If there’s one cookie that captures the feeling of warm socks, crunchy leaves, and a golden retriever curled up at your feet, it’s maple brown sugar cookies. I first made a batch on a crisp Sunday while simmering soup in the background my pup Max snoozed on the kitchen rug, and the whole house smelled like a fall candle came to life. These cookies are soft, chewy, and rich with the flavors of real maple syrup and dark brown sugar. Whether it’s for a holiday tray or just an afternoon treat, this cookie recipe is my go-to all season long.
What is Maple Brown Sugar Cookies?
Maple brown sugar cookies are soft-baked treats made with dark brown sugar and real maple syrup. These cookies deliver deep, caramel-like sweetness with a chewy texture that’s perfect for cozy fall days. They’re not your average sugar cookie they have a richer, more complex flavor thanks to the molasses in brown sugar and the warm, woodsy notes of pure maple. Some recipes add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla to round things out. Whether enjoyed with coffee or tucked into a holiday gift box, maple brown sugar cookies are a seasonal favorite for good reason.
Why You’ll Love This
There’s something magical about biting into a warm maple brown sugar cookie. The edges are just crisp enough, the center stays soft and chewy, and that maple flavor lingers with every bite. You’ll love how simple these are to make no chilling required, no fuss. They’re perfect for weekend baking or adding to your Thanksgiving dessert table. And because they use pantry staples plus real maple syrup, you don’t need anything fancy. Whether you’re baking for friends or sneaking a few for yourself, these cookies hit all the right cozy notes.
How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Quick Overview
Maple brown sugar cookies are simple to whip up with pantry basics and a splash of real maple syrup. There’s no chilling time just mix, scoop, and bake. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a tray of soft, golden cookies that smell like autumn. It’s the kind of recipe I keep on hand for cozy weekends, right alongside my lemon oatmeal no bake cookies for variety.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic batch:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
If you’re planning a dessert tray, these pair beautifully with butterfinger caramel cheesecake bars for an indulgent twist.
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the maple syrup, vanilla, and eggs until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake 9–11 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers look just set.
- Let cool 5 minutes on the pan, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy maple brown sugar cookies made with real maple syrup perfect for fall baking and cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups dark brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add maple syrup, vanilla, and eggs; mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Stir dry mixture into wet ingredients until dough forms.
6. Scoop dough onto baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are golden.
8. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
Use real maple syrup for best flavor.
Don’t overbake cookies continue to set while cooling.
Store in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
What to Serve With Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Maple brown sugar cookies are lovely on their own, but they shine even brighter with the right pairings. I love serving them alongside a warm mug of spiced chai or classic hot cocoa especially on chilly afternoons. They also make a cozy addition to dessert boards, layered with fresh fruit, soft cheeses, or a handful of roasted nuts. For fall gatherings, I tuck them next to pumpkin pie bars or cinnamon-sugar donut holes for a rustic dessert spread. Whether it’s a casual snack or holiday table, these cookies bring just the right touch of sweet maple comfort.
Top Tips for Perfecting
Want perfect maple brown sugar cookies every time? Here are a few cozy kitchen tricks I swear by. First, use real maple syrup skip the imitation stuff for the best depth of flavor. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted; it helps keep the cookies chewy instead of flat. Don’t overmix once you add the flour just enough to combine. And always watch the bake time! Take them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft they’ll finish setting on the pan. Let them cool fully before storing to keep that chewy bite we all love.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These maple brown sugar cookies stay soft for days if stored right. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container with a piece of parchment between layers. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag good for up to 2 months. To enjoy again, just let them thaw at room temp or warm them in a 300°F oven for 4–5 minutes. The maple aroma comes right back to life like they just came out of the oven.
Conclusion
There’s just something about maple brown sugar cookies that makes a house feel like home. The warmth of the maple, the richness of brown sugar, and that soft-baked texture it’s all the comfort of fall wrapped in one sweet bite. Whether you’re making these for a weekend treat, sharing with friends, or sneaking one after dinner (no judgment!), they always deliver. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it never disappoints especially when Max is curled up at my feet, and the oven’s doing its magic. Happy baking, from my kitchen to yours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes maple brown sugar cookies chewy?
The chewy texture comes from the moisture in dark brown sugar and the richness of real maple syrup. Using softened butter instead of melted butter also helps keep the cookies thick and soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake pulling them out when the centers are just set is key to preserving that chewy bite.
Can I use real maple syrup in cookies?
Yes, and you should! Real maple syrup adds a natural, woodsy sweetness that you simply can’t get from imitation syrup. It pairs beautifully with brown sugar and brings out deeper caramel notes. Just make sure to reduce other liquid ingredients slightly, if needed, to keep the dough balanced.
How do I keep brown sugar cookies from spreading?
To prevent your cookies from spreading too thin, start with room temperature (not melted) butter. Also, don’t skip the step of mixing dry ingredients separately before combining it helps evenly distribute the leavening. Lastly, make sure your baking sheets are cool between batches so the dough doesn’t warm too early.
Are maple brown sugar cookies freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well both baked and unbaked. For baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer. For unbaked dough, scoop portions onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen just add an extra minute or two to the time.