If you have a sweet tooth that craves a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat, you’re going to adore this Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe. These cookies combine tender, buttery dough infused with the rich flavor of maple extract and are topped with a luscious, smooth maple icing that perfectly balances sweetness and warmth. Every bite offers a delightful harmony of soft texture and that unmistakable maple charm, making these cookies a heartwarming treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a comforting afternoon snack or a charming dessert to share with loved ones, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are the secret to making Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe so incredibly delicious. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the creamy butter that gives the cookies their softness, to the brown sugar which adds depth and richness, and the maple extract that weaves that unmistakable flavor through every bite.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a tender, rich base and a smooth texture to the cookie dough.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moistness and a hint of caramel flavor to complement the maple.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while contributing to the cookie’s structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon maple extract: Infuses the dough with the enchanting, signature maple flavor.
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape but stay soft inside.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and achieve a light texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Essential for crafting the smooth, sweet maple icing.
- 1 tablespoon milk (plus more if needed): Creates the perfect consistency for the icing, making it silky yet spreadable.
- ½ teaspoon maple extract: Delivers a concentrated hint of maple in the icing to echo the cookie’s flavor beautifully.
How to Make Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when the cookies are ready to bake. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step makes all the difference in the end result.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this aeration is key to soft cookies. Next, stir in the egg and maple extract, which brings that cozy maple essence front and center. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt before gradually incorporating these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. The result is a soft dough that promises tender, flavorful cookies with every bite.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounds of dough onto your prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread just right. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to pull them out once the edges have set but the centers still look slightly underdone—that’s the sweet spot for soft, chewy cookies. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Icing
While your cookies are cooling, mix together powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract in a bowl. Stir until the icing is completely smooth. If it feels too thick, add a splash more milk until you achieve a spreadable, silky consistency. This maple icing is what takes these cookies from simple to spectacular.
Step 5: Ice the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to add that luscious layer of maple icing. Use a spoon or a piping bag to generously top each cookie. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes so the icing can set and develop a delicate, soft crust. These finishing touches are the perfect way to elevate the Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe to absolute perfection.
How to Serve Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of charm and extra flavor, consider sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the icing before it sets. A light dusting of cinnamon or finely grated orange zest can also bring a delightful aroma and twist to these classic cookies.
Side Dishes
These soft maple cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, a frothy chai latte, or a simple glass of cold milk. They’re also a sweet accompaniment to breakfast dishes like pancakes or waffles when you want to treat yourself.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your cookie platter pop by arranging the Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears. For special occasions, place them in decorative tins lined with parchment, or stack them with parchment paper between layers to create an inviting gift box.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will preserve their soft texture and keep the maple icing from drying out, so you can enjoy that fresh-baked charm any time.
Freezing
If you want to save the cookies for later, freeze them without icing by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a resealable freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add fresh icing. This keeps your Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe tasting like they just came out of the oven.
Reheating
To bring a little warmth back to your cookies, gently heat them in the oven at 300°F for about 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture gummy. A warm cookie with melty icing is simply irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute maple extract with real maple syrup?
While real maple syrup adds fantastic flavor, it contains more liquid and could alter the dough’s consistency. If you want to use syrup, try reducing some of the liquid ingredients or using a more concentrated maple flavoring designed for baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend to make a special batch, though the texture might vary slightly.
How can I make the icing thicker or thinner?
Adjust the icing consistency by adding powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin. For piping, a slightly thicker icing works best, while spreading might be easier with a thinner glaze.
Can I add nuts or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, pair beautifully with the maple flavor. Just fold them into the dough during mixing for an extra layer of taste and texture.
What storage container is best for these cookies?
An airtight container is ideal to keep these cookies fresh and soft. For longer storage, layering them between sheets of parchment paper inside the container prevents sticking and preserves their beautiful icing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s soft, buttery, and utterly infused with the warmth of maple, this Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is your golden ticket. It’s straightforward to make yet impressively delicious, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with a quiet cup of tea. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with the delightful balance of flavors and textures that only maple can bring. Happy baking!
Print
Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are tender, chewy cookies infused with rich maple flavor and topped with a smooth, sweet maple glaze. Perfect for maple lovers, these cookies combine buttery dough with a hint of brown sugar and warm spices, then finish with a luscious icing that sets beautifully for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Maple Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (plus more if needed)
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add in the egg and maple extract, mixing well to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop and Bake. Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underdone for a soft texture. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk as needed for a thinner icing that can be easily drizzled.
- Ice the Cookies. Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon or pipe the maple icing onto each cookie. Let the icing set at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Do not overbake the cookies; centers should look slightly underdone to remain soft.
- Adjust the icing thickness with additional milk for a glossy finish or thicker topping.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For extra maple flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the icing before it sets.
