If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite, these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are absolutely the answer. Soft, tender cookies infused with rich maple flavor are topped with a luscious, glossy maple icing that perfectly balances sweetness with that unmistakable deep maple essence. This homemade treat is both comforting and elegant, making it the perfect companion for your next tea time or a delightful ending to a cozy dinner. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll quickly become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing. From the softened butter that ensures softness to the maple extract that delivers that signature taste, every item is essential.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich creaminess and tender crumb to the cookies.
2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies achieve a lovely golden color.
3 eggs: Binds ingredients together and gives structure.
1 cup buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and keeps the cookies moist and light.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Offers warm background notes to complement the maple.
2 tsp maple extract: Delivers the unmistakable maple flavor throughout the cookie.
1 tsp baking soda: Provides lift and helps with spread.
1 tsp baking powder: Ensures lightness and a soft texture.
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for structure and body.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for icing): Key for rich, buttery sweetness in the icing.
1 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the icing.
1/4 cup milk: Balances thickness and helps create the perfect icing consistency.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: Boosts the maple flavor in the icing.
Pinch salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances flavors.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing to the perfect glue-like texture.

How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial for the perfect texture! Then, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to make sure everything is well incorporated.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the buttermilk, which will give your cookies their moist and tender quality. Then stir in the salt, vanilla extract, and maple extract. These flavors are the heart of your cookies! Finally, add the baking soda and baking powder to help your cookies rise just right.

Step 3: Add the Flour

Time to bring in the flour. Add half of your flour and mix gently until combined, then add the remaining flour and mix together just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix because that can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop dough balls about 2 tablespoons each onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake your cookies for just 6 to 8 minutes. They will look pale when done — don’t wait for browning! Let them cool a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Make the Maple Icing

While the cookies cool, start the icing by melting butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil for 2 minutes while whisking constantly—this creates that rich caramel flavor. Add milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt, then boil again for 1 more minute. Turn off the heat, allow the mix to cool for 15 minutes, then whisk in the powdered sugar until you get a glue-like consistency. If it seems too thick, a tablespoon of milk at a time will soften it up.

Step 6: Frost the Cookies

Spoon or spread the maple icing quickly over the cooled cookies. The icing will thicken as it cools, so spread it while it’s still nice and smooth. If it gets too thick to spread, just add a little more milk. Let the icing fully set before packing or serving.

How to Serve Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Garnishes

Sometimes the simplest details add the biggest touch of charm. Sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts atop the icing for a delightful crunch and a nutty complement to the maple flavors. A tiny twist of orange zest can also lend a bright contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are incredible alongside a warm mug of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For an elevated snack, pair these cookies with a soft cheese like cream cheese or mascarpone on the side. They also make a sweet finish after a fall-inspired meal featuring roast chicken or pork.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Arrange your cookies on a vintage wooden platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar, or stack them in a pretty glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon for gift-giving. You can also drizzle extra maple syrup sparingly on top just before serving for an eye-catching shine and extra maple goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing have cooled and the icing is set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days — perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing that fresh-baked charm.

Freezing

If you want to keep the magic longer, freeze the plain cookies (without icing) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw completely and then spread the maple icing fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring the cookies back to that just-baked warmth, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or warm it briefly in an oven at low temperature before icing if frozen plain. This will help the delicate maple flavor bloom again and soften the cookie perfectly.

FAQs

Can I substitute maple extract with pure maple syrup?

While pure maple syrup adds wonderful flavor, it also adds liquid, which could affect the cookie dough texture. If substituting, reduce other liquid ingredients slightly and expect a more moist cookie. Maple extract provides concentrated flavor without altering dough consistency.

How thick should the maple icing be?

The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape once spread but still soft enough to spread smoothly. Aim for a glue-like consistency—it will firm up as it cools. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture might be slightly different, but the maple flavor will shine through beautifully.

Why do the cookies stay pale after baking?

These cookies are designed to be soft and tender, so they bake quickly without browning much on top. The pale color means they’re perfectly baked inside and won’t be dry or crunchy. Resist the urge to overbake for the best results.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the flavor and texture it adds, but if needed, margarine can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the taste and texture of your Maple Cookies with Maple Icing.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Maple Cookies with Maple Icing is such a joyful experience that brings a little sweetness and warmth to any day. These cookies are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to celebrate the comforting flavors of maple in every bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon—it’s the kind of treat that invites smiles, conversation, and maybe even a second helping. Happy baking!

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these soft and flavorful Maple Cookies topped with a luscious homemade maple icing. Perfect for maple syrup lovers, these cookies combine the warmth of maple extract with a sweet, creamy glaze ensuring every bite is a delectable treat suitable for any occasion.

Instructions

Prepare the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth texture.
Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure even distribution and proper texture.
Mix in buttermilk: With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the buttermilk and blend until fully combined, adding moisture and tenderness to the dough.
Add flavorings and leaveners: Stir in the salt, vanilla extract, maple extract, baking soda, and baking powder, mixing well to evenly spread all the flavors and activating the rising agents.
Incorporate flour: Add half of the all-purpose flour to the mixture and blend until just combined. Then add the remaining flour and mix until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball.
Scoop and bake: Drop the dough by 2-tablespoon scoops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 6-8 minutes, watching carefully for pale coloring to avoid over baking.
Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the maple icing: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Bring this mixture to a boil and maintain for 2 minutes while whisking constantly to avoid burning.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture back to a boil, whisking continuously for another minute to thicken.
Cool and mix icing: Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for 15 minutes. Then gradually add powdered sugar while whisking until the icing reaches a glue-like consistency. If it’s too thick, add milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time, to adjust.
Ice the cookies: Quickly spread the maple icing over the cooled cookies before it thickens too much. The icing will thicken as it cools, so add extra milk as needed to keep it spreadable.
Set icing: Allow the icing to set completely before storing the cookies in a covered container for freshness.

Notes

Do not overbake the cookies — they should remain pale and soft.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
If the icing becomes too stiff, adjust consistency with a small amount of milk.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For a stronger maple flavor, consider adding a bit more maple extract but be careful not to overpower the dough.

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