If you’ve been on the hunt for a delightfully soft and buttery treat infused with the warm, rich flavor of maple, look no further than this Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s perfectly tender with just the right hint of sweetness, finished with a glossy maple glaze that melts on your tongue. These cookies bring a cozy, homemade charm that’s simple enough for any baker to master but impressive enough to share with loved ones. Keep reading, and you’ll discover how this lovely Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe can become your new go-to comfort dessert that’s bound to brighten any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect soft texture and rich maple flavor that make these cookies stand out.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Essential for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base with a rich buttery taste.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the delicate crisp edges on the cookies.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Infuses moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that deepens the overall taste.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives the dough structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and balances the maple flavor beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract: Gives the cookies their signature maple aroma and taste, making them truly special.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough providing the perfect chewiness in every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that soft, airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
- For the maple glaze: A blend of 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1–2 tablespoons milk, 1/4 teaspoon maple extract (optional for stronger flavor), and a pinch of salt, creating a shiny, sweet finish that beautifully complements the cookies.
How to Make Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring your cookies bake evenly with a soft underside and slightly golden edges.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial for that tender crumb and sets the stage for a wonderful texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Flavorings
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. This combination infuses the dough with extra moisture and a beautiful depth of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures a uniform distribution of leavening agents and salt, which helps your cookies bake evenly and taste balanced.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until a soft cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the dough tender and light.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start turning golden. The centers should still look soft – they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they set properly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, prepping them perfectly for glazing.
Step 8: Prepare and Apply the Maple Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, milk, maple extract (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. Drizzle or spoon this luscious glaze over the cooled cookies, then let it set for a deliciously sweet finish that seals in all the flavor.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, sprinkle the glazed cookies with finely chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon. These little accents add texture and enhance the warm maple notes, making each bite even more memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a rich cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte for a cozy afternoon treat. They also go wonderfully alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few maple glazed cookies on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves scattered around for a beautiful seasonal display. You can also place them in a decorative tin with parchment paper for gifting—the perfect way to share this irresistible Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the cookies are glazed and completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to four days, making them a wonderful make-ahead option for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to keep these maple treats around longer, freeze the unglazed cookies by arranging them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw and glaze before serving to preserve freshness and flavor.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes for a freshly baked feel. This revives their softness perfectly without melting the glaze.
FAQs
Can I substitute maple extract with real maple syrup?
While maple syrup adds wonderful sweetness and flavor, it’s best used in the glaze rather than the dough itself, as the syrup’s liquid content can alter the cookie texture. Using maple extract in the dough ensures that concentrated maple flavor without changing the consistency.
How do I make my maple glaze thicker?
To thicken the glaze, simply add more powdered sugar a little at a time. If it becomes too thick, thin it out with a few drops of milk or maple syrup until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce any additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt level in your cookies.
What makes these cookies soft instead of crispy?
The combination of brown sugar and the minimal baking soda, along with the right balance of butter, creates a tender, soft texture. Slightly underbaking and cooling properly also helps maintain that softness.
Is there a vegan option for this Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, use a flax egg or other egg substitute, and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. The maple glaze can easily be made vegan by using plant-based milk.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe is such a heartwarming dessert that perfectly captures the essence of cozy gatherings and sweet indulgences. With its soft, tender crumb and that irresistible glossy maple glaze, it’s one recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. So grab your mixing bowl, invite some loved ones over, and enjoy sharing these maple treats—they truly bring happiness one bite at a time.
Print
Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Maple Glazed Cookies, perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. These classic American dessert treats blend the warmth of maple syrup with a tender cookie base, finished with a sweet maple glaze for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon maple extract (optional for stronger flavor)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract until the batter becomes smooth and well combined, adding a subtle maple flavor and richness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Form the Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft cookie dough forms without overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form 1-inch dough balls and place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked yet soft inside.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before applying glaze.
- Make the Maple Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, milk, optional maple extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and drizzleable.
- Glaze the Cookies: Drizzle or spoon the maple glaze over the cooled cookies evenly. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving to achieve a beautiful finish.
Notes
- For enhanced maple flavor, sprinkle the glazed cookies with finely chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon before the glaze sets.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and softness.
