If you’re looking for a sweet treat that wraps up all the cozy vibes of fall in one bite, these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are pure comfort and joy. Imagine a soft, tender cookie that’s rich with the unmistakable flavor of real maple syrup, finished with a glossy, drizzly maple icing that melts on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a touch of maple magic in your day, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep close. Each cookie is like a little taste of autumn, perfect alongside a mug of tea or coffee. Let’s dive into the delicious details together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, but every ingredient plays a starring role in building flavor, texture, and that beautiful, golden color. Fresh, quality ingredients are your secret weapons for making these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing truly unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The foundation for soft, tender cookies and a rich, buttery taste.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moisture and depth, giving the cookies a caramel-like sweetness.
- Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup for cookies, 2 tbsp for icing): Go for Grade A dark if you can for the most robust, authentic maple flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a little lift for that perfect chew.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and adds a touch of warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The structure of your cookies—don’t pack it in the cup for the softest texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, soft bite.
- Salt (1/4 tsp for cookies, pinch for icing): Just a hint brings out all the sweetness and keeps the flavor balanced.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for your icing, making it smooth and luscious.
- Milk (1–2 tsp): Adjust as needed for a dreamy, drizzly icing consistency.
How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily—no sticking, no fuss!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Take your time here; this is what gives your cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, caramel notes.
Step 3: Add Maple Syrup, Egg, and Vanilla
Pour in the maple syrup, crack in the egg, and add the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. The aroma at this stage is already so inviting, you’ll want to sneak a taste!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly, so every bite is perfect.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—just enough so there are no streaks of flour left. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each one with your palm or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Maple Icing
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk as needed for your perfect drizzling consistency. The icing should be glossy and fragrant with maple.
Step 8: Ice the Cookies
Once the cookies are cool, spoon or drizzle the icing over the tops. Let the icing set before stacking or serving. The result: gorgeous Maple Cookies with Maple Icing that look as good as they taste!
How to Serve Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar or chopped toasted pecans over the icing while it’s still wet. You could even add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to play up the sweet-salty flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing alongside a steamy mug of chai or a creamy latte. They’re lovely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or paired with fresh fruit for a lighter touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a rustic cake stand, wrap them up in pretty boxes as gifts, or arrange a few on a plate with a drizzle of extra maple icing for dipping. These cookies also shine as part of a fall dessert platter with other seasonal treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you live in a humid area, you might want to layer parchment or wax paper between cookies to keep the icing looking pristine.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and add a fresh drizzle of icing if needed.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for just 2–3 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds. This softens them and brings out the maple aroma, though the icing may get a little melty—delicious all the same!
FAQs
Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
For the best flavor, stick with pure maple syrup. Pancake syrup is mostly corn syrup and artificial flavors, so your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing won’t have the same rich, authentic taste.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No need! This dough is ready to bake right away. Chilling isn’t required, but if you want slightly puffier cookies, you can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
Can I make the icing thicker or thinner?
Absolutely. Add more milk for a thinner, drizzlier icing, or more powdered sugar for a thicker, spreadable version. It’s all about your personal preference for topping your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing.
Are these cookies very sweet?
They’re sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. The touch of salt in both the dough and icing helps balance the flavors, and using a robust maple syrup keeps them tasting rich and complex.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips work beautifully in this recipe. Just fold them in after mixing the dough for a fun twist on classic Maple Cookies with Maple Icing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about baking a batch of Maple Cookies with Maple Icing—the aroma, the gooey icing, and that first soft, maple-infused bite. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved go-to in your kitchen, perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. Give them a try and let a little maple sweetness brighten your day!
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Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and flavorful Maple Cookies topped with a smooth, sweet maple icing. These American-style cookies combine the rich taste of pure maple syrup both inside the dough and in the glaze, making them perfect for fall or any maple lover’s treat. Easy to prepare and baked to a golden perfection, these cookies are a cozy dessert to enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Maple Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed for consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass to promote even baking. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the cookie edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents over-baking and helps maintain softness.
- Make Maple Icing: While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, milk (starting with 1 teaspoon and adding more if needed), and a small pinch of salt until the icing is smooth and drizzling consistency.
- Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies have fully cooled, spoon or drizzle the maple icing over each cookie. Allow the icing to set at room temperature before serving for best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use Grade A dark maple syrup for a richer, deeper maple flavor in both the cookies and icing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 4 days.
- If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- These cookies can be frozen after baking (before icing) for up to 2 months; thaw completely before icing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
