Name: Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall head-over-heels for these irresistible Maple Cookies with Maple Icing—a soft, buttery treat that’s brimming with deep maple flavor and capped with the silkiest glaze. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of fluffy texture, caramelly sweetness, and that unmistakable, cozy maple aroma. Whether you’re sharing with friends over coffee or sneaking a cookie with your afternoon tea, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing lies in the smart combination of everyday pantry staples and a few special touches that bring the flavors alive. Here’s how each ingredient makes its mark—don’t skip a thing if you want to experience cookie bliss at its best!

Unsalted Butter (cookie base): Ensures the cookies are wonderfully rich, moist, and tender.
Granulated Sugar: Gives just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies bake up with a delicate crumb.
Large Eggs: Binds everything together while adding a bit of lift for a soft interior.
Buttermilk (or substitute): Delivers that subtle tang and guarantees moist, airy cookies you’ll crave.
Salt: Don’t underestimate this touch—it balances the sweetness and intensifies the maple flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, layering beautifully beneath the maple notes.
Maple Extract: The powerhouse behind the authentic maple punch in the cookies; don’t swap it out!
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: This team helps the cookies puff up gorgeously and ensures they’re not too dense.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookies, giving them their classic, tender bite.
Unsalted Butter (for icing): Creates a luscious, creamy base for the silky maple icing.
Brown Sugar: Brings a caramel-like depth to the glaze, complementing the maple beautifully.
Milk: Keeps the icing smooth and easy to spread over those tempting cookies.
Pure Maple Syrup: The star of the icing—adds authentic, earthy-sweet maple flavor and color.
Pinch of Salt: Just enough to sharpen all the sweet flavors in the maple icing.
Powdered Sugar: Whips the glaze into a silky, spreadable finish you’ll want to lick off the spoon.

How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step keeps the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking, so don’t skip it—it lays the foundation for transporting your freshly-baked treats off the pan without drama.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a big, cheerful mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and tempting enough to eat with a spoon (but wait, there’s more!). This step helps your cookies bake up soft and just a little cakey.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Buttermilk, and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each—patience pays off with the tenderest cookies. Then, with your mixer on low, slowly pour in the buttermilk (or your homemade substitute) until everything’s silky-smooth. Stir in the salt, vanilla extract, and the all-important maple extract, followed by baking soda and baking powder to help the cookie dough rise just right.

Step 4: Fold in the Flour

Gradually add the flour in two batches, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and a little sticky—that’s perfect. Avoid overmixing so your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing stay pillowy and deliciously tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Scoop out rounded tablespoonfuls of dough and drop them onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between for spreading. Bake for 6–8 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are just beginning to turn golden. They might look slightly underbaked in the center, but they’ll finish setting as they cool—promise! Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to completely cool while you whip up that dreamy icing.

Step 6: Make the Maple Icing

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together, whisking constantly. Let it boil gently for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Next, stir in the milk, pure maple syrup, and a pinch of salt, bringing it all to a boil again for another minute. Remove from heat, give yourself a 15-minute coffee break (letting the mixture cool), then gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing’s glue-like and glossy. Add a bit of extra milk if you need a perfect spreading consistency. This maple icing is about to elevate your cookies to next-level status!

Step 7: Ice the Cookies

Once your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are cool, spread the luscious maple icing over each one. Work quickly—the icing will thicken fast. If it gets a bit too stiff, a splash of milk will bring it right back to spreadable perfection. Let the icing set before stacking or storing, and try not to devour too many in the process!

How to Serve Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Garnishes

To really impress, scatter a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the freshly iced cookies before the glaze sets. A sprinkling of flaky sea salt is another next-level touch that makes the maple flavor pop. If you’re feeling festive, dust a little cinnamon or edible gold glitter over the top for a cookie that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair Maple Cookies with Maple Icing with a creamy chai latte, hot coffee, or spiced tea for cozy vibes. If you’re serving them at brunch or a fall gathering, try fresh fruit like apple or pear slices, sharp cheddar, or even a simple vanilla ice cream scoop for a stunning dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a tower of cookies on a rustic wood board, sandwich them with a smear of maple butter, or wrap each one in parchment and tie them with twine for farmhouse-chic party favors. For a family holiday, arrange them on a maple-leaf platter, or set out an “icing bar” and let guests decorate their own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing stay remarkably soft for days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—just make sure the icing is fully set to prevent them from sticking together. If you’re stacking, add sheets of wax or parchment paper between the layers.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, both iced and un-iced. For best results, freeze the cookies and icing separately, then frost after thawing. But if you’ve already iced them, just flash freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a container with parchment paper between each layer. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

If you prefer your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing slightly warm (and who doesn’t?), just pop them in a microwave for a few seconds. For a freshly-baked feel, heat in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes—just until soft and aromatic. Be gentle, as the icing will melt if overheated.

FAQs

Can I use real maple syrup instead of maple extract in the cookies?

Maple syrup adds great flavor but isn’t as concentrated as maple extract. For maximum maple punch in these cookies, extract is essential. If you want a more subtle, natural sweetness, you can substitute a few tablespoons of syrup in place of part of the sugar—but keep the extract for the real deal!

How can I ensure my cookies stay soft and don’t dry out?

Don’t overbake! The cookies should be just barely golden on the edges and might seem a tad soft in the center when they first come out—they’ll firm up as they cool. Also, store them in an airtight container to maintain softness.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! Simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This gives you a tangy, homemade buttermilk substitute that works beautifully in this Maple Cookies with Maple Icing recipe.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made and refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes the cookies even more delicious.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

These Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are easy to scale up or down. Just be mindful of your mixer’s capacity if doubling, and keep bake times the same—just keep an eye on the first batch to get your timing perfect.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring the cozy, comforting flavors of fall into your kitchen, you have to try Maple Cookies with Maple Icing. Every batch is a celebration of sweet maple delight, and nothing beats the smile they bring to family and friends. I hope you love them as much as I do!

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Makes about 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the warm flavors of maple in a soft cookie base with a silky maple icing on top.

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Slowly pour in the buttermilk while mixing. Stir in the salt, vanilla extract, maple extract, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the flour and mix until combined.
Bake the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets. Bake for 6–8 minutes until edges are set. Cool on wire racks.
Prepare the Maple Icing: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Boil for 2 minutes. Add milk, maple syrup, and salt; boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency.
Ice the Cookies: Spread icing on cooled cookies. Allow icing to set before storing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American