These Maple Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The addition of pure maple syrup adds a rich depth of flavor that makes these cookies perfect for autumn gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.
Peanut butter: The star of the show, providing a creamy and rich nuttiness.
Butter: Softened to blend smoothly, adding moisture and flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses and helps keep the cookies soft.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with the cookie structure.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together, giving the cookie its tender texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth.
Pure maple syrup: Infuses the cookies with a subtle maple taste.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base, providing structure to the cookies.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that ensures the cookies rise properly.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a cozy fall treat, enjoy them alongside a hot cup of spiced chai or a pumpkin spice latte.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures the cookies won't stick. In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is your base.
To this creamy mixture, add the egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Beat them in until everything is well combined. The syrup might make it slightly looser, but that's just fine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix just until combined; over-mixing can make the cookies tough.
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie and create a crisscross pattern on top. This not only looks nice but helps the cookies bake evenly.
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This short rest allows the cookies to set up properly.