Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

With the delightful flavor of maple syrup and the sweetness of brown sugar, these Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want a tasty treat to enjoy with your coffee, these cookies deliver big-time on flavor. The combination of crisp edges and chewy centers topped with dreamy maple icing makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big Flavor: The rich taste of maple syrup combined with brown sugar creates a deliciously sweet cookie that is hard to resist.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the contrast of crispy edges and mega chewy centers, making each bite satisfying.
• Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make baking these cookies a breeze, even for beginners.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, parties, or just an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in at any gathering.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, gather your tools and get ready for some fun in the kitchen!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make creaming the butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easy separation of wet and dry ingredients, streamlining the mixing process.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Using these prevents sticking, making it easier to remove cookies without breaking them.

Ingredients

With big flavor, crisp edges, mega chewy centers, and maple icing, 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.

For the Cookies

• 2 and 1/3 cups (291g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 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 (80ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 cup (130g) chopped pecans

For the Maple Icing

• 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 cup (112g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
• pinch salt, to taste

How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter and packed dark brown sugar on medium speed until smooth (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Add in the large egg and beat on high until fully combined (about 30 seconds). Scrape down sides as necessary.
3. Mix in pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract until well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
– Gently fold in chopped pecans until fully incorporated. The dough will be creamy and soft.

Step 4: Chill Your Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours (up to 3 days). If chilling longer than a few hours, let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Roll cookie dough into balls using about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie.
– Place them on prepared baking sheets with enough space between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake

Bake each batch for approximately 12-13 minutes until lightly browned around the edges. The centers should look very soft.

Step 8: Cool Your Cookies

Once out of the oven:
– If cookies appear puffy, gently bang the pan on counter to slightly deflate them.
– Let cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Maple Icing

In a small saucepan over low heat:
– Melt together unsalted butter and pure maple syrup while whisking occasionally.
– Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Taste test; add a pinch of salt if desired.

Drizzle over cooled cookies; icing will set after about one hour.

Now enjoy your delicious homemade Maple Brown Sugar Cookies! They will stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week!

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

These delicious maple brown sugar cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends or as a delightful treat during gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoying these cookies with cold milk creates a classic pairing that enhances their sweet, chewy texture.

Drizzled with Extra Maple Syrup

• For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the top before serving.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Pair these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

At a Cookie Exchange

• Bring these cookies to a cookie exchange; their unique flavor will surely impress fellow bakers and guests.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the cookies.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter with assorted treats, including these cookies, to make any occasion special.

How to Perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

To ensure your maple brown sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. Each step can significantly enhance the texture and flavor of your cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours helps improve the flavor and prevents spreading while baking.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour when measuring to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Store Properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your maple brown sugar cookies can create a delightful tasting experience. Here are some options that complement their sweet flavors perfectly.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to warm cookies.
2. Fruit Salad – A light, refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness and provides a healthy option.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses pairs well for those who enjoy sweet and savory combinations.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a nutritious side that complements the cookies’ sweetness.
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – The richness of chocolate enhances the sweetness of the cookies while adding visual appeal.
6. Nut Mix – A variety of seasoned nuts provides crunchiness and contrasts nicely with soft, chewy cookies.
7. Tea Sandwiches – Lightly seasoned tea sandwiches serve as a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookies.
8. Caramel Sauce – Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each cookie adds an indulgent touch that’s hard to resist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your maple brown sugar cookies even better. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this step can lead to overly flat cookies. Always chill your dough for at least 2 hours.
• Incorrect Measurement of Flour: Using too much flour can make your cookies dry. Spoon and level the flour for accuracy.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking will result in hard cookies. Watch them closely, as they should be lightly browned on the edges but soft in the center.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a pan can cause sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about maple brown sugar cookies.

Can I make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days before baking.

What if I don’t have maple extract?

You can use more vanilla extract instead. The flavor will differ slightly but still remain delicious!

Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would also work well and bring their unique flavors into the cookies.

How do I store my Maple Brown Sugar Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These maple brown sugar cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different nuts or spices according to your preference. Try these cookies today, and enjoy their delightful taste with family and friends!