Name: Maple cookies with maple icing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A for best flavor); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1-2 tbsp milk; ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional); Flaky sea salt or chopped pecans

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 23 reviews

Sweet, soft, and impossibly fragrant, maple cookies with maple icing are my answer to a chilly afternoon or a quiet celebration at home. These are not your average cookies—they’re brimming with real maple flavor, a whisper of warm cinnamon, and finished with a glossy veil of luscious, brown butter icing. Whether you’re indulging a sweet tooth, looking for a crowd-pleaser at the bake sale, or simply craving something cozy, these treats combine comfort and elegance in every bite. Maple cookies with maple icing are the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, not just for their taste, but for the sheer joy they bring to your kitchen.

Maple cookies with maple icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these maple cookies with maple icing is how such humble pantry staples can create such a stunning treat! Each ingredient contributes something essential—whether it’s the richness of butter, the deep sweetness of brown sugar, or the star power of real maple syrup.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy-yet-tender base, giving structure to your cookies.
Baking Soda: This is your lift-off—ensures a perfectly soft, chewy texture.
Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and highlight the maple flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and cozy, aromatic undertones that turn each bite into comfort food.
Unsalted Butter (softened & for icing): For both dough and icing, bringing richness and a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Brown Sugar: Deepens flavor and guarantees a moist, flavorful cookie.
Pure Maple Syrup: Use Grade A for the brightest, most authentic taste—this is the real star here.
Large Egg: Adds structure and a little extra tenderness to the cookie dough.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a whisper of gourmet goodness.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the beautiful maple icing.
Milk: Helps loosen the icing to that perfect pourable consistency—just start with a little.
Flaky Sea Salt or Chopped Pecans (for garnish): Adds a gorgeous finish and a textural surprise on top.

How to Make Maple cookies with maple icing

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This quick step evenly distributes the leavening and spices—absolutely crucial for uniform cookies that bake up light and flavorful. Set this bowl aside; you’ll be adding it to the wet ingredients soon!

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Maple

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with brown sugar until it’s creamy and light in color, about 2-3 minutes. Next, pour in your maple syrup and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and luscious. This step infuses every bite with that signature maple sweetness.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and splash in the vanilla extract, beating just until combined. You’re creating the foundation of your maple cookies with maple icing here, and these two ingredients will help everything come together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed. Don’t overmix—just until there are no remaining flour streaks. You’ll have a soft, slightly sticky dough that smells amazing already.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Line your baking sheets with parchment. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough (or use a cookie scoop for perfect rounds) onto the sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set but the centers are soft. They’ll firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a rack.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Icing

While the cookies cool, it’s time for that magical icing. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling gently, until it turns golden and smells nutty (about 2-3 minutes). Immediately pour into a bowl, then whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon (if using), and just enough milk to reach a thick but pourable consistency. This icing takes maple cookies with maple icing to a whole new level!

Step 7: Ice and Garnish

Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread a generous layer of brown butter icing across each cookie. Sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt or chopped pecans for an extra flourish. Let the icing set for at least 20 minutes before serving or storing—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Maple cookies with maple icing

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes, like a pinch of flaky sea salt or a scattering of chopped pecans, add a little sparkle and crunch that complement the rich icing without overpowering it. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra maple syrup wouldn’t go amiss either!

Side Dishes

These cookies are special enough to stand alone, but they pair beautifully with a hot mug of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or—even better—a big glass of cold milk. For an autumnal treat, serve alongside roasted apples or pears to keep the maple party going.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your maple cookies with maple icing in a pretty tin or on a rustic platter for a bake sale hit. Stack and tie with bakers twine as edible gifts, or sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an unforgettable dessert. They also make a smashing addition to any holiday cookie tray.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your maple cookies with maple icing fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days, though you may need to hide them from eager snackers!

Freezing

Want to bake ahead? Freeze the baked (and fully cooled, iced) cookies in layers separated by parchment for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste as if you just made them. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked dough balls for fresh cookies on demand.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, simply pop a couple in the microwave for 5-8 seconds. This gently softens the crumb and warms up the icing, making it melt-in-your-mouth fresh. For frozen cookies, allow to thaw before reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the wheat flour. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a half teaspoon to the mix for best results.

Can I use artificial maple syrup?

You technically can, but for true depth of flavor and that magical aroma, pure maple syrup is what transforms these maple cookies with maple icing from good to unforgettable.

Is the icing necessary?

The cookies are wonderful on their own, but the brown butter maple icing is what puts this recipe into “can’t-stop-eating” territory. Even a thin drizzle makes all the difference!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. This can actually enhance the flavor and texture, making for even more delicious cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for lightly golden edges and centers that are just set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake if you want that irresistibly soft bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that’s equal parts nostalgic comfort and show-stopping delight, you owe it to yourself to try these maple cookies with maple icing. They’re one of those recipes you’ll find yourself craving again and again—so go ahead, preheat that oven, and share a batch with someone you love!