Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Add the egg, syrup, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until well blended.

In another large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Stir this mixture into the butter mixture until well combined.

Place granulated sugar in a shallow bowl or plate. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls (I like to use a #50 scoop) and roll in the sugar to coat. Place on cookie sheets about 2 inches apart and flatten slightly.

Bake the cookies until they start to get lightly golden around the outer edges, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let the cookies cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet, then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool.