Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

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🍁 Maple Cookies with Maple Icing 🍁
Soft, nostalgic, sweet, and cozy – the perfect fall-inspired treat with layers of buttery maple goodness!

📝 Introduction:

If autumn had a flavor, it would undoubtedly be maple. These Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are warm, soft, and filled with sweet, buttery maple essence – like biting into a fluffy cloud flavored with golden syrup. These cookies are perfect for crisp fall days, festive gatherings, or just a cozy night in with a warm drink. The maple icing takes it over the top, adding a glossy, flavor-packed finish that melts in your mouth.

🧺 Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
    (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 10 minutes)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp maple extract (for bold maple flavor)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 4½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Maple Icing:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • 1½–2 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired thickness)
  • ½ tsp maple extract (optional but recommended)

🍪 Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pans

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
  3. Add vanilla extract, maple extract, and buttermilk. Mix well.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
  5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. The dough will be soft.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

  1. Drop spoonfuls (or use a cookie scoop) of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
  2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Centers should remain soft.
  3. Allow to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Step 4: Make the Maple Icing

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter and maple syrup together over low heat.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in milk, powdered sugar, and maple extract until smooth.
  3. Let icing cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable.

Step 5: Frost the Cookies

  1. Spoon or drizzle the warm icing over cooled cookies.
  2. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow the icing to set.

🧑‍🍳 Methods & Tips:

  • For fluffier cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
  • For extra maple flavor, use Grade A Dark Maple Syrup.
  • Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the dough or on top for crunch.
  • Let icing sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before drizzling – for a thicker coat.

🕰️ History:

Maple syrup has been harvested for centuries, originating with Indigenous peoples of North America. By the 1800s, it became a household staple in New England kitchens. Cookies made with maple became popular in fall and winter seasons, especially in the northeastern U.S. and Canada. The use of both extract and syrup in baking became popular to enhance the rich, earthy tones that maple is known for.

🌿 Benefits:

  • Maple syrup contains antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese.
  • Homemade treats contain fewer preservatives than store-bought.
  • This recipe can be modified for gluten-free diets using 1:1 GF flour.
  • Comforting flavors may boost mood and reduce stress – perfect for self-care baking!

🧬 Formation:

  • Texture: Soft, cake-like centers with slightly crisp edges.
  • Flavor: A rich blend of buttery sweetness and natural maple depth.
  • Appearance: Rustic golden cookies with a glossy maple glaze.
  • Aroma: Inviting maple warmth wafting through your kitchen.

💌 Lovers of These Cookies:

  • Maple lovers, fall fanatics, and anyone who enjoys nostalgic, old-fashioned cookies.
  • Kids love the sweet icing, while adults appreciate the comforting, subtle maple.
  • Great for holiday cookie trays, school events, or cozy nights in.

🍽️ Nutrition (approx. per cookie):

Note: Based on a batch of ~36 cookies

  • Calories: 160
  • Fat: 7g
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbs: 22g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 80mg

🏁 Conclusion:

Whether you’re curled up by the fire, watching leaves fall, or just craving something sweet and soft, these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are the ultimate cozy treat. They’re easy to bake, beautiful to serve, and unforgettable in flavor. Sweetened with nostalgia and glazed with comfort – this is a cookie you’ll come back to year after year.

💞 Cookie Lovers Rejoice:

These cookies will win over anyone who loves gentle, deep flavors and tender textures. Share them with your family, surprise a friend, or gift a dozen wrapped in rustic parchment for the perfect edible present.

Would you like a printable version or a gluten-free/vegan variation?

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