These cookies are soft and chewy with rich maple flavor and deep caramel notes from dark brown sugar. Finished with a simple maple glaze, they’re a cozy, comforting treat perfect for autumn—or any time you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and warm flavor – The combination of dark brown sugar and real maple syrup delivers deep, cozy sweetness.
Soft and chewy texture – These cookies are thick with just the right amount of bite.
Simple glaze – A quick maple icing adds extra flavor and elegance.
Perfect for gifting or gatherings – Easily stackable and portable.
Optional add-ins – Chopped pecans add texture and nutty depth.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

2 and 1/3 cups (291g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) packed dark brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon maple extract
1 cup (130g) chopped pecans (optional)

For the Maple Icing:

1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1–2 tablespoons milk

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add the egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and maple extract, and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in pecans if using.
Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–13 minutes or until the edges are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
For the icing, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and milk. Drizzle or spread over cooled cookies and let set before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 28–30 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 2 hours chill time)
Cooking Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 170 kcal per cookie

Variations

Nut-Free: Skip the pecans for a smoother texture.
Spiced Maple: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Glazed Dips: Dip the top of each cookie completely in glaze instead of drizzling.
Maple Sugar Topping: Sprinkle maple sugar over the icing for a rustic touch.
Mini Cookies: Use smaller scoops for bite-sized versions and reduce bake time to 9–10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Reheating: Enjoy as-is or microwave briefly (5–10 seconds) to soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling is recommended to prevent excessive spreading and improve flavor, but in a pinch, you can bake immediately with slightly flatter results.

Can I use imitation maple syrup?

Pure maple syrup is best for flavor, but you can substitute if needed.

Do I have to use maple extract?

Maple extract enhances flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.

Can I make the icing thicker or thinner?

Yes! Adjust the milk for a thicker or runnier consistency.

Can I use light brown sugar?

Dark brown sugar provides a richer flavor, but light brown sugar works as a substitute.

Are these cookies chewy or crisp?

They have crisp edges and soft, chewy centers.

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Yes, walnuts or chopped almonds are great alternatives.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Scoop into balls and freeze on a tray before storing in a bag for up to 2 months.

How long does the icing take to set?

About 15–20 minutes at room temperature.

Do these cookies stack well for gifting?

Yes! Once the icing is fully set, they can be stacked and packaged.

Conclusion

These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are a warm, sweet, and satisfying treat that capture the essence of fall. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, their cozy flavor and tender texture are sure to delight!

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 28–30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These soft, chewy cookies are rich with maple flavor and notes from dark brown sugar, finished with a maple glaze for a cozy, nostalgic treat!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

2⅓ cups (291g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) packed dark brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp maple extract
1 cup (130g) chopped pecans (optional)

For the Maple Icing:

1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1–2 tbsp milk

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Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract until fully combined.
Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in chopped pecans, if using.
Chill Dough:
Cover and chill dough for at least 2 hours.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape & Bake:
Scoop 1.5 tbsp portions of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
Bake for 12–13 minutes, until edges are set. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Make Maple Icing:
Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle or spread onto cooled cookies. Allow icing to set.

Notes

Use pure maple syrup for best flavor—avoid imitation syrups.
Cookies keep well for up to 5 days at room temperature or can be frozen without icing.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the icing for an extra layer of warmth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours chill time)
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American