Name: Maple Cookies With Maple Icing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; 1-2 tablespoons milk; Roasted chopped pecans (optional garnish); Crumbled cooked bacon (optional garnish)

Maple cookies bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen with their rich, comforting essence.

Sweet woodland memories dance through these delicate treats that capture the heart of autumn’s gentle spirit.

Delightful hints of caramel and earthiness weave through each tender bite, promising a sensory experience beyond ordinary desserts.

Soft, buttery textures meld seamlessly with deep, resonant maple undertones that whisper of rustic landscapes and crisp seasonal changes.

Irresistible aromas promise to fill your home with an inviting warmth that draws everyone closer.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical, turning an ordinary afternoon into a moment of pure culinary joy.

These maple-infused delights offer a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle complexity that beckons you to savor each delectable morsel.

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing That Melt in Your Mouth

These cookies burst with rich, authentic maple flavor that transforms a simple treat into a memorable sweet experience.
The recipe requires basic baking skills, making it accessible for novice bakers while delivering impressive, professional-looking results.
Soft, tender cookies with a smooth maple glaze and optional crunchy pecan or crispy bacon topping offer an exciting mix of textures in every bite.
Perfect for casual gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy afternoon snacks, these cookies bring warmth and homemade charm to any occasion.

Baking Essentials:

All-Purpose Flour: The base for a tender, soft cookie texture.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become light and airy.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, complementary flavor to maple notes.

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

Brown Sugar: Provides deep, rich sweetness and moisture.
Maple Syrup: Signature flavor that runs through both cookie and icing.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out and deepens the overall flavor profile.

Wet Ingredients and Binding:

Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender cookie base with smooth texture.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cookie.
Milk: Adjusts maple icing consistency for perfect drizzle.
Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy maple icing.

Optional Toppings:

Roasted Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty complement to maple flavor.
Bacon: Provides salty, crispy contrast for adventurous palates.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring smooth cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and airy. Add these ingredients:

Maple syrup
Egg
Vanilla extract

Blend thoroughly, scraping bowl sides to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Step 4: Shape Cookie Rounds

Use a cookie scoop to portion dough into 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoon balls. Arrange on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie. Gently flatten each ball to 1/2 inch thickness using a glass bottom.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Slide cookies into preheated oven. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheets.

Step 6: Whip Up Maple Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Milk

Adjust consistency by adding milk one teaspoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.

Step 7: Decorate Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, generously coat tops with maple glaze. Use back of spoon to spread evenly.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

While glaze remains wet, sprinkle with optional toppings:

Roasted chopped pecans
Crumbled bacon

Allow glaze to set before serving.

Enjoy these irresistible maple-infused treats that blend sweet, rich flavors with delightful textures!

Pro Tips for Soft Maple Iced Cookies

Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy texture that blends effortlessly with sugar.
Measure Flour Precisely: Gently spoon flour into measuring cup and level off with a knife to avoid dense, dry cookies that can ruin the delicate maple flavor.
Flatten Cookies Evenly: Use a flat-bottomed glass with a smooth surface to create uniform cookie shapes, ensuring consistent baking and professional-looking results.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate heat, preventing over-browning and maintaining the cookies' soft, tender texture.
Glaze with Care: Allow cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent the glaze from melting and ensure a beautiful, smooth maple coating that sets perfectly.

How to Store Maple Cookies Without Losing Flavor

Refrigerate: Store maple cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies will stay delicious for 2-3 months without losing their soft texture.
Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them at room temperature for the best taste and texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the delicate maple icing.

What to Serve with Maple Cookies

Brew Complementary Coffee: Pair these maple cookies with a rich, medium-roast coffee that highlights the warm cinnamon and sweet maple notes. The robust coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced and delightful morning or afternoon treat.
Select Creamy Beverage Companion: Enjoy these cookies alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a smooth vanilla latte. The creamy texture perfectly complements the crisp cookie and enhances the maple's rich, caramel-like flavor profile.
Create Dessert Wine Experience: Match these maple cookies with a sweet dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling or a light port. The wine's subtle sweetness and fruity undertones beautifully echo the maple syrup's complex taste, elevating the cookie's delicate texture.
Craft Cheese Plate Pairing: Serve these cookies with a small selection of mild, creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone. The soft cheese's subtle flavor provides a luxurious contrast to the cookie's sweet, spiced character, making for an elegant dessert presentation.

Nutty Maple Crunch: Replace pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty profile, adding a rich, earthy crunch to the sweet maple cookies.
Spiced Maple Sensation: Increase ground cinnamon and add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the warm, aromatic notes of the cookies.
Maple Bacon Bliss: Incorporate crispy bacon bits directly into the cookie dough or use candied bacon as a topping for a savory-sweet combination that elevates the maple flavor.
Chocolate Maple Indulgence: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the maple icing or mix cocoa powder into the dough for a decadent chocolate-maple fusion.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

No, brown sugar provides a deeper flavor and moisture that’s essential to these maple cookies. Substituting might change the texture and taste.

How long will these maple cookies stay fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best taste and texture, keep them in a cool, dry place.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months.

Is the maple icing necessary?

While not mandatory, the maple icing adds an extra layer of sweet maple flavor that complements the cookies perfectly. It’s recommended for the full maple cookie experience.

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.

Ballymaloe Cookery School

Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life.

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Quick & Sweet Maple Cookies with Maple Icing Recipe