Maple Cookies with Maple Icing: A Cozy, Bakery-Style Treat Made from Scratch

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, caramel-like aroma of maple drifting through your kitchen. Maple cookies with maple icing capture that cozy feeling in every bite. Soft, tender, and infused with real maple flavor, these cookies are finished with a silky maple glaze that sets into a delicate sweetness on top.

This detailed guide will walk you step by step through making these irresistible cookies from scratch — from preparing the dough to glazing them beautifully.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Cookies

• Rich, authentic maple flavor
• Soft and slightly chewy texture
• Perfect balance of sweetness
• Ideal for fall gatherings, holidays, or everyday treats
• Simple ingredients, bakery-quality results

Ingredients

For the Maple Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon maple extract (optional, for stronger flavor)

For the Maple Icing:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon maple extract (optional)
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisking ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving you consistent texture in every cookie.

Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

This step is important. Proper creaming:

• Incorporates air
• Creates a soft texture
• Helps the cookies rise correctly

The mixture should look pale and fluffy, not dense.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add to the butter mixture:

• Maple syrup
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Maple extract (if using)

Beat until fully combined and smooth. The mixture may look slightly glossy due to the syrup — that’s perfect.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Mix on low speed (or stir gently by hand) until just combined.

⚠️ Do not overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cookies tough instead of soft.

The dough should be soft but scoopable.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Leave about 2 inches of space between cookies.

If desired, gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon — this helps them bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until:

• Edges are lightly golden
• Centers look set but still soft

Do not overbake. Maple cookies are best when slightly soft in the center.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

The cookies must be fully cooled before icing.

Making the Maple Icing

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