If you’re craving a delightful treat that wraps the cozy essence of fall into every bite, this Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, buttery cookies infused with rich maple flavor, topped with a luscious, sweet maple glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and warmth. These cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also a joy to make, highlighting the natural richness of maple syrup in every step. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these maple treats bring that comforting, homemade feel you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward but packed with purpose, each one playing a vital role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and that inviting golden color. From the softened butter to the fragrant maple extract, every component works together harmoniously.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping to achieve a light, fluffy dough.
- 3 eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a soft, chewy texture.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and tenderizes the dough for softness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a classic warmth.
- 2 tsp maple extract: Infuses a deep, authentic maple syrup flavor throughout the cookies.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives a light texture.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Adds additional lift for fluffiness.
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for icing): Creates a rich, creamy base for the maple icing.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the icing with added depth and a caramel note.
- 1/4 cup milk: Makes the icing smooth and spreadable.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Brings that unmistakable maple signature to the icing.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the icing perfectly.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Gives the icing a silky sweetness and helps achieve the right consistency.
How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which can take a couple of minutes. This step creates the perfect base that ensures a tender and airy cookie.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Buttermilk
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then, slowly pour in the buttermilk with the mixer running on low speed; this gradual combining keeps your dough smooth and prevents curdling. Buttermilk lends a subtle tang that complements the maple flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Add Flavorings and Leavening Agents
Now it is time to add the salt, vanilla extract, and the star ingredient, maple extract, for that signature sweetness. Stir in the baking soda and baking powder to help the cookies rise to a lovely lightness. Mix everything well—you want a uniform batter that’s bursting with cozy aromas.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Add half of the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until combined, then fold in the remaining flour. This method helps keep the dough tender and prevents overworking, which can make cookies tough. Once the dough is ready, scoop it by 2-tablespoon portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each cookie about two inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes. The cookies will appear pale and soft—this is exactly what you want! Avoid overbaking to maintain their tender texture. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooldown is essential for the icing to set beautifully.
Step 6: Make the Maple Icing
While the cookies cool, prepare the maple icing. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, whisking constantly. Let this mixture boil for 2 minutes to develop a rich caramel flavor. Then add milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt, boiling again for 1 minute while whisking continuously.
Step 7: Finish the Icing
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes to slightly thicken. Then whisk in powdered sugar until the icing forms a glue-like consistency. If it feels too thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time until smooth enough to spread. Quickly spread the icing over the cooled cookies; it will thicken as it sets, creating a perfectly sweet glaze.
How to Serve Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little crushed pecans or finely chopped walnuts over the icing right after spreading can add a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast to the sweetness. A light dusting of cinnamon or a tiny drizzle of extra maple syrup can also enhance their cozy charm.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, black or lightly sweetened tea, or a glass of cold milk for classic comfort. For a grown-up twist, they are excellent alongside a warm spiced apple cider or even a splash of bourbon for an evening treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter garnished with fresh autumn leaves or a bowl of whole maple syrup for dipping. You can also sandwich two iced cookies together with a layer of soft cream cheese frosting to turn these into irresistible maple cookie sandwiches—a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the icing has set, store your maple cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, retaining their soft texture and sweet maple essence beautifully without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after icing them. For best results, freeze uniced cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw completely and ice just before serving. Iced cookies freeze well too, but allow them to thaw gently to keep the icing intact.
Reheating
If you prefer warm cookies, gently heat them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This tiny warmth revives the soft texture and intensifies the maple aroma, making them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular syrup for maple syrup in this recipe?
For the best authentic flavor, pure maple syrup and maple extract are key to capturing that warm maple taste. Using regular pancake syrup may result in a sweeter but less complex flavor, so it’s best to stick with pure maple products if possible.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free versions, you could experiment with a gluten-free baking flour blend, but texture and rise might vary slightly.
Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?
Absolutely! You can adjust the size, but baking times will vary. Smaller cookies may only need 4 to 5 minutes, while larger ones could take closer to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, remembering they should stay pale.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
This recipe uses eggs, butter, and milk, so it’s not vegan as is. However, you could try substituting plant-based butters, flax eggs, and non-dairy milk to create an egg- and dairy-free version, though results may differ slightly in texture and flavor.
Can I add other flavors or spices to the dough?
Yes! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of ground ginger would complement the maple beautifully. Just add 1/2 teaspoon or less to the dry ingredients to keep the balance just right without overpowering the maple.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is truly a little slice of sweetness wrapped in autumn’s embrace. It’s an absolute joy to bake and even more wonderful to share. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple whenever you want a comforting, delicious treat with a touch of maple magic. Grab your apron and enjoy every warm, flavorful bite!
Print
Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are soft, buttery treats infused with rich maple flavor and topped with a luscious, sweet maple icing. Perfectly tender with a hint of vanilla and a delightful maple aroma, these cookies are ideal for gatherings or a sweet afternoon snack.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp maple extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Maple Icing
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the batter.
- Mix in Buttermilk: With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the buttermilk and mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Add Flavorings and Leaveners: Add the salt, vanilla extract, maple extract, baking soda, and baking powder to the mixture. Mix thoroughly to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Flour: Add half of the all-purpose flour and mix just until combined, then add the remaining flour and mix to form a dough. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape and Bake: Drop the dough by 2-tablespoon scoops onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 6-8 minutes. The cookies should remain pale in color to avoid overbaking. Remove and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly to avoid burning.
- Add Liquids and Boil: Add the milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil again and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
- Cool Icing Mixture: Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes to thicken slightly before adding powdered sugar.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing reaches a glue-like consistency. If the icing is too thick, add additional milk one tablespoon at a time until it becomes spreadable.
- Ice the Cookies: Quickly spread the maple icing over the cooled cookies. The icing will thicken as it cools. Add more milk as needed to maintain spreadability. Allow the icing to set before storing the cookies in a covered container.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should be pale and soft for the best texture.
- If the icing becomes too thick while spreading, soften it by adding a little milk gradually.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger maple flavor, you can increase the maple extract slightly but avoid overpowering other flavors.
- Ensure the cookies are completely cool before icing to prevent the icing from melting and running.
