Brown Butter Spiced Maple Cookies

I fell in love with brown butter a while back and I am obsessed with implementing it into my recipes whenever possible. The aroma that emanates through the kitchen as the milk solids caramelize is absolutely amazing. As a student that rarely catches a break from studying, I devised my spiced maple cookie recipe during a snow day.

As the crisp winter day struck me with inspiration, I decided I wanted my cookies to be soft in the middle, but have enough caramelization that the edges contained a crunch. With the flavor pairing of cinnamon and maple, I knew these cookies would be a popular recipe among my friends and family.

Cookie Dough

– 1/2 cup butter (one stick)

– 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

– 1/2 cup maple syrup

– 1 egg

– 2 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 tsp baking soda

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 2-3 tbsp cinnamon (If desired, add more!)

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Maple Glaze

– 1 cup Confectioners sugar

– 3-4 tbsp maple syrup

– 1 tbsp melted butter

– 1/2 tsp vanilla

– optional: 1 tbsp milk if thinner consistency desired

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 12 Minutes

Makes 30 cookies

Brown the butter over medium heat on the stove and be careful of splashing butter. Whisk thoroughly so milk solids do not sink to the bottom of the pan and burn. Butter is browned when color turns dark brown, takes approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and continue to whisk for a minute, then cool completely for 15 minutes. Cream together the brown butter and dark brown sugar, about two minutes on medium speed. Add egg and mix until well blended. Stir in vanilla, and maple syrup until well incorporated and smooth.

Sift together baking soda, salt, cinnamon and flour. Beat into liquids until thoroughly combined.

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray cookie trays with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper or tinfoil. Shape dough into one inch balls and place at least two inches apart on baking sheet. Bake about 12 minutes, or until edges are golden. Cool completely on wire rack.

Make the maple glaze. In a small bowl, mix Confectioners sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup. Add milk to thin consistency, if desired.

Let the cookies cool completely, then dip them into the glaze and serve!