I made these maple-chai brown sugar cookies on a rainy afternoon, and I swear the whole house smelled like fall wrapped in a cozy blanket.
The maple syrup brings this deep, caramel sweetness, and the chai spices add just the right amount of warmth. They’re chewy in the middle, a little crisp on the edges, and just dreamy with a cup of tea (or coffee, no judgment).
These cookies are one of my absolute favorites when I want something a little different from the usual chocolate chip or sugar cookie. The flavors feel special but familiar—like if your favorite fall candle turned into dessert.
Plus, they’re super simple to make and freeze beautifully, so I usually double the batch and hide a few in the back of the freezer for when the craving hits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are everything you want in a cozy, homemade treat: soft, chewy, and infused with warm spices and real maple syrup. The combination of brown sugar and maple gives them a deep, rich sweetness, while the chai adds just enough spice to make each bite feel like a hug.
They’re easy to make, no chilling required, and they bake up beautifully every time. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie exchange or just because it’s a gray day and you need something sweet, they’re guaranteed to lift your mood.
What You’ll Need
For the Cookies
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of black pepper (optional, but great for extra chai warmth)
For Rolling
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra chai flavor)
Pro Tips
- Use real maple syrup. Skip the artificial stuff—pure maple syrup makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Don’t overbake. Take them out when the edges are set but the centers look a little soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Spice to your liking. Love bold spice? Add an extra pinch of ginger or black pepper.
- Soft butter is key. Make sure your butter is softened (not melted) for perfect creaming.
- Chai sugar for rolling = magic. Mixing cinnamon into the rolling sugar gives every cookie that extra layer of cozy.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- No cardamom? Sub with extra cinnamon and ginger, or skip it entirely.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter.
- Add-ins: Fold in white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of maple glaze.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Sugar-free: Sub brown sugar with a brown sugar alternative and adjust bake time slightly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chill the dough (optional): Chilling for 30 minutes makes the flavors even deeper and helps prevent spreading.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls: Roll, place on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
- Freeze baked cookies: Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temp and enjoy!
- Mix dough ahead: You can make the dough 1–2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge.
How to Make Maple-Chai Brown Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Roll and Coat
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with cinnamon (if using). Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, roll in sugar, and place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look a bit soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect with a warm drink—think chai latte, spiced tea, hot apple cider, or coffee.
They’re lovely for holiday platters, cookie swaps, or just a sweet afternoon treat. You can even sandwich two with a little vanilla frosting or maple cream for a twist!
Leftovers and Storage
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies: Cool completely, then freeze in layers between parchment paper for up to 2 months.
- Freeze dough: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months—perfect for baking just a few at a time.
Nutrition & Benefits
These cookies are made with pantry staples and sweetened naturally with maple syrup and brown sugar.
While definitely a treat, they offer warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom—many of which are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. They’re cozy, flavorful, and a more wholesome choice than store-bought alternatives.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of real maple?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Pure maple syrup gives the best result.
2. What makes these cookies chewy?
The brown sugar and maple syrup help retain moisture, giving them that soft, chewy center.
3. Do I need to chill the dough?
Not required, but chilling for 30 minutes helps deepen the flavor and reduce spreading.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles easily and is great for freezing or holiday baking.
Cozy Cookies with a Spiced Twist
These Maple-Chai Brown Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat that feels like fall, winter, and a cozy afternoon all rolled into one.
With warm spices, chewy texture, and that irresistible maple sweetness, they’re perfect for any time you need a little homemade comfort. Simple to make, easy to share, and impossible not to love.