So you want cookies that taste like fall, comfort, and warm blankets—but you don’t want to wait for leaves to change color to make them? Same. These Brown Sugar Maple Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich maple flavor that makes your kitchen smell unfairly good.
They’re sweet, buttery, slightly caramel-y from the brown sugar, and finished with maple goodness that feels fancy without actually being complicated. Cozy level: expert.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
- Deep maple flavor without being overpowering
- Soft, chewy centers with lightly crisp edges
- Easy ingredients, no baking stress
- Perfect for holidays… or Tuesday
Also, they’re basically idiot-proof. Cream, mix, bake, done. Even if you’re not “a baker,” these cookies have your back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – classic cookie structure
- 1 tsp baking soda – keeps them soft
- ½ tsp salt – balances sweetness
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – room temp = key
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – chew and caramel notes
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup – real stuff only
- 1 egg – structure
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract – rounds out flavor
- ½ tsp maple extract (optional) – boosts maple punch
Optional Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup
- Splash of milk if needed
💡 Key Tip: Use real maple syrup. Pancake syrup will betray you.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cleanup made easy.
2️⃣ Mix dry ingredients
Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Set aside.
3️⃣ Cream butter and sugar
Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
This step = chewy cookies.
4️⃣ Add the flavor
Mix in egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and maple extract if using.
It should look smooth and slightly glossy.
5️⃣ Combine everything
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix.
6️⃣ Scoop and bake
Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes.
Edges should set; centers stay soft.
7️⃣ Cool slightly
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving.
They finish setting as they cool.
8️⃣ Glaze (optional but elite)
Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Yes, generously.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fake maple syrup
The flavor won’t hit the same. - Overbaking
Maple cookies should stay soft. - Skipping salt
Sweet needs balance. - Overmixing
Tough cookies = no thanks.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Extra fall vibes?
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. - Nutty twist?
Add chopped pecans or walnuts. - No maple extract?
Skip it—real syrup still works. - Gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 GF flour blend.
IMO, maple glaze takes these from “great” to “dangerous.”
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do these taste strongly like maple?
Warm, sweet maple flavor—but not overpowering.
Are they soft or crispy?
Soft and chewy with lightly crisp edges.
Can I chill the dough?
Yes—chilling makes thicker cookies.
Do they freeze well?
Absolutely. Freeze baked or dough balls.
Why are mine flat?
Butter may have been too warm.
Are these good for holidays?
Perfect. Cozy cookie energy.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Sugar Maple Cookies are warm, cozy, and ridiculously easy—the kind of cookie that feels like a hug in dessert form. They’re perfect when you want something comforting but still a little special.
Bake a batch, drizzle that glaze, and enjoy cookies that taste like pure cozy vibes.
Now go grab one with a cup of coffee. You’ve earned it 🍁🍪✨
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