Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes using an electric mixer).
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers are set. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Ensure your egg is at room temperature for even mixing and texture.
• For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Maple Glaze: Drizzle cooled cookies with a glaze of powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk.
• Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
• Spiced Cookies: Increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and add a pinch of nutmeg.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead? A: Yes! Make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking.

Q: Can I freeze these? A: Yes! Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months (add 1-2 minutes to baking time when baking from frozen). Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.

Q: How should I store them? A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. A slice of bread helps keep them soft.

These Maple Brown Sugar Cookies are a delicious treat for any occasion! Enjoy!