If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat with a hint of fall warmth, this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together soft, chewy brown sugar goodness with a rich maple glaze that’s perfect for afternoon snacking or sharing at your next gathering. I love making this recipe when the air turns crisp, but honestly, any time is a great time for these cookies.
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In the Kitchen
This Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe is a wonderful way to bring seasonal flavors to your kitchen without fuss. The cookies come out tender and golden, with a satisfyingly sweet finish from the maple glaze that’s genuinely addictive.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Achieved by creaming the butter and brown sugar thoroughly and carefully balancing dry ingredients to keep the texture soft.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The maple glaze adds a shiny, toasty-sweet layer that takes these cookies from simple to special.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry staples like cinnamon and vanilla combine with maple syrup for a comforting, rich flavor you’ll want on repeat.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Easy to whip up but impressive enough to serve to guests or cozy up with on a chilly evening.
Ingredients at a Glance
Choosing the right ingredients makes a world of difference in this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe. I always recommend using high-quality pure maple syrup and fresh brown sugar for that deep, caramel-like flavor that shines through every bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened but not melted for perfect creaming and tender cookies.
- Brown Sugar: Use packed light or dark brown sugar for rich moisture and depth.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Key ingredient that adds authentic maple sweetness—avoid flavored syrups.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use fresh flour for best texture and rise.
- Powdered Sugar: For smooth, glossy glaze that melts perfectly over cookies.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements and detailed instructions are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post to make your baking effortless.
How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1 — Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer. You'll want to go for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns light, creamy, and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that gives your cookies a tender crumb. When you add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla, mix just until combined—too much beating here can toughen the dough.
Step 2 — Whisk Dry Ingredients and Combine Gently
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the maple. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients on low speed, stopping as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing at this point can make the cookies tough, and you want a soft, tender bite every time.
Step 3 — Shape and Bake to Golden Perfection
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your palm to get an even thickness—it helps the cookies bake consistently. Bake for 8-10 minutes until you see the edges turn a warm golden brown and the centers set but still soft. Don’t worry if the centers seem a tad underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 4 — Whisk Up the Maple Glaze and Drizzle
While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a thick but pourable glaze. I like mine smooth enough to drizzle but thick enough to hold a pattern on the cookie’s surface. Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and, if you want, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon on top for extra flair. Let the glaze set before digging in!
Things to Remember
From my own kitchen experiments, these tips will help you nail the perfect Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe every time. It’s all about watching the dough’s texture and timing the bake just right.
- Doneness Cue: Edges should be golden and centers just set to keep it chewy and soft.
- Temperature Trick: Always use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming for texture.
- Make-Ahead Move: Dough can be chilled up to 24 hours wrapped tightly to deepen flavor and improve shape.
- Common Pitfall: Avoid overmixing the dough after adding flour to prevent dense cookies.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I find a light sprinkle of cinnamon or even a few flaky sea salt crystals over the glaze really elevates the flavors. The contrast between sweet maple and just a whisper of saltiness brings out the best in these cookies. You could also add chopped toasted pecans if you want a little crunch to complement the soft cookie texture.
Plays Well With
These cookies are lovely alongside a cup of black coffee or rich chai tea — the warm spices and sweet maple pair beautifully. For a cool contrast, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a special treat.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For casual sharing, stack the cookies on a rustic wooden board with a few small maple syrup bottles and cinnamon sticks scattered for a charming touch. At a party, you can drizzle extra maple glaze in decorative zigzags on each cookie or serve them with fresh berries for pops of color and freshness.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store your maple brown sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They hold their soft, chewy texture well, especially if you layer them between sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking or smudging the glaze.
Freezing Tips
These cookies freeze nicely, either baked or as dough balls. If freezing baked cookies, place wax paper between layers in a sealed container or bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature to keep textures perfect. Dough balls freeze well too — thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.
Reheating Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe Without Drying Out
To warm leftover cookies without drying them, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds but watch closely so it doesn’t overcook. Using an air fryer works too—set it for 300°F for 3-4 minutes for a soft, just-warm touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
While honey adds sweetness, it has a different flavor profile and moisture level. Maple syrup provides the signature flavor in this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe, so for best results, stick with pure maple syrup.
Flattening the dough balls ensures even baking and helps the cookies develop a nice golden edge with a chewy center. Without flattening, the cookies may bake unevenly or stay too thick.
Use sifted powdered sugar and mix it gradually with maple syrup and milk, stirring constantly. Adjust the milk one tablespoon at a time to avoid a glaze that’s too runny. A smooth glaze has a nice sheen and drizzles easily without running off.
You can experiment with vegan butter and egg substitutes, and gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary. This recipe was crafted specifically with traditional ingredients for the ideal soft, chewy result.
Final Thoughts
Making this Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe has become a personal favorite, especially when I want something both comforting and a little fancy with minimal effort. The combination of classic cookie texture and a glaze bursting with maple flavor just warms my heart — and I bet it’ll do the same for you. So go ahead, pull out your mixing bowl and try it soon. You’ll love the cozy goodness waiting in every bite.
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
Delight in these soft and tender Maple Brown Sugar Cookies featuring the rich flavors of pure maple syrup and warm cinnamon. Topped with a smooth maple glaze, these cookies bring a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for afternoon treats or festive gatherings.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for consistency)
- Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix again until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing. This step is key to ensuring that your cookies stay tender and soft.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place them on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each ball. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand to create a flat surface.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. For the best texture, avoid overbaking. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and, if desired, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, then enjoy your maple brown sugar cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Notes
- Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk to make the glaze dairy-free.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
- Use silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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