Hey friends!
The holiday season is just around the corner, and you know what that means—cookie time!
Today, I’m excited to share a delicious recipe for Christmas cookies made with maple syrup.
These cookies are sweet, cozy, and give off all the festive vibes.
Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!
Get ready to fill your home with the smell of holiday baking! Let’s dive in!
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 12-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 2 hours 32 minutes – 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tsp maple extract
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (I always use King Arthur)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (I like Kerrygold for baking)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 egg (room temperature, about 70°F)
For the icing:
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (grade A dark amber for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 pinch salt
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Preheat the Oven
Gather all your ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup dark brown sugar, 1 egg, 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup), 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons maple extract, 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and optional chopped nuts (pecans or almonds).
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar on medium speed until smooth, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Add the egg to the mixture and beat on high speed until fully combined, roughly 30 seconds.
Next, mix in the honey, vanilla extract, and maple extract, beating on high speed until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix with Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is thoroughly combined.
If you choose to use nuts, scoop out half of the dough into another bowl and mix the chopped nuts into this portion of the dough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Once the dough is mixed, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
This chilling step is crucial for firming up the dough, making it easier to shape and ensuring better texture in the final cookies.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, scoop it out and shape it into cookies.
Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes, checking for doneness at around the 10-minute mark.
The cookies should be golden brown around the edges.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Icing
While the cookies are baking, prepare the icing by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/3 cup of honey (or maple syrup) in a pot over low heat, whisking occasionally.
Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup of sifted confectioners’ sugar and a pinch of salt.
Optionally, you can add a little maple extract for extra flavor.
Once the cookies are baked and cooled, drizzle the icing over them for a delicious and sweet finish.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
Allow the icing to set slightly before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Maple Brown Sugar Cookies with a cup of your favorite beverage!
