Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

If you are ready to fall in love with a sweet treat that’s bursting with cozy, autumnal flavor, this Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the rich, buttery softness of a classic cookie with the deep, distinctive taste of pure maple syrup in both the dough and the luscious icing. Each bite is an absolute delight—soft, slightly chewy, and coated with a smooth glaze that will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon snack, or a special gathering, this recipe is an absolute showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to create these unforgettable Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly, creating a balance of sweetness, moisture, and that classic maple aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

• Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened for creamy texture and rich flavor that’s essential to the cookie’s tenderness.
• Brown sugar, 1 cup (packed): Adds a hint of molasses sweetness and moisture that keeps the cookies soft.
• Pure maple syrup, ½ cup: The star of the show that infuses the dough with that unmistakable maple flavor and natural sweetness.
• Large egg, 1: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture and structure.
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the maple’s natural notes with a warm, floral undertone.
• All-purpose flour, 3 cups: The backbone that provides structure and ensures the perfect cookie consistency.
• Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise gently and develop a lovely texture.
• Ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon: Adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with maple.
• Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• Powdered sugar, 2 cups: Used in the icing for smooth sweetness and a delicate finish.
• Pure maple syrup, ¼ cup (for icing): Continues the maple magic in the glossy icing topper.
• Milk, 2-3 tablespoons: Adjusts the icing consistency to the perfect spreadable texture.
• Vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon (for icing): Adds depth and rounds out the sweetness in the glaze.

How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you that perfect golden edge and tender center every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This creaming process is key—it incorporates air to create a soft, tender cookie base that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Maple Syrup, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, pour in the pure maple syrup, crack in the egg, and add the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. These wet ingredients introduce essential moisture and carry the rich maple flavor right through the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to distribute the leavening evenly, resulting in cookies that bake up perfectly every time.

Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture

Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet batter, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn tough instead of soft and chewy.

Step 6: Portion the Dough

Use a tablespoon to scoop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie. This spacing allows them room to spread without merging, giving each one its own beautiful shape.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look just soft. This perfectly timed bake creates that irresistible chewy center with a delicate crisp edge that is so satisfying.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling ensures the cookies set nicely and gives you the best base for the luscious maple icing.

Step 9: Prepare the Maple Icing

In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until the icing is smooth and glossy. If it feels too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 10: Ice the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of maple icing over each one. This finishing touch adds a sweet, shiny glaze that complements the soft cookie underneath delightfully.

Step 11: Let the Icing Set

Allow the icing to set fully before serving or storing the cookies. This step gives the icing time to harden slightly, creating the perfect texture that’s not too sticky but wonderfully smooth.

How to Serve Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

Garnishes

While the cookies are stunning on their own, a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder can add that extra wow factor. These garnishes introduce a subtle crunch or warmth that enhances the maple flavor brilliantly.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of chai tea, strong black coffee, or even a creamy latte for a perfect afternoon treat. Their rich sweetness pairs wonderfully with slightly bitter or spiced beverage notes, creating a balanced and indulgent snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the maple cookies with ribbons tied around for gifting or arrange them elegantly on a wooden tray alongside fresh autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks. For a fun twist, sandwich the cookies with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or a dollop of spiced maple buttercream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and keeps the icing glossy and delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies (without icing) for up to three months. Once thawed, you can quickly whip up the maple icing and frost them fresh, just like you made them today. This method keeps the cookies tasting fabulously fresh whenever you need a sweet fix.

Reheating

To enjoy your maple cookies warm, simply place them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This gently softens the cookie without melting the icing, offering a cozy, just-baked experience that’s hard to beat.

FAQs

Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?

While you can use white sugar, brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that perfectly complements the maple. Using white sugar will result in a less tender cookie with less depth in flavor.

Is it necessary to use real maple syrup in this recipe?

Yes, using pure maple syrup is key here. It provides the authentic maple flavor and natural sweetness that imitation syrups cannot replicate, making the cookies truly special.

How thick should the maple icing be?

The ideal consistency is smooth and spreadable but not runny. It should hold its shape on the cookie without dripping off the edges. Adjust with milk one teaspoon at a time to get it just right.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measurement. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

How long does it take for the icing to set?

Typically, the icing will set within 30–60 minutes at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, placing the cookies in the refrigerator can speed up the process.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug and tastes like a celebration of maple’s natural goodness, this Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is waiting for you. The combination of tender, flavorful cookie and the irresistibly sweet glaze makes it a recipe to keep coming back to again and again. Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the joyful process of baking these decadent treats that are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

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