Name: Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/3 cups (292g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 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 (113g/80ml) pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon maple extract; 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans; 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter; 1/3 cup (113g/80ml) pure maple syrup; 1 cup (112g) sifted confectioners’ sugar; Pinch of salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

If you are a devoted fan of sweet, cozy flavors that warm you from the inside out, this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a cookie with crisp edges, mega chewy centers, the rich, deep sweetness of brown sugar mingled with pure maple syrup, and the delightful crunch of pecans. Topped with a luscious maple icing that gently hardens, these cookies are pure comfort baked into a treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet evening at home, these cookies bring joy with every bite and make the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with thick, light brown cookie dough mixed with small pieces of white nuts, being stirred by a red spatula with a wooden handle, all sitting on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the brown sugar that gives warmth and moisture, to the pure maple syrup and extract that infuse that unmistakable flavor. Even the texture benefits from chopped pecans, giving a satisfying crunch. Let’s take a look at everything you’ll need to get started.

All-purpose flour (2 and 1/3 cups): Provides the structure and base for the cookies.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them light and tender.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Offers richness and tenderness to the cookie crumb.
Dark brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Adds deep caramel notes and moisture for chewiness.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
Pure maple syrup (1/3 cup): Introduces that signature maple sweetness and helps with softness.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile with subtle warmth.
Maple extract (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the maple flavor, making it truly stand out.
Chopped pecans (1 cup): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the chewy cookie.

How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Setting this mixture aside ensures your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout your dough, which is key for perfectly textured cookies every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and packed dark brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and creamy—around three minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, helping your cookies rise beautifully and have a tender crumb.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Next, add the large egg and beat on high speed for about 30 seconds until smoothly combined. Then, mix in the pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the star player, maple extract. Continue beating on high speed for another minute to blend all those rich flavors together.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing here would toughen your cookies—so be gentle! Then fold in the chopped pecans to bring that irresistible crunch that balances out the chewy softness perfectly.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly and refrigerate it for a minimum of two hours, or up to three days. Chilling is a total game-changer for this recipe, helping the flavors develop and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, which leads to those crispy edges and chewy centers everyone loves.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. When ready, scoop 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls of dough and space them three inches apart. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and set, but the centers still look soft. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for five minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Maple Icing

While your cookies cool completely, melt butter and maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking to combine. Remove from heat and stir in sifted confectioners’ sugar and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust if you like a sweeter or slightly saltier glaze. Drizzle the icing generously over the cooled cookies. After about an hour, the icing will set to a tempting, slightly crisp finish.

How to Serve Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

A stack of three light brown cookies with a soft texture is shown on a white marbled surface. The bottom two cookies have smooth white icing drizzled in thick lines across their tops. The top cookie is slightly broken, revealing a chewy inside with visible pieces of nuts or chocolate. The cookies look fresh and soft, with some crumbs around the base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon can elevate these cookies further, adding texture and a slight aromatic twist. For special occasions, consider adding edible gold dust or a drizzle of dark chocolate for a stunning presentation that tastes as luxurious as it looks.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of chai tea or rich coffee for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side also complements the warm maple notes beautifully, creating a delightful dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into a stunning gift by stacking a few with wax paper layers in between, then tie with a rustic ribbon. Or, create cookie sandwiches by spreading a bit of softened cream cheese frosting between two cookies—this adds a luscious creaminess that beautifully contrasts the cookie’s texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their texture just right—chewy centers with crisp edges. For longer storage, refrigeration is fine for up to a week but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked dough balls by arranging them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Alternatively, fully baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for the same duration.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked warmth, reheat your cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This gently refreshes the texture and softens the icing slightly, making each bite taste freshly made again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the maple extract with vanilla extract?

While maple extract highlights the unique flavor of this recipe, you can swap it for an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract if needed. Your cookies will still be delicious, but the signature maple punch will be subtler.

Why is chilling the dough necessary?

Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in better texture and taste that define this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe.

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Yes, but dark brown sugar gives these cookies a richer, more molasses-forward flavor. Light brown sugar will yield a milder sweetness and a less intense color, but the cookies will still be utterly enjoyable.

How do I make the perfect maple icing consistency?

The key is melting the butter and maple syrup gently, then carefully whisking in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a teaspoon of maple syrup; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach that perfect drizzle texture.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for binding. The cookies might be slightly more delicate but still hold the amazing flavor you love.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have all the secrets to this irresistible Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe, I encourage you to get baking and share the magic with your loved ones. These cookies are more than just a treat—they are a cozy hug in cookie form that lifts spirits and sweetens any day. Happy baking, and enjoy every delightful bite!