If autumn could be baked into a cookie, it would taste like these maple brown sugar cookies. Soft, chewy, and warmly spiced, they combine the deep caramel notes of dark brown sugar with the earthy sweetness of pure maple syrup. Topped with a silky maple glaze, each bite is rich, cozy, and perfect for fall gatherings or holiday cookie trays.
These cookies are special because they strike the right balance—sweet but not cloying, soft in the center but with just enough chew at the edges, and fragrant with cinnamon and vanilla. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. They’re also quick to make, requiring no chilling and just about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
• 230 grams unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 200 grams dark brown sugar, firmly packed
• 60 ml pure maple syrup (Grade A or B)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 5 ml pure vanilla extract
• 315 grams all-purpose flour
• 5 grams baking soda (1 teaspoon)
• 3 grams fine sea salt (½ teaspoon)
• 2.5 grams ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon)
For the Maple Glaze:
• 120 grams powdered sugar, sifted
• 30 ml pure maple syrup
• 15–30 ml whole milk or cream (as needed)
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep & Preheat
Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Cream Butter, Sugar & Syrup
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar with a mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add maple syrup, egg, and vanilla, beating for another minute until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Portion & Flatten
Scoop dough with a #40 cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons). Arrange balls on prepared sheets, leaving 5 cm between them. Lightly flatten each ball to about 1 cm thick.
Bake to Perfection
Bake one sheet at a time on the center rack for 8–10 minutes. Edges should look lightly golden while centers remain soft.
Cool Completely
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Wait until fully cooled before glazing.
Make the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup. Add milk a little at a time until the glaze is thick but pourable.
Glaze & Garnish
Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies with a spoon or piping bag. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle lightly with cinnamon if desired.
Set & Serve
Let glaze set for 15–20 minutes before stacking. Enjoy the cookies the same day for best texture, or store airtight for up to 3 days.
Why These Cookies Work
• Maple syrup adds depth and natural sweetness.
• Dark brown sugar ensures chewiness and caramel flavor.
• Cinnamon enhances the warm, cozy profile.
• The glaze elevates them from simple cookies to bakery-style treats.
Variations
• Nutty Maple: Fold ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough.
• Spiced Maple: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom.
• Salted Maple: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the glaze for contrast.
• Chocolate Maple: Mix in ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips.
Storage Tips
• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months; glaze after thawing.
• Refrigeration can dry them out, so avoid unless absolutely necessary.
Serving Ideas
• Pair with a spiced latte or hot apple cider.
• Serve as part of a fall dessert platter with pumpkin bars and apple crumble.
• Stack and wrap in parchment for edible holiday gifts.
• Enjoy as an afternoon snack with tea.
Troubleshooting
• Dry cookies? Be sure to measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling.
• Flat cookies? Butter may have been too soft—try chilling dough for 10 minutes.
• Too sweet? Use Grade B maple syrup, which has a stronger, less sugary flavor.
• Runny glaze? Add more powdered sugar until thickened.
Final Thoughts
Maple brown sugar cookies are a celebration of seasonal flavors and simple baking. With chewy centers, warm spices, and a drizzle of maple glaze, they’re the kind of cookie that feels both nostalgic and elevated. Whether you bake them for a quiet evening treat, a festive holiday tray, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies will bring joy to anyone who takes a bite.
They prove that sometimes the best recipes are the simplest—built from pantry staples, flavored with care, and finished with just the right touch of sweetness.