Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining rich flavors and delightful textures. With crisp edges and chewy centers topped with maple icing, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a holiday celebration, this recipe is an irresistible addition to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: These cookies boast a rich maple flavor complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Chewy Texture: The combination of chilling the dough and careful baking results in wonderfully chewy centers.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies successfully, you’ll need some essential tools on hand. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure consistent results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugar quickly, ensuring a light texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping your wet and dry ingredients organized.
• Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking, promoting uniform cooking.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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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 together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set this mixture aside as you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
* Mix on low speed until just combined.
* Add in chopped pecans and mix again on low speed until incorporated. The dough should be creamy and soft.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap:
* Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (up to 3 days). If chilled longer than a few hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C):
* Line 2–3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Roll cookie dough into balls:
* Use about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie. A cookie scoop can be very useful here.
* Place them on prepared baking sheets with adequate space between each ball.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake each batch in your preheated oven:
* For about 12–13 minutes until lightly browned around the edges while remaining soft in the center.

Step 8: Cool Cookies

After removing from oven:
* If cookies appear puffy, gently bang the pan on the counter to slightly deflate them.
* Let cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Maple Icing

In a small saucepan over low heat:
1. Melt together butter and 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.

Drizzle icing over cooled cookies. The icing will set within about an hour.

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

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Maple brown sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies offer versatility for any occasion.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or tea for a comforting break. The flavors of maple and brown sugar complement both beverages beautifully.

As Party Favors

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful party favors. Guests will appreciate the personal touch and delicious treat to take home.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

• For an indulgent dessert, crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream. The warm, chewy texture combined with cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Serve these cookies at holiday parties for a festive touch. Their unique flavor will stand out among traditional holiday sweets.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair the cookies with fresh fruit slices like apples or pears. The sweetness of the fruit balances well with the rich flavors of the cookie.

How to Perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

To achieve the perfect maple brown sugar cookies, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature aids in creating a well-mixed dough that retains its structure.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they look slightly underbaked; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet after being removed.

• Add Pecan Variations: Experiment with different nuts or omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free option while keeping all other ingredients intact.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your maple brown sugar cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream complements the cookie’s flavors perfectly and adds a creamy texture.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring berries, melons, and citrus balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Serve with rich spiced hot chocolate for a cozy treat that enhances the maple flavors in the cookies.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting contrast to the sweet treats.

5. Nutty Trail Mix: Offer a crunchy trail mix on the side for those who enjoy both sweet and savory combinations.

6. Chai Latte: A warm chai latte brings aromatic spices that meld beautifully with maple flavors in a comforting drink option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can alter the final result. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Make sure to chill for at least 2 hours.
• Incorrect measurements: Using too much flour or sugar can change the texture. Always spoon and level flour and pack brown sugar properly for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies. Mix until just combined, especially after adding dry ingredients.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can affect how cookies rise and bake. Preheat your oven for at least 10-15 minutes before baking.
• Ignoring cooling time: Transferring cookies too soon from the baking sheet can cause breakage. Let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes first.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat, placing a cookie inside briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about Maple Brown Sugar Cookies:

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! You can substitute with walnuts or omit nuts entirely if preferred.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance flavor. Just fold them into the dough along with the pecans.

What is the best way to store leftover icing?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it hardens, you can rewhip it with a little water.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also adaptable. You can customize them by adding different nuts or even chocolate chips. With their big flavor and chewy texture, they’re perfect for any occasion, so give this recipe a try!