If you’re a cookie lover and crave cozy, fall-inspired flavors, these Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies are a dream come true. They’re soft, chewy, and coated in a sweet glaze that gently cracks over the top as they bake. With their irresistible texture and comforting brown sugar-maple combo, these cookies taste like a warm hug in every bite.
Perfect for chilly afternoons, bake sales, or holiday cookie trays, these cookies come together quickly and are easy to love. The subtle crunch of the crinkle glaze gives way to a tender inside that’s full of warm maple richness. No special equipment needed—just pantry staples and a good spoon.
What Makes Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies So Special?
The magic lies in the deep molasses flavor of brown sugar paired with the smooth, earthy sweetness of real maple syrup. Together, they create a moist, flavorful cookie that has a hint of caramel and a delightful chew. The crinkle top adds a beautiful contrast in both texture and presentation, making these cookies not only delicious but stunning on any cookie platter.

Ingredients for the Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies
Brown Sugar: The heart of the cookie’s warm flavor. It adds moisture and richness you won’t get from white sugar alone.
Maple Syrup: Choose pure maple syrup for the best taste. It infuses the cookies with authentic fall flavor.
Butter: Unsalted and softened to give the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough and provides structure.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread perfectly while baking.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness and adds a warm note.
Powdered Sugar: Used for rolling the dough to create that signature crinkle effect.
How To Make the Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies will have that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and intensifies the flavors.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 6: Shape and Roll in Sugar
Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and the tops have a beautiful crinkle appearance.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or a mug of coffee.
How to Serve and Store Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are best served slightly warm when their soft, chewy centers are at peak perfection. Pair them with a cozy drink like hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall indulgence.
To store, let the cookies cool completely and then place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. They reheat beautifully in just a few seconds in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of maple syrup should I use?
Always use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup. It gives the cookies their authentic depth and rich maple flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. Let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before scooping and rolling to make shaping easier.
Why do my cookies not crinkle enough?
The crinkle effect depends on the dough being chilled and the powdered sugar coating being generous. Make sure to fully chill the dough and coat well before baking.
Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.
Do I have to use brown sugar?
Brown sugar is essential to the flavor and texture of this recipe. If you substitute with white sugar, you’ll lose the signature chew and molasses depth.
Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the fall vibes. Just don’t overdo it—you still want the maple flavor to shine.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If these Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies made your fall baking list, you’ll definitely want to try these other cozy creations from the blog:
- Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies if you love citrus and need something quick.
- Cotton Candy Cookies for a whimsical, nostalgic treat.
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies for something ultra buttery and delicate.
- Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies if you’re after a classic with a cherry twist.
- Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars for a chewy, colorful bite of comfort.
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And don’t forget to drop a comment below if you made these Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies! Did you add cinnamon? Swap the glaze for a maple drizzle? I’d love to hear how you made them your own.
Your tips help the whole baking community, so let’s keep the sweet ideas flowing.

Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Brown Sugar Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with cozy fall flavors. Made with brown sugar and real maple syrup, they’re the perfect balance of warm, rich sweetness and crackly, sugary tops. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
4. Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll each in powdered sugar until fully coated.
7. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until set and crackled on top.
8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
Use pure maple syrup—not pancake syrup—for a deep, authentic flavor.
Chilling the dough is key to achieving the perfect crinkle texture.
For added warmth, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon into the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: maple cookies, brown sugar, fall baking


