5 Festive Holiday Recipes Featuring Vermont Maple Syrup

There’s something extra special about maple syrup during the holidays. Whether it’s drizzled over roasted veggies, baked into a pie, or shaken into a cozy cocktail, pure Vermont maple syrup brings warmth, richness, and that unmistakable seasonal sweetness to any dish.

As winter sets in and kitchens fill with the smell of cinnamon, cloves, and roasting goodness, maple syrup adds a truly local touch to your holiday table. In this post, we’re sharing five delicious, easy-to-make holiday recipes that feature Vermont maple syrup as a key ingredient, plus tips on which grade of syrup works best for each.

Let’s cook up some maple magic!

Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots

Best grade: Amber or Dark with Robust Taste

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced
  
  
  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
  
  

• 2 tbsp Vermont maple syrup
  
  
  

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  
  
  

• Salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to taste
  
  
  

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized. Sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.

Perfect as a side for holiday roasts or turkey dinners!

Maple Pecan Pie

Best grade: Amber with Rich Taste

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
  
  
  

• 1 cup Vermont maple syrup
  
  
  

• 1 cup brown sugar
  
  
  

• 3 eggs
  
  
  

• 1/2 cup melted butter
  
  
  

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
  
  

• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
  
  
  

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Stir in pecans. Pour into crust and bake for 50–60 minutes until center is set. Cool before slicing.

This pie is a showstopper and makes a thoughtful gift, too!

Maple Bourbon Holiday Cocktail

Best grade: Golden or Amber with Rich Taste

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
  
  
  

• 1 oz Vermont maple syrup
  
  
  

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  
  
  

• Dash of cinnamon or bitters (optional)
  
  
  

• Orange peel or rosemary sprig for garnish
  
  
  

Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist or rosemary for a festive touch.

A cozy cocktail perfect for Christmas Eve by the fire.

Maple Sugar Cookies

Best grade: Golden with Delicate Taste

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
  
  
  

• 3/4 cup sugar
  
  
  

• 1/4 cup Vermont maple syrup
  
  
  

• 1 egg
  
  
  

• 2 1/2 cups flour
  
  
  

• 1 tsp vanilla
  
  
  

• 1/2 tsp baking soda
  
  
  

• 1/4 tsp salt
  
  
  

Instructions:
Cream butter, sugar, and syrup. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately, then combine. Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then roll out and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

Delightfully soft with a hint of maple, perfect for cookie exchanges.

Sugar on Snow - A Vermont Classic!

Best grade: Very Dark with Strong Taste

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Vermont maple syrup

• Fresh clean snow or crushed ice
  
  
  

Instructions:
Boil maple syrup in a saucepan until it reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage). Carefully pour over clean snow in thin lines and let it cool and harden into chewy candy.

A classic Vermont winter tradition that kids (and grown-ups) love!

Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or just cozying up at home, Vermont maple syrup adds something truly special to the season. From table to tree, let it be your secret ingredient this winter.

Looking to stock up for holiday cooking or gift a little sweetness? Visit our Members Page to find Caledonia County sugarmakers offering syrup, maple products, and ready-to-ship gift boxes!