Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the deep, natural sweetness of maple syrup, creating a cookie that feels nostalgic yet wonderfully unique. These cookies bake up with perfectly soft centers, lightly crisp edges, and a rich aroma that fills the entire kitchen. What I appreciate most about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is—yet the flavor feels layered and special. The maple syrup keeps the cookies moist, and the cinnamon adds a cozy spice that makes them ideal for any season. I once substituted part of the butter with a touch of maple butter, and it worked great, giving the cookies an even richer maple profile. Whether enjoyed with tea, coffee, or a glass of warm milk, these Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies offer home-baked comfort in every bite.
Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies: A Warm, Sweet Treat with Perfect Soft Centers
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy cookies flavored with warm cinnamon and sweetened naturally with maple syrup for a cozy, fall-inspired treat.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Mix the granulated sugar and additional cinnamon in a small bowl for rolling.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place the dough balls on baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes if you want thicker cookies.
- Use dark maple syrup for a stronger maple flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Butter
Butter creates the tender texture and rich flavor that define these cookies. Softened butter ensures easy mixing and even distribution throughout the dough.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness while enhancing the caramel-like undertones that pair beautifully with maple.
Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup is essential for flavor and softness. It adds natural sweetness and a deep, woodsy aroma that sets these cookies apart.
Egg
The egg binds the dough and contributes to the cookies’ soft, chewy texture.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides structure without making the cookies dense, helping them spread gently as they bake.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, balancing the sweetness of the maple and making the cookies irresistibly fragrant.
Baking Soda
This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps the centers tender.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances the flavors and prevents the cookies from tasting overly sweet.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla rounds out the flavor, adding depth and softening the intensity of the spices.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and egg, mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which helps create those chewy centers.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving space for spreading. If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers appear slightly underdone—they will firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack. Enjoy them warm or fully cooled; either way, the chewy texture remains delightful.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Makes 18–20 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container. They also freeze well—freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature. If you prefer warm cookies, heat them in a low oven for 3–4 minutes before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Glaze Drizzle
Combine powdered sugar with a bit of maple syrup to create a thin glaze and drizzle over cooled cookies for added sweetness.
Snickerdoodle Twist
Roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle-inspired finish.
Oatmeal Maple Cookies
Add rolled oats to the dough for heartier texture and rustic flavor.
Maple Pecan Cookies
Fold in chopped pecans for crunch and nutty depth.
White Chocolate Chips
Stir in white chocolate chips for creamy sweetness that complements the maple.
Chai-Spiced Version
Add nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves to create a chai-like spice blend.
Brown Butter Upgrade
Brown the butter before mixing to add a toasty, caramelized note.
Maple Almond
Replace vanilla with almond extract for a subtle nutty twist.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for a similar chewy result.
Sandwich Cookies
Spread maple buttercream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
FAQs
Are these cookies very sweet?
They are moderately sweet, with maple adding natural flavor rather than overwhelming sweetness.
Can I use pancake syrup?
Pure maple syrup is highly recommended for authentic flavor.
How do I keep the cookies chewy?
Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container.
Can I chill the dough?
Yes, chilling helps create thicker cookies and enhances flavor.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely—freeze in scoops and bake from frozen with an added minute or two.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter alternatives for similar results.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
The butter may have been too soft; chilling the dough helps control spreading.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the cookies will be denser and slightly less chewy.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes, they stay soft for days and pack well in tins.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily without changes.
Conclusion
Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies bring together cozy spice, deep maple richness, and a perfectly tender texture that appeals to cookie lovers of all kinds. Simple to prepare yet full of warm, inviting flavor, they make an excellent addition to seasonal baking or everyday treats. Whether served with a hot drink or enjoyed straight from the cooling rack, these cookies offer a delightful blend of comfort and sweetness in each chewy bite.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share