If you love the warm, cozy flavor of maple blended into a sweet treat, then you are absolutely going to adore this Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe. It combines tender, buttery cookies with that rich, unmistakable hint of pure maple syrup, all topped with a luscious maple icing that adds just the right touch of sweetness and sparkle. These cookies are the perfect way to bring a little bit of comfort and joy into your kitchen, making them a favorite for sharing at any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a star role. From the creamy butter that creates softness to the pure maple syrup that infuses everything with its distinctive flavor, every component is essential for that perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb, essential for the cookie’s soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness while helping to create a light, fluffy dough.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup packed): Gives a hint of molasses flavor and moisture for chewiness.
- Pure maple syrup (1/3 cup): The star ingredient that brings authentic maple flavor and natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the maple notes and adds depth to the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the base of the dough, providing structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the acids to tenderize the cookies and create the right spread.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates a smooth, sweet base for the maple icing.
- Pure maple syrup (2 tablespoons for icing): Adds extra maple flavor and shine to the drizzle.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve the perfect consistency in the icing.
How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. Preparation here sets you up for success in a seamless baking experience.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step aerates the dough, helping the cookies maintain a tender and inviting texture.
Step 3: Add Maple Syrup and Vanilla
Beat in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This is where your cookies start absorbing that gorgeous maple aroma that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these well helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring your cookies bake consistently.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Scoop and Space the Dough
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even spreading without sticking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until their edges turn lightly golden. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just the right amount before icing.
Step 8: Whisk the Maple Icing
While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. This luscious maple icing will be the perfect sweet finish for each cookie.
Step 9: Ice and Set
When your cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the maple icing over the tops. Allow the icing to set before serving, so it’s firm but still glossy and irresistible.
How to Serve Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle your iced maple cookies with crushed pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon. These garnishes not only enhance the presentation but add delightful texture and warmth that complement the maple perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, making them ideal for afternoon treats or cozy dessert moments. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside works beautifully too, especially when the cookies are slightly warm.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking your maple iced cookies tied with rustic twine for a charming gift, or arranging them on a wooden board alongside seasonal fruits like sliced apples or pears. The natural colors and maple flavor create a beautiful, inviting display perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once iced, keep leftover maple cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and preserves that comforting maple flavor without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies un-iced in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding the maple icing for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm, reheat them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until just warm. Avoid overheating so the icing stays luscious and doesn’t melt away.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Yes! You can swap in a gluten-free flour blend that measures equally to all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
Is it possible to use artificial maple flavoring instead of pure maple syrup?
While you could, pure maple syrup offers a depth and natural sweetness that artificial flavorings can’t replicate. For the best flavor in your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe, stick to real maple syrup.
How thick should the icing be when applying to the cookies?
The icing should be thick enough to coat the cookie without running off but still smooth enough to drizzle or spread easily. Adjust consistency by adding more milk for thinning or powdered sugar for thickening as needed.
Can these cookies be made ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These cookies are wonderful make-ahead treats. Bake and ice them a day or two before your event, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and delicious.
What’s the best way to get uniform cookie sizes?
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop helps portion the dough evenly. This ensures consistent baking times and pretty cookies every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, this Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s simple, flavorful, and packed with all the cozy notes that make maple syrup so beloved. Pull out this recipe whenever you want to brighten your day or impress friends with a cookie that’s as special as it is scrumptious. Happy baking and enjoy every bite!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Maple Cookies drizzled with a luscious maple icing. Perfectly balanced with the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup, these cookies offer a comforting treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract until they are thoroughly combined, infusing the dough with rich maple flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the rising agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients mixing gently until a soft dough forms, careful not to overmix for tender cookies.
- Portion Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the baking sheet and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Maple Icing: While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until the icing is smooth and pourable.
- Ice Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the maple icing over the tops. Allow the icing to set before serving to enjoy a perfectly sweet finish.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them when edges just begin to turn golden.
- You can substitute milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before icing to prevent melting of the icing.
