A Cozy, Flavorful Treat for Any Occasion
These maple glazed cookies bring warmth and sweetness to any gathering, with a rich, buttery base and a luscious maple glaze. Inspired by the lush maple forests of the Northeast, these cookies capture the comforting flavors of autumn and winter, making them a perfect choice for festive holidays, cozy evenings, or even as an everyday treat. The deep, caramel-like notes of maple syrup paired with the tender texture of these cookies make them truly irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Maple Flavor – Made with real maple syrup for an authentic taste.
- Soft and Buttery Texture – Lightly crisp edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holiday cookie platters, tea parties, or a casual treat.
- Customizable – Add nuts, spices, or different toppings to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Maple glazed cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further with creative pairings:
- Enjoy them with a warm mug of hot cocoa, chai latte, or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or maple walnut ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears, for a balanced, naturally sweet contrast.
- Crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a crunchy, flavorful topping.
Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes and will help create a tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until well incorporated. The batter may look slightly curdled at first, but keep mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. If you prefer a uniform shape, gently press each ball down slightly before baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown. The centers may still appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and enough milk to create a smooth, pourable consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Step 8: Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle or spread the maple glaze over each cookie. Let the glaze set for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.
Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Cookies
- Use real maple syrup – For the best flavor, choose pure maple syrup instead of artificially flavored substitutes.
- Do not overbake – The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking can make them dry.
- Let the cookies cool completely – This prevents the glaze from melting off.
- For thicker cookies – Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
Delicious Variations
- Maple Pecan Cookies – Add ½ cup finely chopped pecans to the dough for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Spiced Maple Cookies – Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy twist.
- Citrus Maple Glaze – Add a splash of lemon juice to the glaze for a slightly tangy contrast.
- Chocolate Drizzle – After glazing, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for an elegant finish.
- Brown Butter Maple Cookies – Brown the butter before mixing for a richer, nuttier flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- Make-Ahead Dough: Refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking or freeze for later use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use maple extract instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can use ½ teaspoon maple extract in the dough for a stronger flavor, but real maple syrup provides the best taste and texture.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This could be due to soft butter or too much liquid in the dough. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, replace the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Is there a gluten-free option?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
More Cookie Recipes to Try
- Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies – Soft and chewy with a caramel-like sweetness.
- Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles – A fall favorite with warm spices.
- Classic Shortbread Cookies – Buttery, crumbly, and perfect for tea time.
Try this maple glazed cookie recipe today and enjoy a sweet, buttery treat bursting with maple goodness. Let me know how they turn out for you in the comments on Facebook.