Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup with a soft, cake-like cookie base. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, perfect for any occasion from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings. The cookie dough is infused with both maple and vanilla extracts, giving it a distinctively sweet and aromatic flavor.

Once baked to a light golden edge, they are topped with a decadent maple icing that adds a smooth and creamy finish. Whether you’re a fan of maple syrup or simply love a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are sure to be a hit.

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Ingredients

3 large eggs

1 cup Butter, softened

2 cups Sugar, granulated

1 cup Buttermilk

1 tsp Maple Extract

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1 tsp Baking Soda

½ tsp Salt

1 tsp Baking Powder

4 ½ cups All Purpose Flour

Icing:

½ cup Butter, unsalted

¼ cup Milk

1 cup Brown Sugar

2 tbsp Maple Syrup

1 pinch Salt

2 cups Confectioners Sugar

Instructions

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 350*

Line a baking tray with parchment paper

Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until it is light and fluffy

Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well between eggs

Switching to a low speed on the mixer, slowly add the Buttermilk

Combine the Maple Extract, Vanilla Extract, salt, baking soda and baking powder and mix well into the batter, be sure to incorporate well

SECOND STEP:

Slowly add in half of the flour, mixing well, then add the remaining flour gradually until a consistent dough is formed

Drop a cookie scoop of dough on the tray, leaving about 2 inches between scoops

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, just until slightly golden on edges, DO NOT OVERBAKE

Remove the tray from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before taking off the tray. Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely

THIRD STEP:

To make the icing, melt the butter and brown sugar in a pan over medium high heat, stirring constantly

Add in the milk, syrup and salt and blend well

Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes

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Gradually add in the Confectioners Sugar, beating well. If icing is too thick, add a drop of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency

FOURTH STEP:

Spread the icing over the cookies quickly, as the icing will thicken rapidly

Place the cookies into an airtight container for storage until serving

Enjoy!

Notes:

Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs, for a smooth creaming process. Using high-quality maple syrup and extracts will enhance the flavor of both the cookies and the icing.

Creaming Butter and Sugar: Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is crucial for creating a soft and tender cookie texture. This process aerates the mixture, resulting in a lighter cookie.

Incorporating Eggs and Buttermilk: Adding eggs one at a time ensures even mixing and helps in maintaining the emulsion. The addition of buttermilk adds moisture and contributes to the softness of the cookies.

Combining Dry Ingredients: Mixing the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt) separately ensures even distribution throughout the dough, preventing clumps and ensuring consistent baking.

Baking Time: Watch the cookies closely while baking as they should be just slightly golden on the edges. Overbaking can result in dry cookies, so it’s important to remove them from the oven promptly.

Icing Preparation: Cooking the butter and brown sugar together until melted and smooth ensures a rich caramel flavor in the icing. Letting it cool slightly before adding confectioners’ sugar helps in achieving the right consistency without melting the sugar.

Icing Application: Work quickly when spreading the icing over the cookies as it sets fast. If the icing thickens too much, a small amount of milk can be added to thin it out to the desired consistency.

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking if stacking.

Variations: Experiment with different extracts or add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips for variations in flavor and texture.

Presentation: Serve the cookies on a decorative platter or arrange them in a lined cookie tin for gifting or serving at parties.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the icing?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but adjust the amount of additional salt added to the icing to taste.

Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk or another alternative?

Buttermilk provides a specific texture and flavor to the cookies. You can substitute it with a mixture of 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.

Do I need to use parchment paper to line the baking tray?

Using parchment paper helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier. If you prefer, you can use a silicone baking mat instead.

Can I omit the maple extract from the cookie dough?

Yes, you can omit the maple extract if you prefer a more subtle maple flavor or if you don’t have it on hand. The cookies will still be delicious with just vanilla extract.

How should I store the icing if I have leftovers?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use again, let it come to room temperature and stir well.

What can I use instead of brown sugar for the icing?

You can use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar in the icing, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Brown sugar adds a caramel-like richness.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer for making the cookie dough?

Yes, a hand mixer works well for this recipe. Ensure to mix thoroughly to incorporate the ingredients evenly.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the icing?

If you find the icing too sweet, you can reduce the amount of confectioners sugar or increase the amount of milk slightly to balance the sweetness to your taste.