If you are craving a melt-in-your-mouth treat with the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, this Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender cookies infused with rich maple flavor, topped with a silky maple icing that adds the ideal touch of sweetness and gloss. These cookies are irresistibly soft, subtly spiced, and a true celebration of maple that will brighten any afternoon tea or special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try something cozy and inviting, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to create that signature soft texture and enchanting maple flavor. From the creamy butter to the powdered sugar in the icing, every component plays a vital role in the cookie’s irresistible taste and perfect consistency.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and ensures the cookie stays soft and tender.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Provides moisture plus that subtle caramel undertone enhancing the maple.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and helps with texture.
- 1 teaspoon maple extract: Brings the star maple flavor to life right in the cookie and icing.
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the cookie’s delicate body and crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Gives a slight lift and contributes to softness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors overall.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the smooth, sweet maple icing.
- 1 tablespoon milk (plus more if needed): Adjusts icing consi  stency for that perfect drizzle or spread.
- ½ teaspoon maple extract: Ensures the icing carries the same delicious maple note.
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) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This simple preparation prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly with beautiful bottoms.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for the cookie’s soft texture. Then add in the egg and maple extract, mixing well to evenly incorporate that lovely maple aroma. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms that’s ready to be scooped and baked.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake
Drop the dough by tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, giving each scoop about 2 inches of space apart for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, looking for edges that are set but centers that still appear slightly underdone—this guarantees an irresistibly soft and tender cookie. Once baked, let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This step allows the cookies to firm up just enough without losing their softness.
Step 4: Make the Icing
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract until you achieve a smooth, creamy icing. If you prefer a thinner consistency for drizzling, add a little more milk one teaspoon at a time. The maple extract in the icing perfectly mirrors the cookie’s flavor, tying everything together wonderfully.
Step 5: Ice the Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cool, spoon or pipe the luscious maple icing over each one. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes so the icing can set to a soft, glossy finish. This final touch elevates these cookies from delicious to absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little flair and texture, consider sprinkling these cookies with finely chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt just before the icing sets. Not only do these garnishes complement the maple sweetness, but they also add visual appeal that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
These soft maple cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, enhancing the cozy maple notes. If you want to get decadent, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that friends and family will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack the iced cookies on a rustic wooden board tied with twine or arrange them in a festive tin for gifting. You can also drizzle extra maple icing in decorative patterns for a bakery-worthy look at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to keep the icing from sticking.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them after baking but before icing. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and then ice fresh for best results.
Reheating
To gently warm your cookies without melting the icing, place them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft cookie texture and slightly melts the icing for a just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I substitute maple extract with maple syrup in this Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe?
While pure maple syrup adds excellent flavor, it contains more liquid, which can affect the dough’s texture. If you prefer using syrup, reduce other liquids slightly to maintain the cookie’s softness, or reserve syrup primarily for the icing.
How do I keep these cookies soft for longer?
Storing them in an airtight container at room temperature and layering them with parchment paper helps maintain moisture. Avoid refrigerating as that can dry out the cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that’s suitable for baking. Just ensure the mix contains xanthan gum or another binder to achieve the right texture.
What if I don’t have maple extract on hand?
You can substitute vanilla extract for a different but delicious flavor, although the signature maple flavor will be milder. For a closer match, use pure maple syrup in the icing to boost that maple charm.
Is it okay to skip the icing?
Definitely! The cookies on their own are delightfully soft and flavorful. However, the maple icing adds a beautiful sweetness and finish that makes this recipe special and memorable.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of Soft Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe that fills your kitchen with sweet, comforting aromas and leaves everyone reaching for just one more. These cookies are tender, flavorful, and perfectly kissed with maple in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how easily they become your new favorite treat to share with friends and family.
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, buttery treats infused with rich maple flavor. Perfectly soft with a hint of sweetness, they are topped with a smooth maple icing for an extra touch of indulgence. Ideal for maple lovers looking for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience.
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 use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and packed light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and maple extract, mixing well to blend. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a tablespoon, drop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underdone for maximum softness. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract until smooth and well combined. Add additional milk a little at a time if you prefer a thinner icing consistency.
- Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon or pipe the maple icing onto each cookie. Let the icing sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and a better dough texture.
- If you prefer a stronger maple flavor, increase the maple extract slightly but avoid overpowering the cookie.
- Make sure cookies have cooled completely before icing to prevent melting.
- The icing can be thinned with extra milk for drizzling or thickened for piping by adjusting powdered sugar amount.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
