There’s something truly enchanting about the scent of warm maple syrup mingling with the comforting spice of cinnamon. As the holiday season approaches, I find myself yearning for treats that evoke the joy and coziness of home. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies with White Chocolate—a delightful combination of soft, chewy goodness and festive appeal.
Imagine these little gems, fresh from your oven, their centers soft and warm, waiting to melt in your mouth. Dipping them in rich white chocolate adds an elegant touch that feels perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire. Whether you’re baking for a festive party or treating yourself to something special, these cookies are sure to be the highlight of your dessert table. Ready to turn your kitchen into a haven of delicious aromas? Let’s dive into this simple yet decadent recipe that’s guaranteed to impress!
Why are Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet maple syrup and warm cinnamon creates a taste that’s both comforting and festive, perfect for the holiday season.
Decadent Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, offering that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Simple to Make: You don’t need to be a baking pro; this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
Versatile Options: Add nuts for a delightful crunch or switch the chocolate for dark for a richer flavor.
Great for Sharing: Whether at holiday parties or cozy family gatherings, these cookies are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Indulge in this recipe to create a memorable treat that everyone will adore!
Ingredients for Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies
For the Cookies
• ½ cup pure maple syrup – Adds deep maple flavor; use authentic for the best results.
• 1 teaspoon maple extract – Enhances the maple flavor profile; a little goes a long way.
• 1 cup brown sugar – Provides chewiness and moisture; for a different taste, try coconut sugar.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Contributes richness; can be swapped for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• 1 large egg – Binds the dough; you can use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure; consider a gluten-free blend as a great substitute.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Introduces warmth and spice, making these cookies perfect for the holidays.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring your cookies puff up just right.
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt – Enhances overall flavors; don’t skip it!
• 1 cup white chocolate melting wafers – For dipping; use high-quality wafers for a luscious finish.
• Holly berry sprinkles (optional) – Adds a festive touch to your delightful cookies.
These Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies are perfect for the holiday season, merging soft textures with rich flavors for a truly special treat!
How to Make Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies
Whisk Together: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and maple extract until everything blends smoothly. Then, add in the egg and mix well to ensure a beautifully combined dough.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and fine salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices for a consistent cookie flavor.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it; just mix until everything is combined for that perfect chewy texture.
Chill the Dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps enhance the thickness and chewiness during baking, preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without browning too quickly.
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop, form 1.5-ounce balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
Bake the Cookies: Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for the edges to be set while the centers remain puffy. They should not brown too much—soft is the key.
Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate at half power, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy.
Dip the Cookies: Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate, then place them back on parchment paper. Drizzle any leftover chocolate over the cookies for a decorative touch, using a piping bag if you have one handy.
Sprinkle Festively: Immediately sprinkle holly berry sprinkles on the dipped chocolate before it sets, adding that festive flair that everyone will adore.
Let Set: Allow the chocolate to cool and set completely before serving or storing these delicious treats.
Optional: For a touch of pizzazz, garnish with chopped nuts before the chocolate sets.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and chilling it in the refrigerator to enhance their chewiness. Alternatively, scoop out the dough into 1.5-ounce balls and freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer the frozen dough balls to a baking sheet and add an extra minute to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies at a moment’s notice! Just remember, for the best quality, store the cookies in an airtight container after they have cooled completely to keep them soft and delicious.
What to Serve with Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies?
Elevate your dessert experience and create a delightful holiday spread with these soft, festive treats.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: A rich hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the maple and cinnamon notes, enhancing the cozy feel of your gathering.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a refreshing contrast to the chewy cookies, creating a delicious temperature and texture balance.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider infused with spices complements the cookie’s flavors, making it an inviting beverage option for the holidays.
- Gingerbread Men: Bring in some classic holiday spirit with gingerbread cookies for a festive cookie platter that everyone will love.
- Cheese Board: A mellow cheese board with brie or goat cheese adds a savory touch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For those craving a nutty dessert, pecan pie bars provide rich, caramelized flavors that pair delightfully with the maple cookies.
- Peppermint Bark: This festive treat introduces a refreshing mint flavor that complements the warm spices in your cookies, creating a holiday cheer.
- Roasted Nuts: A mix of spiced and roasted nuts for a crunchy snack balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding texture to your dessert spread.
- Eggnog: A glass of rich eggnog, spiced just right, enhances the holiday experience and is perfect for a festive pairing.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a light, refreshing element that enhances the indulgence of the cookies without overshadowing their flavors.
How to Store and Freeze Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewiness and flavor.
Fridge: To extend freshness, keep cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week; just make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply place them in the oven without thawing for a quick treat!
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to bring back the soft, chewy goodness of these Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies!
Variations & Substitutions for Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies
Embrace your creativity by customizing these cookies to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy the same soft and chewy texture, just without the gluten!
- Dairy-Free: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil, and dip in dairy-free white chocolate for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Chocolate Switch: Swap the white chocolate melting wafers with dark chocolate for a richer, more decadent flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of maple.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of ginger to the dough for an additional layer of warmth and festive zest.
- Maple Vanilla Fusion: Replace the maple extract with vanilla extract for a subtly different flavor profile that still retains that cozy sweetness.
- Double Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, mix cocoa powder into the dough to create a rich chocolate base before dipping in white chocolate for a delightful indulgence.
- Zesty Addition: Stir in some orange zest for a bright citrus note that pairs wonderfully with the maple and cinnamon.
These simple variations can transform your cookies while keeping their heartwarming essence intact!
Expert Tips
Use Real Maple Syrup: Always opt for pure maple syrup to achieve the deep, rich flavor essential for delicious Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be soft in the center for the best chewy texture.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance the cookies’ thickness and chewiness during baking.
Use a Light Baking Sheet: A light-colored baking sheet prevents excessive browning, helping you achieve the perfect cookie consistency.
Portion for Consistency: For evenly sized cookies, use a kitchen scale to measure 1.5-ounce portions of dough before baking.
Storage Tips: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze pre-formed dough balls for up to two months for fresh-baked cookies anytime.
Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right maple syrup for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies, always choose pure maple syrup over imitation varieties. Authentic maple syrup has a rich, deep flavor that truly enhances your cookies. Check for labels that say “100% pure maple syrup” to ensure you get the best quality.
What is the best way to store my cookies after baking?
To keep your Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their freshness, placing them in the refrigerator will allow them to last up to a week. Just make sure they are sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out—nobody wants a crumbly cookie!
Can I freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies?
Absolutely! If you want to enjoy freshly baked cookies at a later time, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. To bake, you don’t need to thaw; just place the frozen balls directly in the oven. For baked cookies, you can also freeze them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months!
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very! If your dough is too sticky to easily form balls, try chilling it in the refrigerator for an additional 15-30 minutes. This should help firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape. Always remember that humidity can affect dough consistency, so feel free to add a touch more flour if needed, but be careful not to overdo it!
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Great question! These Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies can be made vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and using coconut oil instead of butter. For nut allergies, simply omit any nuts, and ensure that your chocolate wafers are nut-free. Always check your ingredient labels to be safe!
Can I use different types of chocolate for dipping?
The more the merrier! While this recipe calls for white chocolate, you can absolutely swap it for milk or dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor. Just melt according to package instructions, and don’t forget to sprinkle with festive toppings before the chocolate sets for that holiday flair!
Indulgent Chewy Maple Cinnamon Cookies: Soft & White Chocolate Dipped
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and maple extract until everything blends smoothly. Then, add in the egg and mix well to ensure a beautifully combined dough.
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and fine salt.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a cookie scoop, form 1.5-ounce balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate at half power, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate, then place them back on parchment paper.
- Immediately sprinkle holly berry sprinkles on the dipped chocolate before it sets.
- Allow the chocolate to cool and set completely before serving or storing these delicious treats.
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