Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further! These maple syrup cookies are the perfect answer. They're incredibly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and time, yet deliver a burst of rich maple flavor that will have you reaching for another. Perfect for a cozy night in, a bake sale, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth, this recipe is a keeper for your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly for this step. If using a hand mixer, make sure your butter is truly softened to avoid a grainy texture.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Maple Syrup Magic: Stir in the maple syrup until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The beautiful amber color and rich aroma will be intoxicating!
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Maple Syrup Cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming. Cold butter will result in a tougher cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Storage: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chips for a delightful twist.
- Spices: Experiment with other warm spices like ginger or cardamom.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These maple syrup cookies are a simple yet rewarding baking project perfect for anyone, from beginner bakers to seasoned professionals. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen and the satisfying taste of these homemade delights. They’re the ultimate example of delicious dishes created with easy recipes, and a fantastic addition to your healthy meals repertoire. Enjoy!