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.
