Soft Maple Cookies with Icing

I still remember the first time I made these soft maple cookies. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, the kind of day when the air smells faintly of fallen leaves and everything feels a little cozier. I had a jar of pure maple syrup in my pantry that I had been saving for something special. When I finally decided to use it, I wanted a recipe that would highlight its rich, earthy sweetness without overpowering it. The result was these pillowy cookies, each one delicately flavored with maple and topped with a smooth, sweet icing. They quickly became a family favorite, the kind of treat everyone reaches for before the plate is even set down.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These cookies are all about comfort and flavor. The texture is soft and tender, with just enough chew to keep each bite satisfying. The icing adds an extra layer of sweetness, balancing perfectly with the subtle maple notes. They are the kind of cookies that work just as well for a cozy afternoon snack as they do for a holiday dessert table. Because they’re quick to make and use simple ingredients, you can whip them up whenever the craving strikes.

Versatile

One of the best things about these maple cookies is their versatility. You can make them plain for a more understated treat or add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a deeper, seasonal flavor. The icing can also be adjusted—keep it simple and sweet, or flavor it lightly with vanilla for an aromatic touch. These cookies can be shaped into traditional rounds, pressed with a fork for a rustic look, or even cut with festive cookie cutters for special occasions.

Affordable

You don’t need fancy or expensive ingredients to make these cookies. Most of the items are pantry staples, and even the maple syrup—while a little pricier than other sweeteners—is used sparingly enough to keep the recipe budget-friendly. The yield is generous, so you get plenty of cookies for very little cost.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup milk

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

How to Prepare Soft Maple Cookies with Icing

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off easily.

2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them briefly to combine well. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is essential for the cookies’ soft texture.

3. Cream the butter and sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This process traps air, making the cookies tender.

4. Add wet ingredients
   Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Then add the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing which can affect texture.

5. Combine wet and dry mixtures
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed or fold gently with a spatula. This technique prevents overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies.

6. Scoop and shape the dough
   Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. For a rustic look, gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.

7. Bake the cookies
   Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should look set but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking, as this will make them dry rather than soft.

8. Cool the cookies
   Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheets. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before icing. This step is crucial because the icing will melt if applied too soon.

9. Prepare the icing
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and pure maple syrup. Add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. The icing should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to spread easily.

10. Ice the cookies
    Use a small spatula or the back of a spoon to spread a thin layer of icing over each cooled cookie. Let the icing set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together quickly, especially if you measure your ingredients beforehand. The dough is simple to mix, and the baking time is short, making it perfect for when you want fresh cookies fast. Plus, the icing takes only minutes to prepare.

Customizable

Feel free to customize the cookies by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture. You can also mix in a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger to enhance the warm maple flavor. If you prefer, swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a slightly different aroma.

Popular with Many People

These soft maple cookies have universal appeal. Their gentle sweetness and tender crumb are enjoyed by kids and adults alike. They work beautifully for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a comforting treat with your afternoon tea or coffee.

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FAQs About Soft Maple Cookies with Icing

Q: Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Use a plant-based milk instead of regular milk for the icing and dough.

Q: How should I store the cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I skip the icing?
A: Absolutely. The cookies are delicious on their own with their natural maple flavor. The icing adds extra sweetness and a pretty finish but is optional.

Q: Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
A: It’s best to use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor. Maple-flavored syrups often contain additives and lack the deep taste that pure syrup provides.

Q: How do I make the icing thicker or thinner?
A: To thicken the icing, add more powdered sugar little by little. To thin it, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.