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Maple Brown Sugar Cookie Bars

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These chewy cookie bars are packed with deep brown sugar and pure maple syrup flavor, then topped with a silky maple cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings, bake sales, or a comforting treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then add 1/4 cup pure maple syrup and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (if using).
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until no streaks remain.
  6. Spoon the dough into the lined pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is just set. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
  8. For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup unsalted butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  9. Add 2 cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Slice into 24 squares for serving.

Notes

Use real maple syrup for best flavor. For gluten-free bars, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Let bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting. For clean slices, chill briefly before cutting and wipe the knife between cuts. Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple, brown sugar, cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert, easy, autumn, baking, chewy bars, maple syrup

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/maple-brown-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe-easy-maple-frosted-treats/