heat; whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar and salt to taste.
3. Drizzle icing over cooled cookies; let set for about one hour before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Maple Brown Sugar Cookies!
How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
These delightful maple brown sugar cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic combination, serving these cookies with cold milk enhances their flavor and adds a delightful creaminess.
Warm from the Oven
- Enjoy the cookies straight from the oven for an extra chewy texture and warm maple aroma that will fill your kitchen.
As a Dessert Sandwich
- Pair two cookies with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream in between for a delicious dessert sandwich that will impress your guests.
Crumbled Over Yogurt
- For a lighter option, crumble the cookies over vanilla yogurt. This creates a great balance of flavors and textures, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve the cookies alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries. The tartness of the fruit complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
How to Perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
To achieve cookie perfection, following these tips will ensure your maple brown sugar cookies are always a hit.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures chewy centers with crisp edges.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like butter and eggs should be at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of packing it into the measuring cup to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are still soft in the center; they’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet.
Best Side Dishes for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your maple brown sugar cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm flavors of maple.
- Chocolate Ganache: A rich chocolate ganache dip adds depth and richness to each bite.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cookies for an indulgent treat that amplifies sweetness.
- Fruit Compote: A homemade fruit compote brings tartness that balances out the sweet cookie flavor.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso complements the maple flavor beautifully, making it a perfect pairing.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be served on top of each cookie for added fluffiness and creaminess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 2 hours to maintain shape and texture.
Overmixing the Ingredients: Overmixing can result in dense cookies. Mix just until combined for a lighter, chewier cookie.
Incorrect Measuring of Flour: Using too much flour will make your cookies dry. Spoon and level flour for accurate measurement to ensure perfect results.
Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can affect how well they incorporate. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
Ignoring Oven Temperatures: Baking at the wrong temperature can change how the cookies bake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy and adjust as needed.
Not Allowing Cookies to Cool Properly: Transferring cookies too soon can lead to breakage. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Freezing Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
- They can last up to 3 months when properly stored.
Reheating Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Warm individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop: Heat in a covered skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Maple Brown Sugar Cookies that might help you out:
How do I achieve chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies?
To get chewy cookies, be sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they still look slightly underdone.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts or omit nuts altogether if preferred.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
How long should I chill the dough?
Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, but you can refrigerate it overnight for even better flavor and texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe.
How should I store leftover icing?
Store leftover icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Re-whip before using again.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are delightful treats that combine warmth and sweetness perfectly. Their crispy edges and chewy centers make them irresistible! Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite nuts or spices, and enjoy these cozy cookies any time of year!
Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, a treat that perfectly blends rich maple flavor with the warmth of brown sugar. These cookies feature crisp edges and a chewy center, enhanced by crunchy pecans for added texture. Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or simply a cozy snack at home, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. The simple preparation makes them accessible for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, allowing you to whip up a batch without hassle. With options to drizzle with icing or enjoy plain, these cookies are versatile enough to suit every palate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and dark brown sugar until light; mix in egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients; fold in pecans.
- Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Shape dough into balls and place on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 12–13 minutes until edges are lightly browned; cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
