If ever there was a sweet treat designed to capture pure autumn coziness, it would be these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly soft, cinnamon-scented cookie, only to be greeted by a luscious layer of maple-kissed icing on top. Every bite delivers the comforting warmth of maple syrup, a hint of brown sugar nostalgia, and the charm of a bakery in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are guaranteed to become a go-to recipe you’ll want to bake again and again through every season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these cookies lies in how just a handful of kitchen staples come together to create layers of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each ingredient has its own role to play in making sure your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing turn out irresistibly good every single time.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies richness and a tender, bakery-style crumb.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with maple.
- Pure Maple Syrup: The star flavor—opt for pure maple syrup for the most authentic taste.
- Large Egg: Binds the dough and adds structure so your cookies stay soft, not crumbly.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the warm flavors and gives a comforting aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookies, creating the perfect soft bite.
- Baking Soda: Ensures the cookies rise just the right amount.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings the flavors together.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses gentle warmth and a touch of spice.
- Powdered Sugar (for icing): The secret to a silky, sweet icing that sets up perfectly.
- Pure Maple Syrup (for icing): Doubles down on the maple flavor for the finishing touch.
- Milk (for icing): Just enough to get the icing to a spoonable, spreadable consistency.
How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, you’ll want to beat together the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar until it looks pale and fluffy—think of this as building the foundation of a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar mixture is all airy, blend in the pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined so every cookie gets a generous dose of that maple magic.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This simple step guarantees every bite will taste balanced and evenly spiced, with just the right puffiness.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Try not to overmix—you want the cookies to stay tender and pillowy.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough and place them onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges have a lovely golden hue. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This little rest helps them set up perfectly.
Step 6: Make the Maple Icing
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar and pure maple syrup in a small bowl. Add the milk a teaspoon at a time, stirring until the icing is smooth and spreadable—but not runny. This luscious maple icing is what really sets these cookies apart.
Step 7: Ice the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or generously spread the maple icing over each one. Allow it to set before serving—if you can wait that long! The icing adds not only an extra hit of maple flavor but also the prettiest finishing touch.
How to Serve Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
Garnishes
Give your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing a gorgeous bakery finish by sprinkling on a dusting of cinnamon or a few chopped toasted pecans. A pinch of maple sugar crystals can also add a delightful sparkle and extra crunch on top of each iced cookie.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a mug of creamy chai latte, a glass of cold milk, or a cozy cup of coffee. For a special treat, serve them alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream or some spiced applesauce to really play up those fall flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment for a homemade gift, or stack them in cellophane bags tied with twine. For gatherings, present them on a tiered platter alongside fresh fruit or maple candies—guests will swoon over your creativity and eye for detail.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Maple Cookies with Maple Icing will stay fresh and soft for up to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you layer them, use wax or parchment paper between the layers to keep the icing pristine.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cookies! Place the baked and cooled cookies (without icing) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature, then add the maple icing for maximum freshness and flavor.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop one in the microwave for 5-10 seconds before enjoying. Just make sure it’s not frosted yet, or the icing might melt—always best to reheat before adding the maple icing if possible.
FAQs
Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
While you can use pancake syrup in a pinch, pure maple syrup provides the most authentic, robust flavor. Pancake syrup tends to be sweeter but lacks the depth maple brings to these cookies and the icing.
How do I get the icing to set nicely?
Let the icing-covered cookies sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until the tops are no longer sticky to the touch. For a quicker set, pop them (uncovered) in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine through beautifully.
What’s the best way to scoop uniform cookies?
A small cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon works wonders for evenly-sized cookies. This ensures that all your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing bake up with the same soft texture and golden edges.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles (or even triples) with ease. Just be sure to bake in batches and give each batch plenty of room on the sheet so the cookies don’t spread into each other.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a homemade treat that feels like a warm hug on a brisk day, these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are simply unbeatable. Whether you share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself (no judgment!), give this recipe a whirl and let the flavors of maple make your kitchen extra inviting.
Print
Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing. Soft, sweet cookies with a hint of cinnamon, topped with a luscious maple glaze, make for a perfect fall treat.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Maple Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 teaspoons milk, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Bake Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Prepare Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup, adding milk as needed for desired consistency.
- Ice Cookies: Once cookies are cool, drizzle or spread the icing over each cookie and let set before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- For a stronger maple taste, add 1/4 teaspoon maple extract to the dough or icing.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
