If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a cookie that wraps you in warm, cozy flavors of fall, the Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. These soft, buttery cookies blend the rich sweetness of maple syrup with a delicate hint of cinnamon, all topped with a silky, luscious maple icing that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a comfy afternoon treat, these maple delights bring that comforting homemade charm that’s impossible to resist.

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s beauty in simplicity with this recipe. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s the rich butter creating tender cookies, the brown sugar adding depth, or the pure maple syrup infusing that signature sweetness and flavor. Grab these staples to create a blend of taste, texture, and that irresistible golden hue.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base, contributing to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with maple’s natural flavors.
½ cup pure maple syrup: The star ingredient, bringing unmistakable maple richness and moisture.
1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and helps create the perfect cookie structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie dough that gives shape and body.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right for a soft texture.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that deepens the flavor complexity.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the maple flavor.
2 cups powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet icing that perfectly complements the cookies.
¼ cup pure maple syrup: Flavors the icing with pure maple goodness for consistency in every bite.
2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the icing to that perfect spreadable texture.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic sweetness to the icing.

How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to make sure your cookies bake evenly and slide off easily. This prep step is small but crucial for perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This means it’s full of air and ready to create that tender crumb you love in a cookie.

Step 3: Blend in Maple Syrup, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, mix in half a cup of pure maple syrup, one large egg, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is combined beautifully. This step gives the dough a rich, fragrant base packed with sweetness and that iconic maple aroma.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of your leavening agent and spices for consistent flavor and texture throughout the cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until everything just comes together. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and soft after baking.

Step 6: Scoop and Space the Dough

Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Giving each cookie enough room means they can expand slightly and bake into perfect rounds.

Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until their edges turn lightly golden. This subtle color change signals they’re perfectly baked—soft in the center but with a slight crisp along the edges.

Step 8: Cool Before Icing

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Applying icing too soon could cause it to melt and slide off, so patience here really pays off.

Step 9: Prepare the Maple Icing

In a clean bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk, adding it one teaspoon at a time, until the icing reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.

Step 10: Ice the Cookies

Once your cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of maple icing on each one. This final touch adds not just sweetness but a glossy, irresistible finish that brings the whole treat together.

Step 11: Let the Icing Set

Give your iced cookies enough time to let the glaze set before serving or storing. This step ensures the icing won’t smudge and keeps your cookies looking as amazing as they taste.

How to Serve Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

Garnishes

Want to elevate your maple cookies? Sprinkle a pinch of chopped pecans or crushed walnuts on top of the maple icing before it sets. The crunch adds an amazing textural contrast while complementing the warm maple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a bold dark coffee, bringing balance to the sweet richness. They’re also fantastic alongside a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, stack your maple cookies on a rustic wooden platter tied with a ribbon for holiday gifting or party trays. You can even drizzle extra maple syrup over the icing for a shiny finish or gently dust powdered sugar for a snowy look that’s perfect for cozy winter get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your maple cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and flavor. They usually stay fresh and delightful for up to 5 days, letting you enjoy them a little longer without any fuss.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the cooled, un-iced cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw and then ice them fresh after thawing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie or two in a microwave for about 10 seconds or heat them briefly in a warm oven. This softens the cookie and gently melts the icing, evoking that freshly-baked feeling with every bite.

FAQs

Can I substitute the brown sugar?

While brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavor and moisture, you can swap it with coconut sugar for a more subtle sweetness, though the cookie’s texture and flavor may shift slightly.

Is it necessary to use pure maple syrup?

Using pure maple syrup truly makes a difference here. It gives an authentic maple flavor that syrup substitutes can’t quite replicate, so for the best results, stick to the real deal.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious and tender.

How thick should I make the maple icing?

The icing should be spreadable but not runny. Start with adding milk gradually until you reach a consistency that can coat the back of a spoon and spread nicely without dripping.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With a few swaps like vegan butter and a flax egg instead of a regular egg, this recipe can be made vegan-friendly without losing too much of its deliciousness and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe that brings a cozy hug of flavors with every bite. Whether you’re a maple fanatic or just looking for a dessert to impress friends and family, these cookies offer that irresistible blend of sweetness, softness, and a touch of spice. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll reach for again and again.