Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing my Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies Recipe with you because these cookies are truly something special. They’re the perfect marriage of rich brown sugar sweetness and warm maple notes, all wrapped up in the chewiest, most comforting cookie texture you can imagine. Whenever I bake these, the whole house smells like a cozy autumn afternoon, even if it’s the middle of summer!

You’ll find that this Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies Recipe works beautifully whether you’re baking for a casual snack, an afternoon coffee break, or even for when guests unexpectedly drop by. The addition of apple butter and browned butter adds a depth of flavor that feels like a secret nobody expects — and trust me, it’s worth every little step. Plus, the maple glaze finishing touch? I promise it takes the cookie game up a notch that you, and anyone you share with, will adore.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies Recipe come together to create a rich, maple-sweet treat that’s more than the sum of its parts. When shopping, look for high-quality maple syrup and fresh butter because those little details really shine through here.

• Salted Butter: Using real butter at room temperature helps the dough come together smoothly and adds richness.
• Dark Brown Sugar: This is key for that deep molasses flavor and chewy texture I adore.
• Maple Syrup: Choose pure maple syrup for the most authentic flavor — it’s the star of the show.
• Apple Butter: It adds moisture and a subtle fruitiness that balances the cookie perfectly.
• Egg: Make sure it’s at room temperature to help everything mix evenly.
• Vanilla Extract: For warm, comforting undertones that round out the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure-builder that keeps your cookies chewy, not cakey.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without puffing up too much.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice that complements the maple flavor beautifully.
• Kosher Salt: The salt cuts through the sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Because who doesn’t love little pockets of melty chocolate surprises?
• Finely Chopped Pecans: For a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that works perfectly with the maple.
• Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, giving it that smooth, sweet finish.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A final sprinkle on the glaze to enhance sweetness and add a touch of elegance.

Variations

I love to tweak this Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies Recipe depending on the season or mood, and I encourage you to do the same! Whether swapping nuts or playing with spices, these cookies are forgiving and welcoming to your unique spin.

• Nut-Free: I once made these without pecans for a nut allergy, and they were still delicious—just swap in extra chocolate chips or add toasted oats for texture.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves gives an autumnal warmth that’s perfect for cooler months.
• Vegan Version: I experimented with dairy-free butter and flax eggs; the texture changes slightly but the chewy magic remains.
• Extra Maple Flavor: Drizzle a bit more maple glaze on top after baking for an ultra-decadent maple hit.

How to Make Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter to Unlock Deeper Flavor

This step is where the magic begins. Gently melt 1 1/2 sticks of butter over medium heat until it turns a beautiful golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn — that nutty aroma is the sign you want. Once browned, transfer it to a heatproof bowl and pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill just enough without solidifying.

Step 2: Combine and Cream Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Meanwhile, beat together the remaining 1/2 stick of butter, the cooled browned butter, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Next, add the maple syrup, apple butter, egg, and vanilla extract; beat until everything is well incorporated and luscious.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix in the Goodies

Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, then gradually stir into your wet mixture until just combined. Now fold in those chocolate chips and pecans for wonderful bursts of texture and flavor. Be gentle here — you want the dough to stay tender and not overworked.

Step 4: Shape, Bake, and Flatten for Chewy Perfection

Roll your dough into rounded tablespoon-sized balls and space them 3 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and give the pan a couple of firm taps on the counter to gently flatten those cookies—this is my secret for that irresistible chewy texture. Pop them back in the oven for another 1-2 minutes until the edges just start to set but the centers remain soft. Once again, tap the pan 1-2 times, then let cookies cool right on the sheet for a few minutes—they’ll continue cooking softly and firm up without losing chewiness.

Step 5: Whisk Up the Maple Glaze for a Sweet Finish

While the cookies cool, gently melt butter and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this glaze over warm cookies and add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated, irresistible touch that balances sweetness beautifully.

How to Serve Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after glazing because that sweet-salty combo is unbeatable. Sometimes, I toss on a few extra pecans or a drizzle of pure maple syrup for presentation, plus it amps up the maple vibe. If you’re feeling festive, a little cinnamon dusting pairs wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

These cookies are utterly delicious with a creamy hot latte or a bold black coffee—the rich, toasted flavors complement each other perfectly. For a cozy afternoon, I love serving them alongside a bowl of spiced applesauce or a mild cheddar cheese plate for a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I stack them on a lovely cake stand with layers of parchment paper between stacks, letting guests grab their favorite flavors. I’ve also wrapped individual cookies in wax paper tied with rustic twine for gifting during the holidays — everyone loves that personal touch! If you host brunch, arrange cookies on a large wooden board with fresh fruit and maple syrup drizzles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If they start to lose a bit of softness, a quick reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel restores that chewy goodness.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies (glazed or unglazed) in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature and warm gently before serving if you want that fresh-baked softness.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, sometimes with a tiny dab of butter on top for extra richness. You can also rewarm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, just watch carefully to avoid drying out. This brings back the softness and flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to comforting treats, and I’m so happy to share it with you. The combination of flavors and textures never fails to impress, whether it’s a casual snack or part of a festive spread. Give them a try—you’ll love how the cookie dough comes alive with those rich maple and brown sugar notes, and how each bite feels like a warm hug. Honestly, these cookies quickly became a favorite in my family, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy them just as much!

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