Maple Cookies With Maple Icing

It was one of those crisp mornings where the scent of autumn filled the air. The days were getting shorter, the leaves beginning to turn, and I had just brewed a fresh pot of coffee.

As I sat down to enjoy it, I thought about baking something that would match the season—something warm, comforting, and a little indulgent. I reached for the maple syrup I had tucked away from a recent pancake breakfast and decided it was the perfect ingredient for a cookie.

The result was these soft, maple-flavored cookies with a silky maple glaze—a treat that pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage and gives you that cozy feeling we all crave when the weather turns colder.

What Are Maple Cookies?

These soft, maple-flavored cookies are made with real maple syrup and brown sugar, giving them a deep, caramel-like sweetness. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth, while a maple glaze on top makes them extra indulgent. Perfect for fall, holidays, or whenever you want a sweet treat!

Key Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter softened (1 stick)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp maple syrup for glaze
• 1-2 tbsp milk as needed for glaze
• Roasted chopped pecans optional garnish
• Crumbled cooked bacon optional garnish

Essential Tools

• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Cooling rack
• Large mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Slowly add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix—this keeps the cookies soft.

Step 4: Shape & Flatten

Use a cookie scoop (or measure 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of dough) and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each slightly using the bottom of a glass until they’re about ½ inch thick.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set but still soft in the center. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before glazing.

Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 tbsp milk. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 7: Glaze & Garnish

Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with pecans or bacon if using. Let the glaze set before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft & Chewy: Perfect texture—not too cakey, not too crisp.

Real Maple Flavor: Made with pure maple syrup for authentic taste.

Easy to Make: No complicated steps or chilling required.

Customizable: Add pecans, bacon, or enjoy them plain.

Perfect for Fall: Warm, cozy flavors that pair beautifully with coffee or tea.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

❌ Using Pancake Syrup Instead of Real Maple Syrup → Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Artificial syrup won’t give the same richness.

❌ Overmixing the Dough → Mix only until combined to keep cookies soft and tender.

❌ Skipping the Flattening Step → If you don’t flatten the dough balls, they won’t spread properly.

❌ Glazing Warm Cookies → Let the cookies cool completely before glazing, or the icing will melt off.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

With Coffee or Tea: The maple flavor pairs beautifully with hot drinks.

Alongside Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.

On a Fall Dessert Platter: Pair with pumpkin bread, cinnamon rolls, or apple pie bars.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days.

Refrigerate for up to 1 week for extended freshness.

Freeze (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Thaw before glazing.

Reheat in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them a day in advance and glaze before serving.

2. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.

3. What if I don’t have maple syrup?
You can substitute honey or molasses, but the flavor will change.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

5. How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.

Tips & Tricks

– Use dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
– Toast the pecans before sprinkling to enhance their crunch and nuttiness.
– For extra maple flavor, add a few drops of maple extract to the glaze.

Recipe Variations

Maple Walnut Cookies: Swap pecans for chopped walnuts.

Pumpkin Maple Cookies: Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree and reduce maple syrup by half.

Spiced Maple Cookies: Add ½ tsp nutmeg and ginger for a bolder fall flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are more than just a dessert; they’re a little piece of fall on a plate. The soft, tender cookies paired with the rich maple glaze make for a combination that’s both comforting and indulgent.

If you’re planning to treating yourself or sharing them with friends during a gathering, these maple cookies will always hit the spot. They bring a little bit of warmth and sweetness to any occasion. You’ll find yourself making them time and time again—each batch just as satisfying as the last.