Fall is a great time for maple-themed baking, especially when you’re able to use real maple syrup. To me, real maple syrup is absolutely worth the price – which can be a bit steep – from a flavor perspective. The good news is that maple syrup can last for up to a year in the refrigerator, so you can definitely get your money’s worth and use it in many recipes.

I found this recipe over at Genius Kitchen, after an extensive search for a basic maple cookie recipe. When baked, they resemble peanut butter cookies and have a nice subtle maple flavor and one of the best cookie textures I’ve ever found. They’re very soft and chewy without being fragile or crumbling to pieces, and they keep very well for a few days after baking. This recipe also makes a very large batch, at 5 dozen!

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup real maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and brown sugar. Add egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and beat until very well combined.

Add flour mixture in three batches, mixing well and scraping the bowl between each addition, until completely combined.

Using a one-inch cookie scoop, scoop dough and roll into balls, then roll in sugar. Place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart and flatten with a fork.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are set; you don’t want the cookies to brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Makes 5 dozen.