Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

With big flavor, crisp edges, mega chewy centers, and a delightful maple icing, these Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are a definite favorite. Perfect for various occasions like holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in, these cookies stand out with their unique taste and texture. The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a rich flavor that is hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of maple syrup and brown sugar makes each bite rich and satisfying.
• Chewy Texture: Thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients, these cookies have a chewy center with crispy edges.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an everyday treat, these cookies fit right in.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or spices for an extra twist!

Tools and Preparation

To create these scrumptious cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for consistent results in baking.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevent sticking and promote even baking.

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.

• 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
• 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

• In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In your stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
• Add the egg to the mixture and beat on high until combined; this takes about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides as needed.
• Pour in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract. Beat on high speed until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed.
• Once just combined, add in the chopped pecans. Mix again on low speed until everything comes together into a creamy dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

• Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (up to 3 days).
• If chilling longer than just a few hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

• Roll about 1.5 tablespoons of dough into balls—using a cookie scoop can help with this task.
• Place them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

• Bake each batch for about 12-13 minutes until lightly browned on the sides; remember that centers will look soft.

Step 8: Cool Down Cookies

• Remove from oven. If cookies appear puffy upon removal, gently bang the pan against your counter to create beautiful cracks.
• Let them cool on sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Maple Icing

• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the butter and additional maple syrup while whisking occasionally.
• Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth; adjust with salt if desired.

Step 10: Drizzle Icing Over Cookies

• Drizzle icing over cooled cookies. Let them sit until icing sets—this takes about an hour.

These delicious Maple Brown Sugar Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Maple brown sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them with complementary items can elevate your experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pairing these cookies with a hot cup of coffee enhances their rich flavors, making for a perfect afternoon treat.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Take two cookies and add a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between. This adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookie.

Drizzled with Extra Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of maple syrup on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and complements the maple flavor in the cookies.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an indulgent dessert. You can also sprinkle some chopped pecans for extra crunch.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or bananas provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, balancing out the sweetness.

How to Perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Perfecting maple brown sugar cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours is essential. It helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring chewy centers and crisp edges.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth batter that blends well and holds air during mixing.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour when measuring. This prevents dense cookies that may result from packing too much flour into your measuring cup.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be lightly browned around the edges while remaining soft in the center for optimal texture.

• Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking apart.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Enjoying maple brown sugar cookies can be even more delightful when paired with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

2. Hot Chocolate
   Rich hot chocolate complements the flavors of maple, creating a cozy treat perfect for chilly days.

3. Fruit Salad
   A mix of fresh fruits like berries, apples, and oranges provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie flavors.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that balance out the sweet cookies, making for an interesting flavor combination.

5. Chai Tea
   The spices in chai tea harmonize well with maple flavors, creating a comforting beverage pairing.

6. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling warm caramel sauce over cookies or alongside them offers an indulgent touch that’s hard to resist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making maple brown sugar cookies is a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring Chilling Time: Skipping the chilling of the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill for at least 2 hours for the best texture.

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a chewy texture.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Make sure your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can either burn or underbake your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a sheet can result in sticking. Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easier removal and cleanup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds, but watch closely to prevent them from becoming hard.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about maple brown sugar cookies:

What makes maple brown sugar cookies chewy?

The combination of brown sugar and proper mixing techniques creates a chewy texture. Ensure you do not overmix the dough.

Can I substitute ingredients in maple brown sugar cookies?

Yes, you can substitute nuts or use different extracts like almond instead of maple extract while keeping the core ingredients consistent.

How do I ensure my maple brown sugar cookies don’t spread too much?

Chill the dough properly and ensure your butter is just softened, not melted. This helps maintain shape during baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it chilled, or bake them and store them as directed above.

Final Thoughts

Maple brown sugar cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize them with different nuts or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet aromas filling your kitchen!