. Maple Cookies – esrecipes

Maple Cookies

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The smell of maple syrup baking in the oven…it instantly takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She always had something delicious simmering or baking, and her maple cookies were a particular favorite. They weren’t fancy. No intricate decorations or swirls. Just a simple, perfectly golden disc of buttery goodness with that unmistakable, warm maple flavor. She’d let me sneak a taste straight from the cooling rack, a memory I’ll forever cherish. I’ve taken her original recipe (with a few tweaks, of course!) and adapted it to share with you – because everyone deserves a little bit of that cozy, comforting feeling.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Cookies

These aren’t your average drop cookie. These homemade maple cookies offer something truly special. Here’s what makes them so irresistible:

  • Intense Maple Flavor: We’re using real maple syrup – don’t even think about substitutes! This gives the cookies a depth of flavor you just can’t get from artificial flavoring.
  • Buttery & Tender Texture: The secret is browned butter! Trust me on this one. It adds a nutty richness that elevates the entire cookie. The dough is also just the right balance of wet and dry, resulting in a beautifully tender crumb.
  • Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Even beginner bakers can achieve amazing results.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick weeknight treat, a batch for a bake sale, or a delightful gift, these cookies always deliver.
  • Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup is a little bit healthier than refined sugar.

The Ingredient List – Gather Your Supplies!

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s what you’ll need to bake these amazing maple cookies:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (57g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (don’t use pancake syrup!)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (trust me, it’s delicious!)

Let’s Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to fire up your oven? Here’s how to make the best maple cookies you’ve ever tasted:

1. Brown the Butter (This is Key!)

  • Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan (you need to see the color change) over medium heat.
  • Melt the butter completely.
  • Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a nutty golden brown and develops a fragrant aroma. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully – it can burn quickly!
  • Immediately pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool slightly. This is important – you don’t want to cook the egg!

2. Cream the Sugars and Butter

  • Once the browned butter has cooled a bit (it should still be warm and liquid), add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl.
  • Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) to beat the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

  • Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
  • Mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

5. Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients

  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three additions.
  • Mix on low speed just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

6. Chill the Dough (Highly Recommended!)

  • Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender cookie. It also deepens the maple flavor.

7. Bake Those Cookies!

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
  • Optional: Sprinkle a few flakes of coarse sea salt on top of each cookie.
  • Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips, Variations, & Serving Suggestions

Let’s make these maple cookies even better:

  • Brown Butter is Non-Negotiable: Really! It adds so much flavor. Don’t skip it.
  • Use Real Maple Syrup: This cannot be stressed enough. Avoid pancake syrup—it won’t deliver the same rich, complex flavor. Grade A or Grade B (now called Amber or Dark) are both great choices.
  • Add Nuts: Roughly chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch. About 1/2 cup would be perfect.
  • Orange Zest: A teaspoon of orange zest brightens the maple flavor beautifully.
  • Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the maple wonderfully.
  • Chocolate Chips: While not traditional, a few dark chocolate chips are a delectable addition.
  • Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of milk, alongside a cup of coffee, or as part of a cozy dessert platter. They also make excellent gifts!

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient variations.)

  • Calories: 150-180
  • Fat: 8-10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5-6g
  • Cholesterol: 20-25mg
  • Sodium: 50-75mg
  • Carbohydrates: 18-22g
  • Sugar: 12-15g
  • Protein: 1-2g

Bake Your Way to Happiness!

There you have it – a simple yet satisfying recipe for maple cookies that will fill your kitchen with warmth and deliciousness. Don’t be intimidated – they’re easier to make than you think! Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. Happy baking!

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