Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving that cozy, autumnal sweetness that only real maple syrup can deliver, these Maple Glazed Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a soft, buttery cookie kissed with brown sugar and cinnamon, then finished with a glossy, sweet maple glaze that melts in your mouth. They’re the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like a dream and has everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just a quiet night in, these cookies bring pure comfort and a touch of rustic elegance to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Maple Glazed Cookies lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—whether it’s the richness of butter, a hint of spice, or the unmistakable warmth of pure maple syrup. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The secret to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie—make sure it’s room temperature for the perfect creamy texture.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- Pure Maple Syrup (1/4 cup, plus 2 tbsp for glaze): Use the real deal for authentic flavor; it shines in both the cookie dough and the glaze.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the dough and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon for dough, 1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Rounds out the flavors with a lovely aromatic note.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the cookie, providing structure and softness.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just the right amount for a soft, pillowy bite.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the baking soda for a perfectly balanced lift.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—never skip it!
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with maple.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Creates a silky-smooth, sweet finish on top.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, for glaze): Adjusts the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling or spreading.
How to Make Maple Glazed Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures your cookies won’t stick, and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment, a light greasing will do in a pinch.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is where the magic begins, as the air you whip in now will help your cookies bake up soft and tender.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. The dough will smell incredible at this point—trust your nose! Beat until everything is fully combined and silky-smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This blend not only provides structure, but also ensures every bite is perfectly spiced and balanced.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want the cookies tender, not tough. The dough will be soft and easy to scoop.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a touch more milk; too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Step 8: Glaze and Set
Once your cookies are cool, drizzle or spread the maple glaze generously over each one. Let the glaze set at room temperature before serving for that perfect glossy finish.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Cookies
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the glaze before it sets. The nuts add crunch and a toasty flavor, while the salt brings out the maple sweetness even more. If you’re feeling festive, a dusting of cinnamon or edible gold leaf can make these cookies the star of any dessert tray.
Side Dishes
Pair Maple Glazed Cookies with mugs of hot apple cider, a creamy chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. They also shine next to a platter of fresh fruit or a bowl of spiced nuts for a simple, elegant dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment for gift-giving, or arrange them in a spiral on a beautiful cake stand for a party centerpiece. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of maple glaze, or use them as a base for mini ice cream sandwiches. However you serve them, they’re guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Maple Glazed Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so they stay soft and flavorful. If you’re stacking them, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the glaze intact.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Once the glaze has set, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a maple craving strikes.
Reheating
If your cookies have been stored or frozen, you can freshen them up by warming them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes. This brings back a touch of that just-baked softness and makes the maple aroma even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
For the best flavor, stick with pure maple syrup. Pancake syrup is usually made with corn syrup and artificial flavoring, so it won’t give your Maple Glazed Cookies that rich, authentic taste.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just keep an eye on the texture of the dough and be sure not to overbake.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden and the centers should look set but still soft. They’ll continue firming up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake for the perfect chewy cookie.
What kind of maple syrup should I use?
Opt for dark or Grade A robust maple syrup for the deepest flavor. Lighter grades work too, but you’ll get a more pronounced maple taste with the darker varieties.
Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Go for it! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even white chocolate chips are fantastic additions that play beautifully with the maple and cinnamon flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about sharing a batch of homemade Maple Glazed Cookies with friends and family—they’re the kind of treat that brings people together and makes any moment feel just a little more magical. Give this recipe a try, and watch these cookies disappear faster than you can say “save me one!” Happy baking!
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Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Glazed Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich maple flavor. Perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon and a sweet maple glaze, these cookies make a delightful fall dessert or an anytime treat that’s simple to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a soft cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, adding moisture and the signature maple flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cookies tough.
- Portion Dough: Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets or wire racks before applying the glaze to ensure it sets properly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Glaze and Set: Drizzle or spread the maple glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set before serving to prevent stickiness.
Notes
- For a richer and more robust maple flavor, use dark or Grade B maple syrup instead of light syrup.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze before it sets to add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk slightly, or add more powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
