Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

With big flavor, crisp edges, mega chewy centers, and a delightful maple icing, these Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are sure to be a hit! Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations, these cookies stand out with their rich flavors and irresistible texture. Don’t forget to chill the dough; it’s an important step that enhances the cookie experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and pure maple syrup creates a rich sweetness that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them at parties, as gifts, or simply as a delightful after-dinner treat.
• Chewy Texture: The secret lies in the chilling process, which ensures soft centers and crisp edges.
• Maple Icing: The drizzle of maple icing adds an extra layer of flavor that makes these cookies truly special.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather some essential tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients efficiently while preventing mess.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a smooth batter without much effort.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevent sticking and help achieve perfectly baked cookies with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 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: Whisk Dry Ingredients

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

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture:
* Mix on low speed until just combined.
* Fold in chopped pecans gently.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough:
* Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
* If chilled longer than a few hours, let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C):
* Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Roll portions of dough into balls:
* Use about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie.
* Bake each batch for 12–13 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges.

Step 7: Cool Cookies

Once removed from the oven:
* If cookies are puffy, lightly bang the pan on the counter to create cracks.
* Cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Maple Icing

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

Step 9: Store Your Cookies

Store your fresh Maple Brown Sugar Cookies covered at room temperature for up to one week. Enjoy!

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Maple brown sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be served in various fun ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing your cookies with milk adds a classic touch. The creaminess of milk complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Use two cookies to create a sandwich filled with sweetened cream cheese or whipped cream for an indulgent treat that balances flavor and texture.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with vanilla or maple ice cream for a delicious dessert that’s warm and cold all at once.

Drizzled with Extra Maple Syrup

• Enhance the maple flavor by drizzling additional maple syrup over the cookies right before serving. It adds a beautiful glaze and a burst of sweetness.

With Fresh Fruit

• Accompany the cookies with slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookie.

How to Perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

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

• Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least 2 hours. This step helps prevent spreading and creates chewier cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour when measuring. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should look soft in the center and lightly browned on the edges.
• Let Them Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets briefly before transferring them to wire racks. This prevents them from breaking.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with maple brown sugar cookies can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great ideas:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers freshness that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
3. Spiced Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of spiced hot chocolate provides a cozy drink that pairs well with sweet treats.
4. Candied Nuts: Sweetened nuts add crunch and flavor depth when served alongside these soft cookies, making for an enjoyable snack.
5. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can create an interesting flavor profile when enjoyed with sweet maple-flavored desserts.
6. Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea balances sweetness while adding warmth, making it an ideal pairing for cookies during chilly evenings.
7. Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: Crisp apple slices dipped in caramel offer a crunchy, fruity contrast to soft, chewy cookies.
8. Homemade Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream can be served alongside or atop the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to better results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much during baking.
• Using cold ingredients – Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for proper mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven dough and inconsistent baking results.
• Overmixing the dough – Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly with a measuring cup. Scooping can pack down the flour, resulting in too much being used and dry cookies.
• Underbaking or overbaking – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top to gently warm cookies without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, here are some frequently asked questions:

What makes Maple Brown Sugar Cookies chewy?

The combination of brown sugar and maple syrup contributes moisture, resulting in chewy centers while still providing crisp edges.

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with walnuts or omit nuts entirely if you prefer nut-free cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies should be lightly browned around the edges and look soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I customize the icing?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or even cocoa powder for a different flavor twist on the icing.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, maple brown sugar cookies can stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerated for two weeks.

Final Thoughts

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. The chewy texture paired with sweet maple icing makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different nuts or spices to make this recipe your own!