Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Name: Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter (softened); 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 Large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Pure Maple Extract; 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional)

BY :

Liana

Posted On :

August 16, 2025

DESSERT

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more? Then prepare yourself for the ultimate indulgence: Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies. These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill cookies; these are chewy, melt-in-your-mouth masterpieces that boast a delightful balance of sweet brown sugar, rich maple flavor, and the perfect hint of warm spices. Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie with a satisfyingly soft interior, a slightly crisp exterior, and a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. That’s the magic of these Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, a recipe guaranteed to become a family favorite and a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for success, offering a delightful experience from start to finish. Let’s dive into the details and unlock the secrets to creating these irresistible treats.

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s a reason why these Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are destined to become your new obsession. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. The recipe utilizes simple ingredients readily available at your local grocery store, eliminating the need for any specialized or hard-to-find items. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, the straightforward instructions and clear explanations will guide you every step of the way. You’ll find yourself whipping up a batch of these cookies in no time! Beyond the ease of preparation, the flavor profile of these cookies is simply divine. The rich, deep notes of brown sugar are perfectly complemented by the subtle sweetness and warm aroma of pure maple extract. This harmonious blend creates a symphony of flavors that will awaken your senses and leave you wanting more. The addition of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves adds just the right amount of warmth and spice, creating a well-rounded taste experience. Plus, the texture is phenomenal: these cookies are wonderfully chewy, yet maintain a satisfyingly delicate crumb. It’s the perfect balance of soft and slightly crisp, making them utterly irresistible. Finally, these cookies are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on a quiet evening, sharing with friends and family, or bringing along to potlucks and holiday gatherings. Their charming appearance and delicious taste always make a memorable impression.

Why You Should Try This Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe

Beyond the simple pleasure of enjoying a delicious cookie, there are many compelling reasons to try this recipe. First, it’s a chance to experiment with classic flavors in a new and exciting way. The combination of maple and brown sugar is timeless, yet this recipe elevates it to a new level of sophistication. You’ll discover a depth of flavor that you may not have experienced before. Second, making these cookies is a fun and rewarding activity. The process itself is therapeutic and engaging, allowing you to unwind and connect with your creative side. Whether you’re baking alone or with loved ones, the shared experience of creating something delicious from scratch is priceless. Third, these cookies make the perfect gift. Imagine presenting a beautifully decorated tin of Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies to friends, family, or colleagues. It’s a gesture of thoughtfulness and care that’s sure to be appreciated. They also can be customized easily! Add nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins to create your perfect cookie. Finally, these cookies are a great way to introduce baking to children. The straightforward process allows kids to participate in the fun, teaching them valuable kitchen skills and creating lasting memories. Making these cookies is not just about the final product; it’s about the journey and the memories created along the way.

Ingredients and Utensils for Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

To embark on this delicious baking journey, you will need a collection of simple yet essential ingredients and tools. Let’s start by outlining the ingredients:

Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level in your cookies. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming. This ensures a light and airy texture.
Brown Sugar: 1 cup packed light brown sugar. The brown sugar provides moisture and a rich caramel flavor that is essential for these chewy cookies. Packing the brown sugar ensures accurate measurement.
Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to balance the moisture from the brown sugar. This contributes to the perfect cookie texture.
Eggs: 2 large eggs. Eggs bind the ingredients together, adding richness and structure to the cookies. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for best results.
Maple Extract: 1 teaspoon pure maple extract. This is the star ingredient that provides that distinct maple flavor, adding warmth and depth to the cookie. Using pure maple extract guarantees a superior flavor compared to artificial extracts.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour. All-purpose flour is a standard baking ingredient and provides the structure needed for the cookie. Measure it accurately for best results using a kitchen scale or the spoon and level method.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon baking soda. Baking soda helps the cookies rise, giving them a light and airy texture. It also reacts with the other ingredients to create a pleasant taste.
Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. These warm spices add a festive flavor and aroma to the cookies, complementing the maple and brown sugar perfectly.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon salt. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. Don’t skip it!
Optional Nuts: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. Adding nuts provides additional texture and flavor, complementing the maple and spice notes. Pecans and walnuts are both excellent choices, but feel free to experiment with other nuts such as almonds or macadamia nuts.

Now, let’s discuss the essential tools:

Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld): An electric mixer is highly recommended for creaming the butter and sugars together, creating a light and fluffy batter that is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture. A stand mixer is ideal for larger batches, while a handheld mixer works well for smaller ones.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for dry and liquid ingredients to ensure consistent results. A kitchen scale is even more precise.
Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium): You’ll need a large bowl for creaming the wet ingredients and a medium bowl for combining the dry ingredients. Using separate bowls prevents accidental mixing of ingredients before the appropriate time.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for thoroughly combining the dry ingredients. This ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A rubber spatula or wooden spoon is useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring that all ingredients are incorporated fully. This prevents lumps and ensures an even consistency in the batter.
Baking Sheets: You will need at least two baking sheets to bake the cookies in batches. Use cookie sheets with good heat distribution for even baking.
Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is recommended to prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and for easier cleanup.
Cookie Scoop (Optional): A cookie scoop helps to ensure that all cookies are of uniform size, leading to more even baking.
Wire Rack: A wire rack is used to cool the cookies completely after baking. This prevents them from becoming soggy and allows them to cool evenly.

Detailed Steps for Making Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these steps carefully for perfectly chewy cookies:

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for even baking. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer. Creaming incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lighter, chewier texture. Beat for at least 3-5 minutes until the mixture is pale and creamy.
Add Eggs and Extract: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the maple extract. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for optimal emulsification. The maple extract adds that signature flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of the spices and baking soda.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until no visible dry ingredients remain. If using nuts, gently fold them in at this stage.
Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size and baking. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, use two spoons to form consistent-sized balls of dough.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the baking sheet prevents breakage. Once completely cooled, enjoy your delicious Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies!

Tips and Variations for Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

These cookies are already fantastic, but here are some tips to enhance your baking experience and explore some delicious variations:

Chill the Dough: For even chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. Conversely, for extra sweetness, increase the amount of granulated sugar.
Spice it Up: Experiment with different spice combinations. A dash of nutmeg or allspice can add another layer of flavor complexity.
Add Mix-ins: Get creative with add-ins! Try chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped candied ginger, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking cookies. You might need to adjust the amount of flour slightly, as gluten-free blends can absorb liquids differently.
Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter and eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or applesauce. Ensure your vegan butter is softened for optimal creaming.
Avoid Overbaking: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark and remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

While these cookies are undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. A typical Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookie contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on size and ingredients. This includes a mix of carbohydrates (primarily from the sugars and flour), fats (from the butter), and a small amount of protein (from the eggs). The exact nutritional breakdown can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of the cookie. It’s always a good idea to use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients and serving sizes for a precise analysis.

Despite the caloric content, these cookies also offer some nutritional benefits:

Whole Grains (Optional): If you substitute some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, you will increase the fiber content, promoting digestive health.
Maple Syrup Benefits (in extract): While the amount in the extract is small, maple syrup is a natural sweetener containing antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc.
Nuts (Optional): The addition of nuts provides healthy fats, fiber, and protein, along with vitamins and minerals. These contribute to a more balanced nutritional profile.
Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential health benefits, though the amounts in these cookies are relatively small.

Remember to enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

How can I make my Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies extra chewy?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This slows down the gluten development, resulting in a chewier texture. Also, be sure not to overbake the cookies.

Can I freeze Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies?

Yes, once completely cooled, you can freeze Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

What are some good substitutions for the maple extract?

While maple extract provides the best flavor, you could try a small amount of molasses or brown sugar syrup for a similar sweetness. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.

How do I store leftover Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They will stay soft and delicious.

Why are my Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies too hard?

You may have overbaked them. Next time, check for doneness earlier and remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft. Using a cookie scoop can also help ensure even baking.

Conclusion

These Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. From the simple joy of baking to the delightful satisfaction of biting into a perfectly chewy, maple-infused cookie, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Remember the key to success: creaming the butter and sugars thoroughly, not overmixing the dough, and baking until golden brown but still slightly soft in the center. Now, I encourage you to try this recipe, share your creations with friends and family, and leave a comment below to share your baking experience. Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! Check out my Pinterest page for more amazing recipes! Perhaps you’ll also enjoy some of my other recipes, like these Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies or this amazing pumpkin pie recipe. Happy baking!