Maple Cookies are a delectable treat that encapsulates the rich and distinct flavor of maple. With a delicate yet chewy texture, these cookies offer a delightful combination of sweetness and warmth. The use of maple sugar adds a touch of natural sweetness and depth to the cookies, making them a beloved favorite among those who appreciate the earthy tones of maple. The recipe you’ve provided encapsulates the essence of these cookies, offering a simple and timeless approach to baking with a touch of comforting nostalgia.

The use of maple as a sweetener and flavoring in baked goods goes back centuries, particularly in regions where maple trees are abundant. Native American communities were among the first to tap maple trees and use the sap for various purposes, including making sweet syrups and sugars.

The recipe you’ve shared seems to draw from this tradition of utilizing maple in baked goods. The combination of maple sugar and sour cream adds depth and moisture to the cookies, creating a uniquely delightful taste experience. In earlier times, when access to ingredients like maple sugar was more localized, recipes like these represented a special treat that celebrated the flavors of the local environment.

YIELD: This recipe yields approximately forty Maple Cookies.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 egg
• 1 cupful sugar
• 3 tablespoonfuls Crisco (shortening)
• 1 cupful sour cream
• 1 teaspoonful baking soda
• 3 tablespoonfuls hot water
• 1/2 teaspoonful salt
• Flour
• Maple sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cupful of sugar and 3 tablespoonfuls of Crisco until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add the egg to the creamed mixture and beat it well until fully incorporated.
4. Pour in 1 cupful of sour cream and mix it with the sugar, Crisco, and egg mixture until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoonful of baking soda in 3 tablespoonfuls of hot water.
6. Add the dissolved baking soda mixture to the sour cream mixture, and mix thoroughly.
7. Incorporate 1/2 teaspoonful of salt into the mixture to enhance the flavor.
8. Gradually add enough flour to the mixture to achieve the right consistency. The dough should be thick enough to drop from a spoon.
9. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a greased or lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for spreading.
10. Grate some maple sugar on top of each cookie. This will infuse the cookies with a delightful maple flavor and natural sweetness.
11. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately 8 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
12. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
13. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

Maple Cookies celebrate the unique and earthy taste of maple while offering a timeless baking experience. With their origins rooted in the appreciation of local flavors, these cookies continue to be a cherished treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.