Maple Cookies With Maple Icing

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are a treat that brings all the cozy flavors of fall together in a soft, chewy cookie topped with a perfectly sweet glaze. The cookies themselves are rich and buttery, with a hint of maple that pairs beautifully with a touch of cinnamon. When topped with a smooth maple glaze, each bite is a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.

The process is simple but rewarding. Start by mixing a dough that blends butter, brown sugar, and real maple syrup, which gives these cookies their signature flavor. After baking, each cookie is topped with a maple glaze that’s easily whisked together with powdered sugar and maple syrup. The glaze hardens to a delightful finish, giving the cookies a lovely sheen and extra layer of maple flavor.

For an added twist, sprinkle on some roasted chopped pecans or crumbled bacon while the glaze is still wet. The pecans add a bit of crunch, while the bacon adds a savory note that pairs surprisingly well with the maple sweetness. Whether for a holiday cookie tray or an afternoon treat, these maple cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who loves a taste of autumn in each bite.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Cookies:
Perfect Texture: These cookies strike a balance between soft and chewy, with a slight crispness on the edges.
Real Maple Flavor: Made with maple syrup in both the dough and glaze, these cookies taste truly authentic.
Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and an easy process, they’re quick to whip up.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are universally loved, and adding garnishes like pecans or bacon adds an extra layer of fun!

Key Ingredients:
For the Cookies
Butter: Softened butter creates the best creamy texture. Make sure it’s not too melted, as this can cause the cookies to spread.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides a molasses-like depth and helps achieve that chewy texture.
Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid pancake syrups, which contain corn syrup and lack the rich, natural maple taste.
Cinnamon: The touch of cinnamon in these cookies gives warmth without overpowering the maple flavor.

For the Maple Glaze
Powdered Sugar: This is the base of the glaze, giving it a smooth, silky consistency.
Maple Syrup: The syrup adds flavor to the glaze, so make sure it’s high-quality.
Milk: Adding a small amount of milk allows you to control the glaze’s thickness, making it easy to achieve the perfect consistency for dipping or spreading.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Glaze:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use either a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
Add Wet Ingredients: Blend in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for even mixing.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon.
Combine with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending just until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Portion the Dough: Using a cookie scoop, measure out 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll into balls.
Flatten the Dough Balls: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using the bottom of a glass, press each ball down to about ½ inch thick.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be set but still soft to the touch for a chewy texture.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. This will help them firm up and make them easier to handle.

Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze
Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add additional milk, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 7: Glaze the Cookies
Dip or Spread the Glaze: Once the cookies are fully cooled, dip the tops into the glaze and let any excess drip off before placing them on a wire rack. Alternatively, spoon the glaze onto the cookies and spread gently with the back of a spoon.

Step 8: Add Garnishes
Optional Garnishes: While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the tops with roasted chopped pecans or crumbled bacon, if desired. This adds texture and an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions:
These maple cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider. They also make a lovely addition to a fall dessert spread, alongside other seasonal treats like pumpkin bread or apple pie. For a unique presentation, arrange them on a platter with small dishes of extra glaze and garnishes for guests to add their own toppings.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’re making them in advance, keep the cookies and glaze separate, glazing just before serving.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well, either before or after baking. For unbaked dough, shape the cookies, then freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. For baked cookies, freeze them without the glaze and apply the glaze once thawed.
Make-Ahead Glaze: The maple glaze can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before glazing.

Variations:
Maple Pecan Cookies: Mix chopped pecans directly into the dough for a nutty flavor in every bite. This adds a wonderful texture without needing the garnish.
Spiced Maple Cookies: Enhance the fall flavors by adding ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice to the dough. This variation adds a warm, cozy vibe to the cookies.
Gluten-Free Maple Cookies: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
Bourbon Maple Glaze: Add a splash (about 1 teaspoon) of bourbon to the glaze for a sophisticated twist that enhances the maple flavor. This works particularly well for adult gatherings or holiday parties.
Coconut Maple Cookies: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with coconut flour for a unique twist, and add a bit of shredded coconut to the dough if desired.

Conclusion:
These Maple Cookies with Maple Glaze are everything you could want in a fall dessert: they’re soft, chewy, and infused with the cozy flavors of maple and cinnamon. With just a bit of glaze and an optional garnish, they become an elegant treat that looks and tastes special. So whether you’re a maple fanatic or simply looking for a new cookie recipe, this one is sure to delight.