Name: Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies That Warm Your Holidays
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Maple Syrup (For a different sweetness profile, try using agave syrup.); 1 teaspoon Maple Extract (Can be omitted for a milder taste.); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Substitute with light brown sugar for a lighter flavor.); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted (Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.); 1 large Egg (Consider a flax egg for a vegan alternative.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (A gluten-free flour blend works well for gluten-free cookies.); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Adds the warm spice flavor characteristic of holiday treats.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Helps the cookies rise.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness.); 1 cup White Chocolate Melting Wafers (Dark chocolate can be used for a bolder taste.); Holly Berry Sprinkles (Optional for decoration.)

The sweet aroma of cinnamon swirls through the air, whisking me back to cozy family gatherings filled with laughter and love. Today, I’m thrilled to share my cherished recipe for Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies, a delightful twist on holiday treats that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. These soft and chewy gems not only combine the rich taste of maple with warming cinnamon, but they also feature a luscious white chocolate drizzle that elevates them to pure bliss. Ideal for festive occasions or a soul-soothing night in, these cookies are quick to whip up and even easier to enjoy. With each bite, you’ll embrace the spirit of the season and greet loved ones with a warm, freshly baked treat. What’s your favorite cookie memory to bake together?

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Warm, Cozy Flavors: The perfect balance of maple and cinnamon evokes memories of warm family gatherings and holiday cheer.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies offer that sought-after soft and chewy bite that just melts in your mouth!
Easy to Make: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you’ll have festive treats ready in no time, making them an ideal addition to any holiday spread.
Beautiful Presentation: Dipped in decadent white chocolate and topped with colorful sprinkles, they’re sure to impress your guests and make any gathering feel special.
Versatile Delight: Customize them with nuts or dried fruit for a unique twist, or try them alongside a cozy beverage like hot cocoa. These Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies are bound to become a go-to favorite during this festive season!

Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies Ingredients

Delve into the delightful components of these cookie wonders!

For the Cookie Dough

Maple Syrup – Provides rich maple flavor; for a different sweetness profile, try using agave syrup.
Maple Extract – Enhances the maple notes; you can omit it for a milder taste.
Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and chewiness; substitute with light brown sugar for a lighter flavor.
Unsalted Butter, melted – Brings richness to the dough; use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Egg – Binds the dough together; consider a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; a gluten-free flour blend works well for gluten-free cookies.
Cinnamon – Adds the warm spice flavor characteristic of holiday treats.
Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise, ensuring they’re soft and chewy.
Salt – Balances sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.

For the White Chocolate Drizzle

White Chocolate Melting Wafers – Adds creaminess and sweetness; dark chocolate can be used for a bolder taste.
Holly Berry Sprinkles (optional) – Adds a festive touch for decor, making your Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies visually enchanting.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and maple extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in one beaten egg, ensuring it is fully incorporated for a rich, flavorful base for your Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well-mixed, creating a uniform blend. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, using a spatula or wooden spoon to combine until a soft, cohesive dough forms, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial to ensure that the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in the perfect soft and chewy texture.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper. The light surface will help to prevent the bottoms of the cookies from browning too quickly, ensuring that they bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.

Step 5: Scoop and Place the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop to portion out 1.5-ounce balls of dough. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This space allows the cookies to spread beautifully while baking and helps achieve that delightful chewy texture in your Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set, and the centers are puffy but not browned. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent overbaking, as you want them soft and chewy. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the White Chocolate Drizzle
While the cookies cool, melt white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval until smooth and creamy. This technique prevents overheating and ensures a perfect consistency for dipping.

Step 8: Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, dip half of each cookie into the melted white chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the dipped cookies on parchment paper. For an added festive touch, drizzle additional melted chocolate over the tops and sprinkle with optional holly berry sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.

Step 9: Let Set and Serve
Allow the white chocolate to fully harden before serving your delightful Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies. This can take about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once set, enjoy the cozy flavors and treat your loved ones to an irresistible dessert that embodies the spirit of the holidays!

Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies and embrace flavors that resonate with your palate!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegetable shortening to create a creamy, delicious dairy-free version.
Baking without dairy opens the door to a delightful twist, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies accessible to everyone.
Enjoy the same warm, chewy texture without compromising on flavor—everyone will love them!
Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
These additions not only boost the taste but also introduce extra texture to every bite!
Extra Spices: Experiment with a dash of nutmeg or ground ginger for an added layer of warmth to your cookies.
These subtle spice enhancements can elevate the holiday essence and surprise your taste buds.
Fruit-Filled: Add dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet, chewy burst, reminiscent of holiday fruitcakes.
This fruity zing complements the maple perfectly while introducing a pop of color to the cookie tray.
Decadent Dark Chocolate: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with cinnamon and maple, creating an indulgent treat for chocolate lovers!
Flavor Infusion: Try opting for vanilla extract instead of maple extract for a different, but equally delightful, flavor experience.
This twist alters the cookie’s character while still allowing its deliciousness to shine through.
Sprinkle Surprise: Experiment with festive sprinkles such as crushed peppermint or colored sugars to get everyone in a holiday mood.
These vibrant accents not only add excitement but can also turn your cookies into eye-catching gifts!

Looking for more sweet ideas? Check out these lovely Bake Cookies Chocolate or spread the joy with some Turkey Sugar Cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week, but be aware they may dry out slightly.

Freezer: Baked cookies can be frozen (before dipping) for up to 2 months. Simply thaw them in the fridge before decorating with white chocolate.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, slightly reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll regain that delightful chewy texture!

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. If you want to prep even further ahead, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. To maintain the quality and ensure they bake to perfect softness, remember to chill the dough before baking, which helps the cookies hold their shape. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats, scoop and bake as directed, dip in melted chocolate, and add sprinkles for that festive flair!

Expert Tips for Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies

Use Pure Maple Syrup: Always opt for pure maple syrup to ensure the most authentic and rich flavor in your cookies. I promise, it makes a difference!
Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture. If in a hurry, 30 minutes is a must!
Mind the Baking Time: Keep a close eye as they bake; overbaking will lead to dry cookies. Remove them when they’re puffy and just set around the edges.
Check Your Baking Sheet: A light-colored baking sheet helps prevent burnt bottoms, allowing your Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies to bake evenly.
Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit to the dough for an extra burst of flavor and texture—adapt them to your family’s taste!

What to Serve with Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies

Delightful pairings can elevate your holiday experience, turning your cookie indulgence into a full festive feast.

Hot Cocoa: Warm and rich, it pairs beautifully, adding a comforting chocolate element to each bite of your cookies.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: The spicy notes of espresso and pumpkin enhance the warming flavors of cinnamon and maple, creating a holiday atmosphere.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy goodness offers a delightful contrast to the warm cookies, adding an indulgent twist to your treat.
Fresh Apple Slices with Caramel: Crisp and sweet, these create a refreshing crunch alongside the chewy cookies, enhancing their flavor with creamy caramel drizzle.
Cheese Platter: Offering a selection of aged cheddar and creamy brie balances the sweetness of the cookies with rich savory notes.
Pecan Pie Bars: These bars share a similar sweet, nutty profile, making them a perfect companion for your cookie-filled dessert table.
Warm Spiced Cider: A cozy beverage brimming with spices enhances the season’s flavors, complementing the maple and cinnamon in your cookies perfectly.
Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai harmonize with the cookie’s cinnamon, creating a comforting pairing ideal for chilly days.

Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right maple syrup for these cookies?
Absolutely! Always opt for pure maple syrup for the richest flavor. Look for variants that are labeled as “100% pure” to avoid those with high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors, which can compromise the authenticity of your Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies.

How should I store my Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies?
I recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps retain their signature soft and chewy texture. For longer storage, you could refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week, but they may lose some moisture.

Can I freeze Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies?
Absolutely! Baked cookies can be frozen before dipping in white chocolate for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge before decorating!

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, don’t panic! This can happen if the butter was too warm or if the flour was not properly measured. Simply sprinkle in a bit more flour, about one tablespoon at a time, and mix until you reach a consistent, workable dough. Remember, a little stickiness is normal!

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes! The base recipe for the Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies is nut-free as written. However, if you’re adding optional ingredients like nuts or dried fruits, always check for allergies before serving. You could also explore seed-based alternatives if you want that crunch without nuts.

How can I ensure my cookies bake evenly?
To guarantee even baking for your Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies, be sure to use a light-colored baking sheet, as darker pans can lead to uneven browning. Also, make sure to space the dough balls at least 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading while they bake. Happy baking!