Maple Cookies With Maple Icing Recipe

If you have a soft spot for the warm, comforting sweetness of maple syrup, then this Maple Cookies With Maple Icing Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. These cookies perfectly balance a tender, slightly spiced base with a luscious maple icing that melts in your mouth. Each bite offers a little hint of cinnamon and that unmistakable rich maple flavor, making these cookies an irresistible choice for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to achieving that perfect blend of flavors and textures. This recipe uses simple pantry staples, each playing a unique role in crafting the soft, flavorful cookies topped with a creamy maple glaze.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and tender crumb without extra salt interfering with the maple’s sweetness.
• Maple syrup (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons): Delivers authentic maple sweetness to both the cookie dough and the icing, tying the whole recipe together.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the maple flavors.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and contributes to a soft texture.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy base that gives the cookies structure and a satisfying bite.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness without puffing up too much.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a warm spice that pairs beautifully with maple syrup.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates the smooth, sweet base for the maple icing.
• Milk (1 tablespoon, or more): Adjusts the consistency of the icing to your liking—more milk means thinner glaze, less is thicker.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the icing.

How to Make Maple Cookies With Maple Icing 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 and ensure even baking. This small step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cookies perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Maple Syrup, and Brown Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar. This process incorporates air, making your batter smooth and fluffy, which will give the cookies a lovely, tender texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Beat in the egg until it’s fully incorporated. The egg acts as a binder, holding everything together and giving your cookies body and moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these together beforehand makes sure that the leavening and spices are distributed evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps your cookies soft rather than tough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they’ll bake evenly and not stick together.

Step 7: Flatten Dough Balls

Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten each dough ball slightly. This helps the cookies bake into the ideal thickness for soft, tender bites with crisp edges.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching carefully for lightly golden edges. That’s your cue that they’re perfectly baked—soft inside with just the right amount of chew.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Transfer your baked cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Cooling is essential before adding the maple icing to prevent it from melting and sliding off.

Step 10: Prepare the Maple Icing

While the cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk little by little to achieve your desired icing consistency for easier drizzling or spreading.

Step 11: Ice Your Cookies

Drizzle or spread the maple icing over each cooled cookie. Allow the icing to set for a bit before enjoying for that perfect sweet finish encapsulating all that rich maple goodness.

How to Serve Maple Cookies With Maple Icing Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle your iced cookies with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or crushed toasted pecans. The salt enhances the maple flavor, while the pecans add delightful crunch and a nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of your favorite tea—like chai or a robust black tea—for a warming, cozy snack. They also go amazingly well with a glass of cold milk or even a light coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking your cookies on a pretty plate tied with a rustic ribbon for gifting, or arrange them on a tiered platter at a brunch or holiday party. Adding a few maple leaves or a small maple syrup bottle nearby can make the presentation feel extra festive and thoughtfully themed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and soft, so you can savor that wonderful maple flavor whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

To keep these delightful cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid; then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a sweet treat, thaw them overnight at room temperature and add fresh icing if desired.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies a little warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or reheat briefly in a low oven. This brings back that just-baked softness and intensifies the maple aroma with every bite.

FAQs

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

While maple syrup is essential for the signature flavor in this Maple Cookies With Maple Icing Recipe, you could use honey or agave syrup in a pinch. Just keep in mind it will alter the distinct maple taste that makes these cookies so special.

What if I don’t have ground cinnamon? Can I leave it out?

You can omit cinnamon if needed, but it does add a nice warmth that complements the maple wonderfully. If you have other warm spices like nutmeg or ginger, feel free to experiment with those for a creative twist.

How thick should the icing be when spreading on the cookies?

The ideal icing consistency is smooth and spreadable but not too runny. It should hold its shape on the cookies without dripping off. Adjust with small amounts of milk to get just the right texture for your preference.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies aim for a tender softness with slightly crisp edges. The careful baking time ensures they don’t dry out too much, giving a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that pairs perfectly with the creamy icing.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the right texture. The rest of the ingredients remain the same!

Final Thoughts

This Maple Cookies With Maple Icing Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves that rich, natural sweetness only real maple syrup can provide. Whether you bake a batch for a chilly afternoon treat, a special event, or just because, you’ll find these cookies bring a smile with every bite. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why this recipe quickly becomes a family favorite.

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