It was a crisp fall afternoon—the kind where the leaves crunch underfoot, and the air smells like woodsmoke and cozy sweaters. I had a craving for something sweet but not overly rich—something with that nostalgic, autumn flavor. Maple came to mind instantly. There’s something so comforting about the warm, mellow sweetness of real maple syrup. And so, these soft, chewy maple cookies with a drizzle of maple icing were born.
The moment they came out of the oven, the kitchen smelled like a maple dream. I couldn’t wait for them to cool before whisking together a simple glaze and letting it drizzle down in delicate, golden lines. One bite, and I was hooked—soft, lightly spiced cookies with just the right touch of sweetness. These have become a seasonal favorite in our home, but honestly? They’re too good to save just for fall.
Short Description
These soft and chewy maple cookies are bursting with real maple flavor and topped with a simple maple icing that adds the perfect sweet finish. Cozy, comforting, and easy to make—these cookies are a must-bake for maple lovers.
Key Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A dark or amber preferred)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Maple Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tsp milk or cream (as needed for consistency)
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Maple Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup. Add milk or cream a little at a time until the icing is smooth and drizzly.
Step 7: Ice the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top using a spoon or piping bag. Let the icing set before serving (if you can wait!).
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Real Maple Flavor – Both the cookie and the icing are sweetened with real maple syrup.
- Soft & Chewy Texture – Buttery and tender, just the way homemade cookies should be.
- Simple to Make – No chilling needed—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Gifting – They pack well and look beautiful with that shiny maple drizzle.
Tips & Variations
- Maple Sugar Bonus – Sprinkle with a touch of maple sugar for extra flair.
- Nutty Twist – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Make Them Sandwich Cookies – Use the icing as a filling between two cookies for a decadent treat.
- Vegan-Friendly – Use plant-based butter and a flax egg to make them vegan.
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cookies (without icing) for up to 2 months. Thaw and ice when ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use imitation maple syrup?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Pure maple syrup really makes a difference!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
How long does the icing take to set?
About 20–30 minutes at room temperature, depending on humidity.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are like a cozy sweater in dessert form—comforting, warm, and full of sweet, nostalgic flavor. They’re simple enough for a weekday bake but special enough to share during the holidays or at a fall gathering. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a staple in your recipe collection—because who can resist a buttery, maple-kissed cookie with just the right amount of icing?