maple cookies

 

I made these cookies to go with an assortment of fall cookies to deliver to LOTS of neighbor friends.  Don't they look amazing?

maple cookies (i heart nap time)

3/4 cup butter softened (1 1/2 sticks, divided)

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon maple extract

2 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, optional

maple glaze

3 tablespoons salted butter

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

3/4 cup powdered sugar

pinch salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Brown 1 stick of butter:  Melt 1 stick of the butter in a pan over medium-heat.  Cook for about 3-5 minutes, swirling the pan every so often.  Allow the butter to brown (when it turns an amber golden color and has a nutty aroma, it's done).  Remove from the heat and then pour into a bowl and chill for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 stick softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup maple syrup.  Mix for one minute, until smooth and creamy.  Add in the melted brown butter and stir until combined.  Mix in the egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon maple extract.

Add the 2 1/3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.  Fold in the optional 1/2 cup of pecans.

Use a medium sized cookie scoop, or roll the dough into rounded 2 tablespoon sized balls and place 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake 9-10 minutes.  Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet.

Meanwhile, in a small pot over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons butter and 1/3 cup maple syrup.  Remove from heat and whisk in 3/4 cup powdered sugar and a pinch of salt.  Drizzle over warm cookies and allow to set.