If fall had a flavor, it would be these Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies. Warm, cozy, and kissed with maple syrup, they’re like your favorite autumn candle — but edible (and way better, IMO). Imagine biting into a cookie that’s soft and chewy in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and finished with a dreamy Maple Glaze For Cookies. Yeah, these are that good.
Whether you’re planning a baking weekend, putting together treat bags for friends, or just need a batch of Brown Butter Chewy Maple Cookies to go with your afternoon coffee, this recipe has your back.
The Story Behind These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
These cookies started out as my experiment to create the ultimate cozy treat — the kind that makes you want to throw on a chunky sweater and sip cider. I grew up loving molasses and oatmeal cookies, but I wanted something softer, sweeter, and just a little more elegant. Enter: Brown Butter Maple Cookies.
After a few rounds of testing (okay, maybe six — my family didn’t complain), I found the perfect combo: brown sugar for chewiness, browned butter for richness, and Maple Cookies With Maple Icing to bring that fall flavor home. They’ve quickly become my go-to Maple Dessert for cozy weekends and holiday cookie trays.
What Makes These Cookies So Irresistible?
- That Texture – Soft and chewy in the middle, crisp on the outside. You know the kind.
- Deep Caramel Flavor – Brown sugar and brown butter create a rich, nutty sweetness.
- Pure Maple Syrup – No shortcuts here. This is what makes them some of the Best Maple Desserts you’ll ever try.
- Maple Glaze For Cookies – Because cookies are even better when they get a little drizzle treatment.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Matter)
Let’s keep this simple but effective — here’s your shopping list:
- Unsalted butter – Brown it first for a nutty, caramel-like base flavor.
- Brown sugar – Keeps the cookies soft, moist, and gives that classic chew.
- Pure maple syrup – Adds the star flavor and a little natural sweetness.
- Egg – Helps bind everything and gives the dough structure.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth and rounds out the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour – The structure of your cookie (don’t pack it too tight!).
- Baking soda – For just the right amount of lift.
- Salt – Balances all the sweetness (don’t skip it!).
- Cinnamon – Just a pinch for extra warmth.
- Powdered sugar + maple syrup + milk – The perfect trio for that shiny, sweet glaze.
How to Make the Perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat right away (don’t let it burn — trust me, it happens fast!).
Pro Tip: Browning the butter makes all the difference. It’s the reason these aren’t just maple cookies — they’re Maple Brown Butter Cookies with next-level flavor.
Step 2: Cream and Combine
In a mixing bowl, beat together the browned butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add maple syrup, egg, and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Stuff
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape
Roll dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly so they bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center (they’ll finish baking on the sheet).
Step 6: Glaze and Admire
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk to make a silky glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies, then sprinkle with cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use Pure Maple Syrup. No “pancake syrup” allowed — the flavor just isn’t the same.
- Don’t Overbake. Slightly underdone is the sweet spot for chewy cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional). If your dough feels too soft, a quick 15-minute chill in the fridge helps keep the cookies from spreading too much.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:
- Nutty Maple: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Maple Sandwich Cookies: Fill two cookies with a maple buttercream for the ultimate indulgence.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A little melted white chocolate across the top pairs beautifully with maple.
Best Way to Serve These Cookies
These beauties are perfect for:
- Coffee Breaks: Nothing pairs better with a hot latte.
- Holiday Trays: They add a unique touch to your Christmas cookie spread.
- After-Dinner Treats: A plate of these with tea = instant cozy vibes.
Storing and Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Dough: Freeze scooped dough balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen — just add 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Let them cool, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark brown sugar gives a deeper molasses flavor and makes the cookies even richer.
Can I skip the glaze?
Sure — but why would you? The glaze takes these from good to bakery-level Maple Sugar Cookies.
Do I have to brown the butter?
Technically no, but you’d be missing out on the nutty, toasty flavor that makes these Brown Butter Maple Cookies so special.
Final Thoughts
These cookies are everything fall baking should be: cozy, fragrant, and totally addictive. Each bite is soft, chewy, and infused with maple goodness, topped with a shiny Maple Glaze For Cookies that makes them look as good as they taste.
So grab your butter, your whisk, and your favorite playlist — it’s time to make the ultimate Maple Dessert. And fair warning: you may want to double the batch because these cookies disappear fast. Print
Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies | The Best Maple Desserts For Fall
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
Description
Soft, chewy, and full of cozy fall flavor, these maple brown sugar cookies are everything you want in a seasonal treat. They combine rich brown sugar with real maple syrup, a whisper of cinnamon, and a drizzle of sweet maple glaze on top. The result? A batch of cookies that are perfect for sharing — or not (I won’t judge).
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – gives these cookies their rich, buttery base.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps them chewy.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup – the star flavor, so use the good stuff.
- 1 large egg – helps hold everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for a little extra flavor depth.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the structure for your cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – keeps them light and slightly puffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – just enough to bring cozy vibes.
For the Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar – makes a smooth, shiny glaze.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup – for more maple goodness.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk – use just enough to get a pourable texture.
- Optional: a dusting of cinnamon for garnish.
Instructions
- Get Your Oven Ready
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats — this keeps cleanup easy and helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Cream and Combine
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until they look light, fluffy, and irresistible (about 2-3 minutes). Add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla, mixing until smooth and well blended.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring on low speed until just combined. Pro tip: stop mixing as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour — overmixing will make your cookies tough.
- Scoop and Shape
- Scoop the dough into 1 ½-inch balls using a cookie scoop or spoon. Place them a couple inches apart on the baking sheet. Lightly press down on each dough ball with your palm to help them spread evenly while baking.
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges look lightly golden but the centers are still soft. (They’ll continue to set as they cool!) Let them rest on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
- Make the Maple Glaze
- While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.
- Time to Enjoy
- Let the glaze firm up for a few minutes, then grab a cup of coffee, tea, or cider and dig in.
Notes
- Go for pure maple syrup. It’s what gives these cookies their incredible depth of flavor.
- Avoid overmixing. This keeps your cookies soft and chewy.
- Chill if needed. If the dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before scooping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg