Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Let’s talk about pure comfort in cookie form: Maple Cookies with Maple Icing. These pillowy-soft cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced with a lusciously smooth maple icing that brings everything together in glorious harmony. Every bite is like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater on a crisp autumn morning, with flavors that make you want to close your eyes and savor every second. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or treating yourself on a regular Tuesday, these cookies always feel like a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Maple Cookies with Maple Icing is how a handful of everyday pantry staples transform into something uniquely special. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from rich, creamy butter to the unmistakable depth of pure maple syrup.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for both cookie dough and icing, it creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie base while helping achieve that perfect chewy crumb.
- Eggs: Provide structure and tenderness, making the cookies just the right level of soft.
- Buttermilk: Brings a subtle tang and ensures the cookies stay moist; you can easily substitute with milk plus lemon juice or vinegar.
- Salt: Rounds out the sweetness and brings all the flavors into focus in both dough and icing.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that complements the maple beautifully.
- Maple extract: The star of the show, infusing each cookie with that iconic, woodsy sweetness.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to lift the cookies and keep them tender.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together while staying light.
- Brown sugar: For the icing, it offers a hint of caramel richness to deepen the maple notes.
- Milk: Helps the icing flow smoothly and adds a touch of creaminess.
- Pure maple syrup: Real-deal maple delivers unmatched flavor in the icing.
- Powdered sugar: Sifts into the icing for that dreamy, glossy finish and just the right amount of sweetness.
How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by setting the stage for tender cookies. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about five minutes. You’re aiming for a texture that’s light and airy, which is what guarantees each cookie bakes up with that signature soft crumb.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Buttermilk
Crack in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition for a truly smooth dough. Slowly pour in the buttermilk on low speed, watching the mixture become creamy and cohesive. This step ensures that every bite of your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing is moisture-packed and fluffy.
Step 3: Stir in Flavors and Leaveners
Now it’s time for the stars to shine. Stir in the salt, vanilla extract, maple extract, baking soda, and baking powder. These ingredients bring complexity and lift—don’t skimp on the maple extract for maximum cozy flavor!
Step 4: Add the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour in two batches, mixing just until everything is combined. The dough should be soft and just a touch sticky—perfect for pillowy cookies without being tough or dry.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
With your dough ready, drop rounded tablespoons onto lined baking sheets, spacing them out to allow for a little spread. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 8 minutes. Watch for those edges to set and the tops to barely turn golden—you want to pull them before they overbake. Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Whip Up the Maple Icing
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, whisking continually. Bring it to a gentle boil for two minutes, then add milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Let everything bubble again for a minute, then remove from the heat. After a 15-minute cool, gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until you have a thick, smooth icing. Adjust with additional milk if needed for glorious spreadability.
Step 7: Ice the Cookies
Spread the maple icing over the cooled cookies while it’s still warm and swoon-worthy. Work quickly—the icing loves to set as it cools. If you need to loosen it up, a splash of milk is your best friend. Let the icing fully set before storing or stacking.
How to Serve Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
Garnishes
If you want to make these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing utterly irresistible, try sprinkling them with a dash of cinnamon, toasted crushed pecans, or even a drizzle of extra maple syrup. Each little topping adds both beauty and a delightful burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Maple Cookies with Maple Icing shine solo, but they’re also wonderful alongside a mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or even a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. For fall brunches, serve them next to a platter of apple slices and sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking the cookies in a rustic bakery box, wrapping them in parchment for gifting, or even tucking them into a festive dessert tray. For parties, arrange them on a platter with cinnamon sticks and maple leaves—your guests will swoon before they even take a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the icing is set, store your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Layer them with parchment paper if stacking to keep the icing looking picture-perfect.
Freezing
For ultimate convenience, you can freeze the cookies (iced or un-iced!) for up to three months. Just pop them in a freezer bag or airtight container, with parchment between layers, and thaw overnight at room temperature. The icing may lose a little sheen after thawing, but the flavor stays divine.
Reheating
If your cookies feel a touch firm post-freeze, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave brings the softness right back. Don’t overdo it, or the icing might melt—just enough for that fresh-from-the-oven feel!
FAQs
Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
While pancake syrup can work in a pinch, the flavor just isn’t the same. Pure maple syrup gives Maple Cookies with Maple Icing their signature depth and complexity, so go for the real deal if you can.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and chill it. Scoop and bake straight from the fridge, adding a minute to the bake time as needed.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! A good all-purpose gluten-free flour blend will yield delicious Maple Cookies with Maple Icing. Check that your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture and pay attention to the dough’s consistency, adding a splash more buttermilk if needed.
How do I keep my icing from getting too stiff?
If the icing starts to thicken as you’re working, simply stir in a few teaspoons of milk until it’s spreadable again. The icing will set up quickly as it cools, so keep that extra milk handy!
What’s the best way to store cookies for gifting?
Place completely cooled and iced cookies in a decorative tin or bakery box with parchment between layers. Maple Cookies with Maple Icing stay soft for days, making them perfect gifts for friends, teachers, or neighbors.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a tray of Maple Cookies with Maple Icing from the oven and sharing them with people you love. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh, gifting a box, or sneaking one late at night, these cookies deliver big, cozy flavor in every single bite. Give them a try—you may discover a new favorite treat to bake again and again!
Print
Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes about 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing. Soft, maple-infused cookies topped with a silky maple icing make for a delightful treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Soft Maple Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp maple extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4½ cups (540g) all-purpose flour
For the Silky Maple Icing:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- A pinch of salt
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat the oven. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, buttermilk, and extracts. Mix in dry ingredients.
- Bake the Cookies: Drop dough onto sheets. Bake until set. Cool on wire racks.
- Prepare the Maple Icing: Melt butter and sugar, add milk, syrup, and salt. Cool slightly. Add powdered sugar to reach desired consistency.
- Ice the Cookies: Spread icing over cooled cookies. Allow to set before storing.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use real maple syrup in the icing.
- Store the cookies in a single layer to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Maple Cookies, Maple Icing, Soft Cookies, Dessert Recipe
