Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

With big flavor, crisp edges, mega chewy centers, and indulgent maple icing, these Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy night in, these cookies stand out with their delightful sweetness and nutty undertones. Plus, the easy preparation makes them an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar gives these cookies a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy crispy edges with soft and chewy centers that melt in your mouth.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious cookies.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, parties, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Delicious Maple Icing: A drizzle of maple icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results with your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies.

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: These make mixing ingredients easier and ensure even consistency throughout the dough.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to separate dry and wet ingredients easily.
• Baking sheets: These provide a flat surface for even baking; using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup simpler.

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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.

For the Cookies

• 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

For the Maple Icing

• 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 Dry Ingredients

Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture:
1. Mix on low until just combined.
2. Add chopped pecans; beat on low speed until incorporated. The dough will be creamy yet soft.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Cover the dough tightly:
– Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days). If chilling longer than a few hours, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this helps prevent sticking.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Roll cookie dough into balls using about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie. Place them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake

Bake each batch for about 12-13 minutes until lightly browned on the sides while keeping centers soft.

Step 8: Cool Cookies

After removing from oven:
– If puffy, gently bang the pan on the counter to slightly deflate them.
– Let cookies cool on baking 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:
1. Melt butter with maple syrup while whisking occasionally until fully melted.
2. Remove from heat; whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
3. Taste; add a pinch of salt if desired.
4. Drizzle over cooled cookies once they have set for about an hour.

Your delicious Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are now ready! They stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week—if they last that long!

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Maple brown sugar cookies are delightful treats that can be served in various ways. Whether for a cozy gathering or a sweet snack, these cookies can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with accompaniments.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully, enhancing the cookie’s sweetness.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream between two cookies. It adds a creamy texture and an extra layer of flavor.

Drizzle with Extra Maple Syrup

• For an indulgent treat, drizzle additional pure maple syrup over the top of your cookies before serving. This enhances the maple flavor and adds a beautiful presentation.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange your maple brown sugar cookies on a decorative platter alongside other baked goods. This makes for an inviting dessert table at parties or gatherings.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve your cookies with slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears. The natural sweetness and crunch of the fruit balance the chewy cookie texture perfectly.

How to Perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

To achieve the ultimate maple brown sugar cookies, keep these tips in mind for perfect results every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours ensures that your cookies maintain their shape while baking and develop a chewy texture.

• Use Level Measurements: Spoon and level your flour when measuring. This prevents adding too much flour, which can result in dry cookies.

• Don’t Overbake: Bake until the edges are lightly browned but the centers look soft. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

• Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or other nuts to customize your cookies according to taste preferences.

• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they retain their chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Serving side dishes with maple brown sugar cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the chewy cookie texture.

2. Spiced Chai: A cup of spiced chai tea pairs wonderfully, as its warm spices harmonize with the flavors of the cookie.

3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a burst of freshness that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Cheese Plate: A variety of cheeses—like brie and cheddar—can create an interesting flavor contrast when paired with sweet cookies.

5. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate sauce can serve as an enticing dip for those who crave an extra indulgence with their cookie.

6. Maple Glazed Nuts: Crunchy maple-glazed nuts offer a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the cookies perfectly.

7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a balanced dish that complements the sweetness of maple brown sugar cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours is essential. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and achieve that chewy center.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies due to excess flour.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Baking on unlined sheets: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (177°C). An incorrect temperature can result in unevenly baked cookies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For best freshness, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Freezing Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.

Reheating Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: For a unique twist, warm cookies in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about a minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Maple Brown Sugar Cookies:

How can I make my Maple Brown Sugar Cookies softer?

To ensure softer cookies, avoid overbaking them and consider slightly underbaking by a minute or two.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for lightly browned edges while keeping centers soft. They will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.

What can I use instead of maple extract?

If you don’t have maple extract, try using additional vanilla extract or flavored syrups that complement maple flavors.

Final Thoughts

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their rich flavor makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Feel free to customize your recipe by adding chocolate chips or different nuts. Give these cookies a try, and enjoy their delightful taste!