Cozy, crackly, and perfectly spiced, these Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies are like biting into a fall morning. The edges are crisp, the centers soft, and each bite is wrapped in the richness of brown sugar and warm maple syrup. If you love cookies that balance sweetness with depth, these little crinkled beauties will steal your heart.
They’re simple to whip up and bring a bakery-style flair to your kitchen with no fancy ingredients. Whether you serve them at a holiday party or enjoy with a hot drink on a chilly day, these cookies are guaranteed to become a seasonal staple.
What Makes Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies So Special?
The texture is key here—that chewy center with the cracked sugar coating is not just a pretty look. The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a rich molasses-like depth, while cinnamon and nutmeg add a whisper of spice. It’s the kind of cookie that makes people ask for the recipe after one bite.
Ingredients for the Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

How To Make the Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavors.
Step 5: Roll and Coat
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Generously coat each one in powdered sugar.
Step 6: Bake to Crinkle Perfection
Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the tops are crackled and the edges are just set.
Serving and Storing Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm with a cozy beverage—think coffee, tea, or hot cider. Their warm spice and sugary crunch make them a hit at fall gatherings, cookie swaps, or just-because baking days.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough balls before baking—just thaw and roll in powdered sugar before popping them in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of maple syrup should I use?
Pure maple syrup is best for that deep, authentic flavor. Avoid pancake syrups with corn syrup or artificial flavors.
Can I use light brown sugar instead?
You can, but dark brown sugar adds more molasses flavor, which pairs beautifully with maple.
Do I really need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling prevents spreading and gives the cookies that classic crinkle effect.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might vary slightly but still delicious.
How do I get perfect crinkles?
Make sure the dough is cold and roll generously in powdered sugar. The contrast in temperatures helps create those signature cracks.
Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a sealed container. They thaw beautifully.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you adore these Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies, you’ll want to explore more delicious takes on classic cookies:
- Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites for a bite-sized dessert packed with crunch and gooey filling.
- Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re into citrus and cinnamon dreams.
- Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for festive color and a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies when you need something quick and healthy.
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars if you’re craving rich creaminess with a cinnamon-sugar crust.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this cookie recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so it’s handy for your next sweet craving.
Tried them? Tell me in the comments! Did you add chopped pecans? Try a maple glaze drizzle? I love seeing how you make these recipes your own.
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Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies are soft, warmly spiced, and coated in a sugary crust that cracks as they bake. Perfect for cozy fall days or holiday gatherings, they combine the deep richness of maple syrup with dark brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Beat in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.
8. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until tops are crackled and edges are set.
9. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure the best crinkle effect.
Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for authentic flavor.
Let cookies cool slightly before serving to maintain the soft texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: crinkle cookies, maple, brown sugar, holiday cookies
