If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that wraps you in the cozy sweetness of autumn, this Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. These soft, tender cookies are bursting with real maple syrup flavor in every bite, beautifully complemented by a luscious, smooth maple icing that perfects the experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies bring a unique depth of rich maple goodness that makes each moment special. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to for sharing joy in cookie form!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of flavor and texture in these maple cookies is all about using simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a role— from the creamy softness of butter to the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup, and the careful dash of leavening agents that give these cookies their ideal tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened: Helps create a rich, tender crumb and adds creaminess to the dough.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s light texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed: Brings a subtle molasses note that enhances the maple flavor.
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup: The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with authentic maple sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Balances the flavors with a hint of aromatic warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds gentle lift for fluffy, soft cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for even texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances all flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Essential for making the smooth maple icing topping.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Brings concentrated maple flavor to the icing.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Creates the perfect consistency for drizzling or spreading icing.
How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick. This little prep step saves you from any post-baking frustration and keeps your cookies perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key for creating a tender cookie— the air you incorporate now helps develop that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture later.
Step 3: Blend in Maple Syrup and Vanilla
Next, add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth. These ingredients bring a fragrant, sweet depth that starts teasing your taste buds even before baking.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking everything together helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is essential for a consistent texture in your cookies.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients to Form Dough
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing here; you want just enough to combine without toughening your dough.
Step 6: Portion and Bake the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Maple Icing
While the cookies cool completely, mix together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable. Once the cookies have cooled down, either drizzle the maple icing over the tops or spread it evenly with a small spatula. Let the icing set before serving for the best bite.
How to Serve Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Want to elevate these already amazing cookies? Sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon over the icing. These small touches add texture and a warm spice that meshes beautifully with the maple flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Their sweet, buttery maple taste complements a variety of beverages, making snack time feel like a cozy moment just for you.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack the cookies tied with a rustic twine bow or arrange them on a wooden platter with some fresh autumn leaves or pinecones as décor. They make gorgeous gifts too, nestled in a decorative tin or wrapped in parchment with a little ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover maple cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for about 3 to 4 days. Keeping them sealed is key to preserving that delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the baked cookies without icing in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and then add the fresh maple icing— this keeps the texture fresh and the flavor at its peak.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, gently heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent sogginess. Adding icing after warming ensures the texture and taste stay perfect.
FAQs
Can I use a substitute for pure maple syrup?
While you can substitute maple syrup with honey or corn syrup, it’s best to stick with pure maple syrup for that authentic flavor that defines this recipe. The subtle nuances of maple cannot be fully replicated.
What type of maple syrup works best?
A Grade A or Grade A Dark Amber pure maple syrup is ideal as it has strong maple flavor without being too overpowering. Avoid imitation syrups to keep the deliciously natural taste.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend made for baking. Just make sure to use one that includes a binding agent for best results.
Is it necessary to let the cookies cool before icing?
Absolutely. Cooling completely prevents the icing from melting and sliding off, helping it set into a nice, firm layer with a beautiful finish.
How thick should the icing be?
The maple icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to drizzle or spread easily. Adjust by adding a bit more powdered sugar to thicken or a splash of milk to thin it out.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is one of those treasures that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The combined flavors of real maple syrup in both the cookie and icing create a delicious experience you’ll want to return to again and again. Go ahead, bake a batch and share the love— these cookies are pure joy from start to finish!
Print
Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the sweet, buttery goodness of Maple Cookies topped with a luscious maple icing. These soft, chewy cookies combine the rich flavors of pure maple syrup and vanilla, perfect for a cozy treat or sharing with friends and family. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and maple indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Maple Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the dough.
- Add Maple Syrup and Vanilla: Beat in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until well combined to infuse the dough with rich flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft cookie dough forms without overmixing.
- Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth and pourable to create the maple icing.
- Ice Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the maple icing over the tops and allow it to set before serving for a delightful finishing touch.
Notes
- For soft cookies, avoid overbaking to keep the centers chewy.
- Use real pure maple syrup for authentic flavor.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Milk in the icing can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative for lactose intolerance.
- If dough is too sticky, chill for 15-30 minutes before scooping.
