Easy Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines sweetness with a hint of spice, look no further than these soft and chewy Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies. Made with natural maple syrup and warm cinnamon, these cookies offer the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Each cookie melts in your mouth with a gentle crisp on the edges, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich natural sweetness: The maple syrup brings a deep and authentic flavor that enhances every bite.
- Perfectly soft texture: These cookies remain tender on the inside with a slight crunch on the outside.
- Simple ingredients: Made with easy-to-find pantry staples that come together effortlessly.
- Cozy warm spice: Cinnamon infuses the dough with an inviting aroma and taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile for any occasion: Ideal for holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, or a wholesome dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies recipe is carefully selected to contribute to the cookie’s rich flavor, ideal texture, and beautiful golden color. The simplicity of these components also makes it easy for anyone to whip up a batch quickly.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and chewiness for the cookies.
- Natural maple syrup: Adds a warm, sweet essence that defines this recipe.
- Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a subtle smokiness and depth to the flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Gives the cookies their signature warm spice and aromatic appeal.
- Plant-based butter: Ensures a tender and rich dough with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and have that perfect soft bite.
- Natural vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its sweet aroma.
- White sugar: Balances the maple syrup’s deep sweetness and adds a delicate crunch.
- Plant-based milk: Moisturizes the dough for softness and subtle flavor.
- Natural gelling agent: Helps maintain the perfect chewy texture without compromising softness.
Variations for Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Feel free to customize this recipe to match your taste preferences or dietary needs. These cookies are incredibly adaptable and can easily be transformed with a few tweaks or additions.
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Spicy upgrade: Incorporate a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves for a more intense autumnal spice profile.
- Fruit fusion: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins to introduce a chewy, fruity contrast.
- Chocolate chips: Toss in your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet, melty surprise in each cookie.
- Glaze option: Drizzle a simple glaze using powdered sugar and plant-based milk for extra sweetness and shine.
How to Make Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Begin by creaming the plant-based butter and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the natural maple syrup, plant-based milk, and natural vanilla extract, mixing well to blend all the wet ingredients uniformly. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and natural gelling agent. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Add smoked turkey bacon
Chop the smoked turkey bacon into fine pieces and gently fold them into the dough. This addition imparts a subtle smokiness that complements the maple and cinnamon without overpowering the flavor.
Step 3: Chill the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in better texture when baked.
Step 4: Shape and sugar coat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls, about one tablespoon each. Roll those balls in a mixture of white sugar and ground cinnamon for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Arrange the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between them. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a delicate golden color. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
- Soft dough caution: Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Perfect chilling: At least 30 minutes of refrigeration makes shaping easier and enhances flavor melding.
- Use fresh cinnamon: The aromatic quality of fresh ground cinnamon dramatically improves the overall taste.
- Even spacing: Allow enough space on the baking sheet so the cookies can spread without sticking together.
- Check early: Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the stated time to prevent overbaking.
How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a dusting of more cinnamon sugar for an inviting presentation. You could even add a dollop of plant-based whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair your Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies with a warm cup of spiced grape juice or a mild plant-based latte for a perfectly cozy combination. Fresh fruit slices like apples or pears also complement the cookies’ rich flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookies stacked on a wooden platter tied with rustic twine for a farmhouse-style dessert display. For gatherings, place them in individual decorative tins or wrap with parchment paper for charming homemade gifts anyone would love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they will stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Freeze the baked cookies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil within an airtight container, preserving their freshness up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm and soft after storage, gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Microwaving for 10 to 15 seconds also works well for a quick warm treat.
FAQs
Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with natural honey or coconut nectar, but maple syrup provides the unique flavor that defines these cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can replace it with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version while maintaining great texture.
What is the purpose of the natural gelling agent?
The natural gelling agent helps keep the cookies soft and chewy by maintaining moisture and structure during baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Ensure you use plant-based butter and milk, both of which contribute to the dough’s richness and tenderness perfectly.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies stay fresh and soft for about 5 days, making them ideal for advance baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies that makes them a comforting and delightful treat for any time of day. Their perfect balance of sweet maple and warm cinnamon creates a cozy, inviting flavor that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience firsthand how easy it is to bring a batch of soft, flavorful cookies from your kitchen to your loved ones. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
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Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Soft and chewy Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies made with natural maple syrup and warm cinnamon, featuring a subtle smoky depth from smoked turkey bacon. These cookies balance sweetness and spice with a tender inside and slightly crisp edges, perfect for any occasion or cozy snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup natural maple syrup
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Begin by creaming the plant-based butter and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the natural maple syrup, plant-based milk, and natural vanilla extract, mixing well to blend all the wet ingredients uniformly. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and natural gelling agent. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Add smoked turkey bacon: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into fine pieces and gently fold them into the dough. This addition imparts a subtle smokiness that complements the maple and cinnamon without overpowering the flavor.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in better texture when baked.
- Shape and sugar coat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls, about one tablespoon each. Roll those balls in a mixture of white sugar and ground cinnamon for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
- Bake to perfection: Arrange the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between them. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a delicate golden color. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make shaping easier and enhance flavor melding.
- Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best aromatic quality and flavor.
- Leave enough space on the baking sheet for the cookies to spread without sticking together.
- Start checking the cookies a minute or two before the baking time ends to prevent overbaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Maple, Cinnamon, Sugar Cookies, Plant-based, Chewy, Soft, Sweet, Smoky, Smoked turkey bacon