Maple cookies are a deliciously soft and chewy treat infused with the warm, earthy sweetness of real maple syrup. They embody the cozy flavors of fall, yet are perfect to enjoy any time of the year. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, afternoon tea, or simply looking for a homemade snack that isn’t overly sweet, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
-
Deep Maple Flavor – Infused with real maple syrup and maple extract for an authentic taste.
-
Soft and Chewy Texture – These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender and slightly crisp edges.
-
Simple Ingredients – No complicated steps or specialty ingredients required.
-
Perfect for Gifting or Sharing – Great for holidays, cookie swaps, or make-ahead freezer baking.
Ingredients List
For the Maple Cookie Dough
-
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
-
½ cup brown sugar, packed
-
¼ cup granulated sugar
-
1 large egg
-
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
-
½ teaspoon maple extract (optional but recommended)
-
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
¼ teaspoon baking powder
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)
Optional Maple Glaze
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
2–3 tablespoons maple syrup
-
¼ teaspoon maple extract (optional)
-
Splash of milk or cream (to thin, if needed)
Timing & Servings
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Chill Time (Optional): 30 minutes
-
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
-
Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
-
Servings: 24 cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions for Maple Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, maple syrup, and maple extract until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually mix this into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional)
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape
Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Optional: Add Maple Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness and presentation, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup. Let glaze set before storing.
Baking Tips for Success
Use Real Maple Syrup
Grade A amber or dark maple syrup gives the best flavor. Avoid artificial pancake syrup for this recipe.
Chill the Dough
Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and results in thicker, chewier cookies.
Don’t Overbake
Remove cookies when edges are just golden. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Variations You Can Try
Maple Pecan Cookies
Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Maple Sandwich Cookies
Spread maple buttercream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly but flavor stays delicious.
Vegan Maple Cookies
Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) instead of egg.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Freezing the Dough
Roll dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.
Freezing Baked Cookies
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. A slice of bread in the container helps retain moisture.
Refrigeration
Not recommended unless your kitchen is very warm, as refrigeration can dry them out.
Serving Suggestions
-
Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
-
Add them to a holiday cookie platter.
-
Serve with vanilla ice cream for a maple cookie sundae.
-
Pack into lunchboxes or gift bags.
Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie, Approx.)
-
Calories: 130
-
Carbohydrates: 18g
-
Sugar: 9g
-
Fat: 6g
-
Protein: 1g
-
Fiber: 0.5g
Note: These values can vary based on added nuts or glaze.
Maple Syrup in Cookies: Why It Works
Maple syrup not only adds sweetness but also contributes moisture, creating a soft and chewy texture. It brings depth of flavor that plain sugar lacks, making it a natural choice for fall and winter baking.
The maple extract enhances flavor without overpowering, especially when you’re using a milder syrup.
Fun Facts About Maple Cookies
-
Maple leaf-shaped maple cream cookies are a classic Canadian snack.
-
Maple cookies are often served during maple syrup festivals in spring.
-
The aroma of maple and cinnamon in baking is often used in holiday-themed scented candles and products.
FAQs
Can I use pancake syrup instead of maple syrup?
Not recommended. Pancake syrup lacks the depth and natural flavor of real maple syrup.
Do maple cookies need to be refrigerated?
No. They keep best at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can I make these cookies without maple extract?
Yes, but the maple flavor will be more subtle. You can increase the maple syrup slightly for a richer taste.
What grade of maple syrup is best?
Grade A Amber or Grade A Dark are ideal for baking due to their rich, robust flavors.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles well for larger batches or gifting.
Conclusion
Maple cookies are a celebration of warm flavors and comforting textures. Soft, chewy, and full of natural maple richness, they’re perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon snacks, or sharing with loved ones during festive occasions.
Whether you’re using them as a holiday gift, part of your fall baking repertoire, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies deliver satisfying sweetness with a touch of tradition. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can bring the comforting taste of maple right into your kitchen.