Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies combine the rich, caramel-like flavor of dark brown sugar with the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup and a hint of maple extract, resulting in soft, chewy cookies studded with crunchy pecans. Finished with a luscious maple glaze, these cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a delightful seasonal treat.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 2 and 1/3 cups (292g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cookie Dough
- 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 (113g/80ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
Icing
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (113g/80ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 cup (112g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
- Pinch of salt, to taste
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar on medium-high speed using a handheld mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment until the mixture is light and creamy, approximately 3 minutes. Add the egg and continue beating at high speed for 30 seconds until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Incorporate the pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract, beating at high speed for another minute. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans at low speed until evenly distributed. The dough will be soft and creamy.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up for easier handling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking. If the dough was chilled longer than 3 hours, leave it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop approximately 1.5 tablespoons (35g) of dough for each cookie and roll into balls. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and firm while the centers still appear soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before applying the icing.
- Prepare the Icing: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and maple syrup together, whisking occasionally. Once melted, remove the pan from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar and a pinch of salt until smooth. Taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ice the Cookies: Drizzle the maple icing over the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set for about 1 hour before serving.
- Storage: Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best flavor, use pure grade A maple syrup and pure maple extract.
- Chilling the dough is essential for texture and helps with shaping the cookies properly.
- Make sure butter is softened, not melted, for the best creaming results when making the dough.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- The icing will firm up as it sets; allow at least 1 hour before stacking or storing.
- Cookies can be frozen uniced for up to 3 months. Thaw fully before adding icing.
Keywords: maple cookies, brown sugar cookies, maple syrup cookies, soft cookies, pecan cookies, fall dessert, homemade cookies