Brown Sugar Maple Cookies are soft, chewy treats that bring together the warm, caramel-like flavor of brown sugar with the sweet, natural hint of maple syrup. These cookies have just the right balance of sweetness and a comforting texture that makes them perfect for any time of day. Their golden-brown color and gentle aroma make them hard to resist as soon as they come out of the oven.
I love making these cookies when I want something simple but special. The hint of maple adds a little surprise to each bite, and the brown sugar keeps them rich and tender. I find that rolling the dough balls a little smaller than usual helps them bake up perfectly soft and chewy. These cookies always bring a smile and a warm feeling when I share them with friends and family.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies is fresh from the oven with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They’re also great packed in a lunchbox or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert. No matter how you eat them, these cookies have a way of turning simple moments into sweet memories.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brown Sugar: This gives the cookies their chewy texture and caramel flavor. Dark brown sugar adds more depth, but light works fine too. If you have only white sugar, mix it with a little molasses for a similar effect.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is best for its natural sweetness and flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use maple-flavored syrup, but the taste won’t be as rich.
White Chocolate Chips: These add a creamy sweetness that pairs well with the maple. You can leave them out or swap with regular chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different twist.
Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts): They add crunch and nuttiness that complements the sweetness. Leave them out if you prefer nut-free cookies or replace with chopped almonds or hazelnuts.
How Do You Get Soft, Chewy Cookies with Great Flavor?
Creaming Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy. This traps air and creates a tender crumb.
Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the flour mixture gradually and mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
Baking Time: Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges. Cookies will look soft but set up as they cool.
Cooling: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a rack. This helps them finish baking gently and keeps them soft inside.
Drizzling Glaze: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and maple syrup. Drizzle it once cookies are fully cooled to add sweetness and a pretty touch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large bowl to mix the dough comfortably and evenly.
- Hand or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar easier and faster.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Baking sheets – a flat surface to hold the cookies while they bake. I line mine with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes clean-up simple.
- Cooling racks – for cooling cookies evenly without sogginess.
- Spatula or cookie scoop – helps in placing the dough neatly on the baking sheet.
- Small bowl and whisk – for mixing the glaze or drizzle toppings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warm, spicy notes.
- Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity touch.
- Use chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds instead of or in addition to walnuts for extra crunch.
Brown Sugar Maple Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For Decoration:
- Maple frosting or glaze (made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a dash of milk)
- Crumbled white chocolate or toffee bits for sprinkling
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow about 5-10 minutes for cookies to cool before glazing. Plan for around 30-40 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is combined well.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently and just enough to combine—avoid overmixing for tender cookies.
4. Add Mix-ins
Fold in the white chocolate chips and nuts if you’re using them. This gives your cookies extra flavor and texture.
5. Shape and Bake Cookies
Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie so they have room to spread.
Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set and lightly golden but the centers still feel soft.
6. Cool Cookies
Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
7. Make and Add the Maple Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk in a small bowl until smooth and thick enough to drizzle. Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and sprinkle with crumbled white chocolate or toffee bits for a lovely finish.
8. Serve and Store
Let the glaze set before serving so it won’t smudge. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and delicious.
These soft, chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies bring sweet maple flavor and comforting brown sugar notes to every bite. Perfect for sharing with friends over a warm drink or enjoying any time you want something sweet and cozy!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for proper creaming with the sugar, which gives the cookies their tender texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then let it sit out for about 30 minutes before using.
Can I Substitute the Maple Syrup?
Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with honey or corn syrup in a pinch. Keep in mind the taste will be slightly different, and the sweetness might vary.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To maintain freshness longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Also, check that your white chocolate chips are dairy-free or omit them.