Maple Harvest Sugar Cookies
Oh my gosh, these smell like fall in the oven! Warm, sweet, and full of maple magic. I couldn’t wait to take a bite.
They’re soft, buttery, and just the right kind of sweet. The maple makes them feel extra cozy. I love adding a little cinnamon too!
I made a batch for my neighbors, and they asked for more. These cookies make any day feel like a fall festival. And they’re super easy to bake.
So let’s make a batch together! You’re gonna love how your kitchen smells. And your heart will feel warm too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm & Cozy Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup creates a nostalgic fall treat.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: These cookies stay deliciously soft for days!
- Simple & Easy: No fancy techniques, just wholesome ingredients and a foolproof method.
- Perfect for Holidays & Gifting: These cookies make a fantastic homemade gift or party treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, or frozen for later use.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Mixing Bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk – To mix the dry ingredients evenly.
- Electric Mixer – Helps cream the butter and sugar to perfection.
- Baking Sheets – To bake the cookies evenly.
- Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Wire Rack – For cooling the cookies before glazing.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Ensures the perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Gives the cookies a slight crispness.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup – Infuses every bite with deep maple flavor.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the warm flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Brings warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Adds a hint of nutty, earthy sweetness.
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, glossy glaze.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup – Infuses more maple flavor.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the glaze consistency.
Variations for Maple Harvest Sugar Cookies
- Make it Extra Spiced: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for more depth.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Brown Butter Version: Swap regular butter for brown butter to deepen the caramel-like flavors.
- Crispy Option: Flatten the dough slightly before baking for a thinner, crispier cookie.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step is crucial for soft cookies.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more enhanced flavor.
6. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Scoop and Bake
Scoop the dough into 1.5-2 tablespoon portions and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft but will set as they cool.
8. Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add another tablespoon of milk if needed for a thinner consistency.
10. Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
How to Serve Maple Harvest Sugar Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own but can also be enjoyed in creative ways:
- With Coffee or Tea: The maple flavor pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea.
- With Ice Cream: Sandwich vanilla or butter pecan ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
- As a Holiday Gift: Pack them in a festive tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for an extra layer of decadence.
Storing Maple Harvest Sugar Cookies
- At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
- Freezing Dough: Freeze the cookie dough in balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Maple Harvest Sugar Cookies – Nutrition (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 85 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18 g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g |
| – Sugars | 9 g |
| Protein | 1.3 g |
Maple Harvest Sugar Cookies
Course: Uncategorized24
cookies15
minutes10
minutes140
kcalIngredients
- For the cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ tsp maple extract (or real maple syrup for a softer flavor)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional for fall spice!)
- For the glaze (optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp milk (as needed for texture)
A pinch of salt
Directions
- Prep the dough:
In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg, vanilla, and maple extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. - Chill:
Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour. This helps with shape and flavor! - Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Flatten slightly with your hand or a glass bottom.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden.
Let cool completely. - Add glaze (optional):
Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set.
Maple Harvest Sugar Cookies FAQs
Can I use pancake syrup instead of real maple syrup?
For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup. Pancake syrup lacks the deep, rich taste that makes these cookies special.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free milk for the glaze.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling solidifies the fat in the dough, preventing excessive spreading and enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking, or frozen for longer storage.
