Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

These Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are a perfect combination of nostalgia and rich maple flavor! Soft and fluffy cookies are topped with an irresistible cooked maple icing, making them an ideal treat for the holidays or any time you crave a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

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

For the Maple Icing:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Making the Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the buttermilk and mix until combined.
5. Add the salt, vanilla extract, maple extract, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until well incorporated.
6. Gradually add half of the flour, mixing until combined. Then, add the remaining flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
7. Drop the dough by 2-tablespoon scoops onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still pale in color. Be careful not to overbake.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Maple Icing:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and whisk continuously for 2 minutes.
2. Add the milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture back to a boil for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing reaches a glue-like consistency. If it becomes too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Quickly spread the icing over the cooled cookies. The icing will thicken as it cools, so add small amounts of milk if needed to keep it spreadable.
6. Allow the icing to set before storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Storage Tips:

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies (without icing) for up to 3 months. Add icing after thawing for the best texture.

Enjoy these delightful Maple Cookies with their rich, sweet maple icing—perfect for cozy moments and festive gatherings.