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Brown Sugar Maple Cookies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

brown sugar maple cookies - featured image

These soft, chewy cookies combine the deep caramel flavor of brown sugar with pure maple syrup and are topped with a silky maple cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home, they’re easy to make and sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups (250g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  3. Add maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Optional: Cover and chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
  7. Scoop dough into 1.5 tablespoon balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Flatten gently to about 1/2 inch thick.
  8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set but soft. Do not overbake.
  9. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For frosting: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Adjust consistency as needed.
  11. Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts or cinnamon.
  12. Serve and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Notes

For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Use real maple syrup for best flavor. Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting. Add nuts or spices for variation. Cookies freeze well unfrosted for up to 2 months. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use appropriate substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar maple cookies, maple cream cheese frosting, easy cookie recipe, fall dessert, holiday cookies, chewy cookies, maple dessert, comfort baking