Decadent Maple Cookies with Sweet Maple Icing

Indulge in the cozy charm of homemade treats with these delightful Maple Cookies With Maple Icing. There’s something truly special about the warm aroma of maple that fills your kitchen as these cookies bake to perfection. The combination of pure maple syrup in both the cookie dough and the luscious icing creates a symphony of flavors that will captivate any maple enthusiast.

Every bite of these maple-infused cookies is like a nostalgic trip to a sugar shack in early spring, where the sweet scent of fresh syrup lingers in the air. The rich depth of the brown butter in the icing adds a luxurious touch, making each cookie a decadent delight that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a personal indulgence.

Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast treat, a cozy afternoon snack, or a festive addition to your holiday platter, these Maple Cookies With Maple Icing are sure to impress. The subtle hint of cinnamon, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the sprinkle of flaky sea salt all come together to create a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Bake a batch of these maple gems, and watch them disappear in no time, leaving behind only sweet memories and requests for the recipe.

Quick Benefits

• Pure maple syrup: Adds complexity and warmth to the cookies and icing, giving them a rich, irresistible flavor.
• Brown butter: Enhances the icing with a deep, nutty flavor that complements the maple notes, adding richness to the overall taste.
• Flaky sea salt and chopped pecans: Provide contrast to the sweetness, offering a delightful crunch and extra warmth to the cookies.
• Extended shelf life: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to four days at room temperature, maintaining their softness and flavor for longer enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Maple Cookies with Sweet Maple Icing Recipe

• Rich Maple Flavor: The combination of pure maple syrup in both the cookie and icing creates a deliciously rich and comforting maple taste that will appeal to any maple lover.
• Cozy and Comforting: Perfect for cozy weekends or special family gatherings, these maple cookies are a warm and inviting treat that fills your home with a sweet maple aroma.
• Local Ingredient: The use of local maple syrup adds complexity and warmth to the cookies, reminding you of sugar shack visits and early spring syrup tastings.
• Versatile Customizations: Easily adapt the recipe with different spice variations, like apple pie spice or orange zest, for different seasons and occasions.
• Freezing Option: Freeze unbaked dough balls for quick and convenient baking whenever you crave warm, freshly baked maple cookies.
• Bake-Sale Favorite: These cookies are a hit at bake sales and gatherings, sure to disappear quickly and have friends and neighbors asking for the recipe.
• Beautiful Presentation: Serve these cookies on a holiday platter or special occasion, drizzle extra icing for an elegant touch, or add chopped dark chocolate for a decadent finish.
• Dietary Options: Easily make dairy-free versions with plant-based butter and oat milk, or skip pecans for nut allergies, making these cookies accessible to various dietary preferences.
• Storage Tips: With proper storage, these cookies stay soft and delicious for up to four days, making them a convenient make-ahead treat for busy days.
• Texture and Flavors: The brown butter in the icing adds a nutty depth, flaky sea salt provides a contrast, and chopped pecans bring a delightful crunch, creating a well-balanced cookie experience.

Ingredients for Decadent Maple Cookies with Sweet Maple Icing

Cookies

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Brown Butter Icing

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Garnish

• Flaky sea salt or chopped pecans, as desired

Pro Tips for Decadent Maple Cookies with Sweet Maple Icing

To make these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing, remember to chill the dough before baking and avoid overbaking. The cookies should look slightly underbaked when removed from the oven to keep them soft and tender. Additionally, using pure maple syrup for both the cookie and glaze will provide the best flavor, but you can try honey for a different taste, being aware that the texture may vary slightly.

When preparing the icing, don’t skip the step of browning the butter as it adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the maple notes perfectly. The brown butter enhances the richness of the icing, making it even more irresistible. For added texture and warmth, consider sprinkling some flaky sea salt or chopped pecans on top of the cookies before the icing sets. These elements provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the maple flavor.

How to Make Decadent Maple Cookies with Sweet Maple Icing

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl, whisk until evenly mixed.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Combine maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until well mixed.

Step 4: Add Dry to Wet and Chill

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture slowly. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Form 1 1/2-inch balls from chilled dough and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are firm and centers are slightly tender.

Step 6: Brown Butter for Icing

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, swirling occasionally. Remove from heat.

Step 7: Prepare Maple Icing

In a bowl, whisk together browned butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Gradually whisk in milk until a smooth icing forms.

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

Drizzle warm icing over cooled cookies, then sprinkle with sea salt or chopped pecans. Let icing set before serving.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, store your maple cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for four to five days. If you stack them, use parchment between layers to protect the icing. For longer storage, freeze un-iced cookies and glaze them fresh before serving. This will help maintain their texture and flavor for a longer period.

It’s important to chill the dough before baking and avoid overbaking to achieve the perfect texture. Remember, cookies should look slightly underbaked when removed from the oven. Additionally, pure maple syrup is the best choice for flavor, but you can use honey as a substitute for a different taste, though the texture may vary slightly. Adding flaky sea salt or chopped pecans provides contrast to the sweetness and adds a delightful crunch and extra warmth to the finished cookies. By following these storing and baking tips, you can enjoy these cozy maple treats for longer and share them with friends and family alike.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different flavor profile, you can swap out the ground cinnamon for apple pie spice in the cookie dough and icing. This substitution can give the cookies a warm, autumn touch that complements the maple syrup beautifully. Additionally, adding a touch of orange zest to the icing can provide a citrusy holiday flair, perfect for festive occasions.

If you need to make the recipe without pecans due to allergies or personal preference, simply omit them from the recipe. You can try adding pumpkin seeds for a similar crunchy texture or leave the cookies plain. This adjustment won’t compromise the overall taste of the maple cookies, and you can still enjoy their delightful maple flavor without the nuts.

In case you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute plant-based butter for the unsalted butter in the cookie dough and use oat milk for the icing. These swaps will make the recipe suitable for those with dairy allergies or dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can indulge in these delicious maple cookies.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful and cozy presentation, serve these maple cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of the warm, tender cookie with the cold, creamy topping creates a wonderful texture and temperature experience. Feel free to sprinkle some chopped pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt on the ice cream for added crunch and flavor.

To create a captivating dessert platter, arrange these maple cookies alongside a selection of cheeses such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The sweet maple flavor of the cookies pairs beautifully with the savory richness of the cheeses, offering a unique and sophisticated taste combination. Add some fresh fruit like sliced apples or grapes to the platter for a refreshing and colorful touch that complements the cookies and cheeses perfectly.

FAQs for Decadent Maple Cookies with Sweet Maple Icing

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute honey for maple syrup to give the cookies a different taste. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly.

Why is it important to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps solidify the fats in the cookie dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps maintain their shape and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have pecans for the topping?

If you don’t have pecans or have a nut allergy, you can skip the pecans altogether. Alternatively, you can try using pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.

How should I store these maple cookies to keep them fresh?

To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to protect the icing. For longer storage, freeze the un-iced cookies and glaze them fresh before serving.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed baking these Maple Cookies With Maple Icing as much as I do. The comforting aroma of maple syrup filling your kitchen is truly a treat for the senses. Remember, these cookies are not just for special occasions, they are perfect for any time you want to share a little warmth and sweetness with your loved ones.

Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, these maple-infused treats are sure to become a favorite in your home. The blend of flavors in the cookie and icing, from the rich brown butter to the pure maple syrup, creates a delightful harmony that will leave you craving more. So why not whip up a batch today and indulge in the cozy goodness of Maple Cookies With Maple Icing?