Maple Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the warm, rich essence of fall in a bite, this Maple Cookies Recipe will be your new favorite treat. Soft, tender cookies infused with the deep, caramel-like sweetness of pure maple syrup and topped with a luscious maple glaze create an irresistible harmony of flavors. These cookies bring cozy comfort to your kitchen and are surprisingly simple to make, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying alongside a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Maple Cookies Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a key role in creating that tender texture, delightful maple flavor, and enticing golden color you crave in a homemade cookie.
- Unsalted butter, ¾ cup softened: Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb for the cookies.
- Light brown sugar, 1 cup packed: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses for depth.
- Large egg, 1: Binds the ingredients and helps with soft structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Enhances flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Pure maple syrup, ¼ cup: The star ingredient, giving authentic maple sweetness that shines throughout.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The base that provides structure without heaviness.
- Cornstarch, 1 tbsp: Keeps cookies soft by lightening the texture slightly.
- Baking soda, ½ tsp: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and tender bite.
- Salt, ½ tsp: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- Powdered sugar, 1 ½ cups (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet topping.
- Pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp (for glaze): Intensifies the maple flavor in the glaze.
- Milk, 1–2 tbsp: Adjusts the glaze to a silky consistency.
- Melted butter, 1 tbsp: Adds richness and helps the glaze set perfectly.
- Pinch of salt (for glaze): Balances the sweetness in the glaze.
How to Make Maple Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and light brown sugar together until they’re fluffy and light, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a mixer. This step is essential for a tender cookie texture. Then, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and pure maple syrup. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite has that unmistakable maple charm.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want tender cookies, not tough ones.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour or even overnight if you have the time. Chilling solidifies the butter, which slows spreading during baking and intensifies the flavors, making your cookies all the more delectable.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting for it to heat, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures your cookies bake evenly with a perfectly tender bottom.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. This spacing gives them room to gently spread without merging, preserving those beautiful, individual cookies.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges have a light golden hue but the centers still look slightly soft. This subtle underbaking is key; the cookies will firm up as they cool, keeping them soft and chewy inside.
Step 7: Cool Before Glazing
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes after taking them out of the oven. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you glaze them while still warm, the topping will melt and lose that beautiful glossy finish.
Step 8: Make the Maple Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, the melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Add one tablespoon of milk to start, then slowly add more until you get a smooth, spreadable glaze that’s not too runny—perfect for drizzling or spooning over the cookies.
Step 9: Glaze the Cookies
Spoon the maple glaze over the cooled cookies, focusing on the center and letting it spread gently. Let the glaze set naturally at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or chill them briefly in the refrigerator if you want to speed up the process. Once set, these cookies are ready for you to enjoy.
How to Serve Maple Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Maple Cookies Recipe, consider sprinkling a few crushed pecans or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the glaze before it sets. This adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor that perfectly complements the sweet, buttery maple taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea, black coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Their rich sweetness balances beautifully with warm, spiced beverages, making your snack time feel like a cozy fall afternoon.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a gathering, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of extra maple glaze for dipping. You can also sandwich two cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or whipped maple buttercream for a decadent twist sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your soft and flavorful maple cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keep them away from heat and humidity to maintain their tender texture and prevent the glaze from becoming sticky.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later or prepare in advance, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delectable flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring out that fresh-baked softness, warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes after thawing. This little touch makes the maple glaze slightly melty and the cookie wonderfully tender, almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use dark maple syrup instead of light for this Maple Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Dark maple syrup has a stronger, more robust flavor. It will give your cookies a richer maple taste, which some people prefer. Keep in mind it might slightly darken the color of your cookies and glaze.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I skip it?
You can omit the cornstarch if needed, but it helps keep the cookies tender and soft. Without it, the texture might be a bit denser. If you want a substitute, you can try using potato starch or even tapioca starch in the same amount.
How thick should I make the glaze?
The maple glaze should be thick enough to spread without dripping off the sides of the cookies. Aim for a consistency that slowly drapes and holds its shape after you spoon it on. Add milk gradually to reach this perfect texture.
Can I use this dough for drop cookies instead of rolling balls?
Yes! Drop cookies work well too. Just drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake as directed. The cookies will have a slightly different shape and texture but remain delicious all the same.
Is it necessary to chill the dough overnight?
While chilling overnight adds flavor depth and helps control spreading, one hour of chilling is sufficient if you’re short on time. Just don’t skip this step entirely, as it’s key for achieving the best texture in this Maple Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Cookies Recipe truly brings the spirit of maple syrup to life in the coziest way possible—through soft, luscious cookies glazed with sweet maple icing. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day and warm your heart. Give them a try, and soon they’ll be one of your treasured go-to recipes.
Print
Maple Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Cookies are a delightful treat combining the warm sweetness of pure maple syrup with a soft, tender cookie base. Finished with a luscious maple glaze, they’re perfect for fall, holidays, or any time you want a cozy, sweet snack.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A recommended)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
For the Maple Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup, then mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. This chilling step helps prevent cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of chilled dough and roll into balls. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this prevents breakage when glazing.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable glaze without it becoming too runny.
- Glaze the Cookies: Spoon the glaze onto the cooled cookies, focusing on the center and allowing it to spread naturally. Let the glaze set for 30 minutes at room temperature or place the cookies briefly in the fridge until the glaze is firm.
Notes
- Use Grade A pure maple syrup for the best flavor impact in both the dough and glaze.
- Chilling the dough is important to maintain the cookie shape and enhance flavor.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven for a soft texture.
- Adjust milk quantity in the glaze to get desired consistency depending on humidity and powdered sugar brand.
- Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and egg with a flax egg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: maple cookies, maple syrup cookies, soft cookies, easy cookie recipe, fall cookies, maple glaze
