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Turn basic ingredients into melt-in-your-mouth soft maple brown sugar cookies blending deep molasses hints with authentic maple goodness. These treats offer the perfect mix of crunchy edges and soft middles, topped with a shiny maple coating that elevates them from yummy to unforgettable.
Full Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cookies:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1½ cups dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1 cup pecan pieces
For the Maple Glaze:
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)
Baking Wonder Steps
- Prepare The Base
- Mix flour and baking soda together in a medium bowl until fully blended. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar for 3-4 minutes until puffy and light, cleaning sides as needed.
- Add Wet Ingredients
- Mix in egg until completely blended. Pour in maple syrup and maple extract, stirring until everything comes together nicely. Clean bowl edges to make sure everything mixes evenly.
- Combine Mixtures
- Slowly add the dry mix to wet mix, using low speed just until they come together. Gently stir in pecan pieces by hand until they're spread throughout.
- Shape The Cookies
- Scoop rounded 1½ tablespoon chunks of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment, leaving 2-3 inches between each. For prettier cookies, form them into smooth balls.
- Chill With Care
- Cool dough balls in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. Don't skip this step as it's essential for getting the right cookie texture.
- Perfect The Bake
- Heat oven to 350°F. Bake the cold cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn slightly golden but centers stay soft. For a cracked look, lightly tap the pan on the counter after baking.
- Create The Glaze
- Warm butter and maple syrup in a small pot until butter completely melts. Take off heat and slowly mix in powdered sugar until you get a smooth, shiny coating. Drizzle over totally cooled cookies.
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Delightful Serving Ideas
Make these cookies extra special by setting up a maple-themed treat display. Put cookies on tiered cake stands at different heights with real maple leaves and sugared pecans as decoration. Pair with hot maple lattes or warm apple cider at autumn parties. Try offering both glazed cookies and plain ones, with warm maple syrup for dipping. Pack cookies between wax paper sheets in pretty tins for wonderful gifts during holidays or when visiting friends.
Tasty Twists
Take these adaptable cookies to new heights by trying different mix-ins and styles. Add some cinnamon chips or bits of toffee to the dough for more complex flavors. Make cookie sandwiches by putting maple buttercream between two cookies. Mix in warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a fall flavor, or try adding chopped bacon for a sweet-salty combo. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate after glazing, or sprinkle with sea salt while the glaze is still wet.
Keeping Them Fresh
Keep your cookies tasting great by storing them right in sealed containers with parchment between each layer. They'll stay soft and chewy for 4-5 days at room temp. Want to keep them longer? Freeze cookies without glaze for up to three months - just wrap them in plastic, then foil, before putting in freezer bags. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up to room temp before adding glaze. For giving as gifts, stack cookies between wax paper in cute tins.
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Final Thoughts
These maple brown sugar cookies have become what everyone asks me to bring to fall get-togethers and holiday cookie swaps. Though they need some extra care to make, seeing people enjoy these chewy, maple treats makes all the effort worthwhile. Don't forget, amazing cookies come from both good ingredients and the time and care you put into making them. I hope these cookies bring as much joy to your table as they've brought to mine over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can light brown sugar work instead of dark?
- Sure, but dark brown sugar gives it a richer taste.
- → What if I skip chilling?
- You can’t skip it, or the cookies might spread too much while baking.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Keep them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for about 5 days.
- → Are these freezer-friendly?
- Yes, freeze baked cookies or dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw when ready!
- → What’s a good substitute for pecans?
- Switch them out for walnuts, almonds, or even skip the nuts!