Iced Maple Cookies: Soft and Buttery Treats with a Rich Maple Glaze Perfect for Fall

These Maple Iced Maple Cookies are the perfect sweet indulgence for maple lovers! Soft, buttery cookies flavored with real maple extract and topped with a rich, caramel-like maple icing make these cookies irresistible. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or as part of a festive fall spread, these cookies bring the warm and comforting flavors of maple syrup to every bite.

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Each cookie is soft and pillowy, with a hint of maple extract that enhances the buttery richness of the dough. The icing, made with brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup, adds a sweet, rich layer that hardens slightly as it cools, creating a delicious contrast to the soft cookie base. The combination of maple in both the cookie and icing creates an incredible depth of flavor that’s perfect for any maple lover.

Secrets to the Perfect Maple Iced Cookies

To get the right texture, it's important not to overbake the cookies. They should stay pale in color and be slightly soft when you take them out of the oven. The icing, which is cooked to a perfect caramel-like consistency, needs to be spread quickly while it’s still warm, as it will thicken and harden as it cools. This creates the signature shiny, slightly firm maple topping that makes these cookies so special.

A Brief History of Maple in Baking

Maple syrup, made from the sap of sugar maple trees, has long been used in baking as a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer. With its rich, caramel-like flavor, maple syrup is a beloved ingredient, especially in autumn recipes. These cookies celebrate the deep, comforting flavor of maple, bringing a seasonal twist to a classic treat.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 24 Cookies):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 110mg

Cooking Tips

For an even more intense maple flavor, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar in the cookie dough, which complements the maple syrup in the icing.To ensure the icing spreads smoothly, whisk it thoroughly and apply it while it’s still warm. If it thickens too much, a splash of warm milk will help restore its spreadable consistency.When cooling the cookies on a wire rack, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper underneath to catch any icing drips and make cleanup easier.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.If freezing, wait for the icing to fully set, then layer the cookies between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Maple Iced Maple Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons maple extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Icing:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• A pinch of salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Slowly add the buttermilk, continuing to mix on low speed.
4. Add the salt, vanilla extract, maple extract, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet mixture and combine thoroughly. Gradually mix in half of the flour, followed by the remaining flour, until a smooth dough forms.
5. Drop two-tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
6. Bake the cookies for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are set but the cookies remain pale in color. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies should stay soft.
7. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparation of Icing

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, whisking continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for two minutes.
2. Add the milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Continue whisking and bring the mixture to a boil for another minute, then remove from heat.
3. Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and thick. If the icing becomes too thick, add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Spread the icing over the cooled cookies while it’s still warm, as it will firm up as it cools. If necessary, thin the icing with a bit more milk for easier spreading.
5. Let the icing set before serving or storing the cookies.

Enjoy these Maple Iced Maple Cookies with their rich, buttery flavor and a hint of maple sweetness! Perfect for enjoying during the fall season, these cookies will surely become a favorite treat for family and friends alike.