Can you substitute maple syrup for molasses in a cookie recipe?

No, maple syrup cannot be substituted for molasses in a cookie recipe. Molasses is a thick, dark syrup made from the boiling of sugar cane or sugar beet juice, while maple syrup is a sweet liquid made by boiling the sap of maple trees. The two syrups have different flavors and textures, and they are not interchangeable in baking recipes.

Molasses is a key ingredient in many cookie recipes because of its distinct flavor and ability to add moisture and chewiness to the cookies. It also helps to brown the cookies and give them a crispy exterior. Maple syrup, on the other hand, is a much thinner syrup with a sweeter flavor. It would not provide the same texture or flavor to cookies as molasses.

If you do not have molasses on hand, you can try substituting a mixture of dark brown sugar and water. This will not be an exact substitute, but it will come closer to the flavor and texture of molasses than maple syrup.