Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter for chewy maple brown sugar cookies?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter if you prefer. Using unsalted butter allows better control over the salt content in your cookies. If you choose unsalted butter, add a small pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the dough to enhance the flavor. Salted butter works fine too and adds a slight saltiness that balances the sweetness of the maple and brown sugar.

How do I store maple brown sugar cookies to keep them chewy?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally with a slice of bread inside to maintain moisture. This helps keep the cookies soft and chewy for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigerating, as this can dry out the cookies. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I add nuts or spices to this maple brown sugar cookie recipe?

Yes, you can add up to 1 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough before chilling to add crunch and flavor. For spices, cinnamon or nutmeg work well—start with about 1/2 teaspoon mixed into the dough. Keep in mind that adding nuts may cause the cookies to spread less, so gently flatten the dough balls before baking if needed.

Is chilling the cookie dough necessary before baking?

Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours is important because the added maple syrup increases moisture, which can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Refrigeration firms up the dough, helping the cookies maintain their shape and develop a chewy texture. You can also chill the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months before baking.

What should I do if my cookies don’t spread or spread too much during baking?

If your cookies don’t spread, it’s often due to too much flour or dry dough. Measure flour carefully by spooning and leveling or weighing it, and consider reducing slightly if needed. If cookies spread too much, chilling the dough longer helps control this. Adding nuts can also reduce spreading by providing structure. Baking on parchment paper and avoiding overly warm dough will support consistent spread.

Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies for a Perfect Fall Treat

Description

🍁 Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of these Maple Cookies, perfect for savoring fall’s finest tastes.
🍪 Soft and chewy centers with crisp edges make these cookies an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Butter: 2 sticks (1 cup; 226 g), divided
Dark brown sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
Maple syrup (pure): 1/4 to 1/3 cup (60-80 ml)
Apple butter: 1/4 cup
Egg: 1 large
Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
All-purpose flour: 2 1/3 cups (291 g)
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Baking powder: optional 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Chocolate chips: 1 cup (optional)
Finely chopped pecans or walnuts: 1/2 to 1 cup (optional)
Granulated sugar: for rolling or sprinkling (optional)
Butter (for glaze): 2 to 4 tablespoons (28-56 g)
Maple syrup (for glaze): 1/3 cup (80 ml)
Powdered sugar (for glaze): 1/2 to 3/4 cup (60-90 g)
Pinch of salt (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

1. Brown 1 1/2 sticks of butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden, then chill until cool but still soft.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Beat together softened butter, browned butter, and brown sugar until creamy. Add maple syrup, apple butter, egg, and vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Fold into wet ingredients.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if desired.
6. Chill dough for at least 1 hour. Allow dough to sit at room temperature 30 minutes if chilled longer.
7. Scoop dough into balls and roll in granulated sugar if desired. Place on baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, tapping the pan gently to flatten cookies, then bake 1-3 more minutes.
9. Cool on baking sheet.
10. For glaze, melt butter with maple syrup, then whisk in powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over cookies and set.

Notes

🧈 Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the cookies.
⏳ Chilling the dough is crucial for flavor development and texture.
🍂 Adding maple extract enhances the authentic maple flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1-2 hours
Cook Time: 8-13 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 155-243
Sugar: ~13 g
Fat: 6-10 g
Carbohydrates: ~23 g
Protein: ~2 g

Keywords: Maple Cookies, Brown Sugar Cookies, Fall Desserts, Chewy Cookies