Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Maple Cookies are not only a visual treat but also a flavor-packed indulgence. The deep, authentic maple flavor is infused in both the cookie dough and the icing, offering a deliciously sweet experience. The cookies have a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth, while the glossy maple icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and elegance. Whether for a holiday celebration or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are versatile and sure to impress.
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
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the buttermilk and mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the salt, vanilla extract, maple extract, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour in two batches, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Bake the Cookies:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are just beginning to turn golden. Do not overbake.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Maple Icing:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, bringing the mixture to a boil for 2 minutes while whisking constantly.
- Add the milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt, and bring the mixture to a boil again for 1 minute, continuing to whisk.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking until the icing reaches a glue-like consistency. If the icing is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
Ice the Cookies:
- Spread the icing over the cooled cookies quickly, as it will thicken upon cooling. If necessary, add additional milk to maintain a spreadable consistency.
- Allow the icing to set before storing the cookies in a covered container.
Servings and Timing
Yield: Approximately 48 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 1 hour
Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Maple Pecan Cookies: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans to the cookie dough for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Spiced Maple Cookies: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced variation.
- Maple Bacon Cookies: Sprinkle finely chopped, cooked bacon over the icing before it sets for a sweet and savory twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze un-iced cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and ice before serving.
- Reheating: Not recommended, as reheating may cause the icing to melt.
FAQs
Can I use maple syrup instead of maple extract?
While maple syrup adds flavor, maple extract provides a more concentrated maple taste essential for this recipe.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the cookie dough can be prepared in advance. Simply wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
How do I store the cookies after they are iced?
Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I use other nuts in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Can I make the icing without brown sugar?
Brown sugar gives the icing its rich caramel flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use white sugar as a substitute for a slightly different taste.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent spreading, ensure that the dough is chilled before baking and be mindful not to overmix the dough.
How can I make the icing thicker?
If the icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I skip the icing?
Yes, if you prefer, you can enjoy the cookies without icing. The maple flavor in the cookies themselves is delicious on its own.
Can I freeze the iced cookies?
Freezing the iced cookies is not recommended, as the icing may not set properly and could become runny upon thawing.
Conclusion
Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are a delightful treat that combines the comforting, sweet flavor of maple with a soft, cake-like texture. The glossy maple icing adds an elegant touch, making these cookies perfect for any occasion. With several easy variations and make-ahead options, these cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Enjoy the rich, warm flavors of maple in every bite!
Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are soft, cake-like cookies infused with rich maple flavor and topped with a sweet, silky maple glaze. These cookies are perfect for autumn gatherings or any occasion that calls for a comforting, homemade treat.
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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cookie dough: Cream butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Slowly pour in the buttermilk and mix. Stir in salt, vanilla, maple extract, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add flour, mixing until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- Bake the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 6-8 minutes, until edges are set and tops begin to turn golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the maple icing: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar, bringing it to a boil for 2 minutes. Add milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and has a glue-like consistency. If it’s too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time.
- Icing the cookies: Spread icing over cooled cookies quickly as it thickens upon cooling. Allow icing to set before storing.
Notes
For added flavor, try incorporating chopped pecans into the dough or as a topping.
For a spiced variation, add ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough.
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option, ensuring all other ingredients are compatible.
