Description
These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are infused with the rich, comforting flavor of maple syrup and topped with a luscious maple icing that adds a touch of sweetness. Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, these cookies strike the ideal balance between simplicity and indulgence. They’re quick to prepare, making them an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup (ensure it’s high-quality for the best flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Maple Icing:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk (adjust as needed for consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon maple extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and maple syrup together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, blending until fully combined. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. -
Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. -
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. -
Prepare the Maple Icing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and maple extract (if using). Adjust the milk slightly if needed to achieve a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency. -
Decorate the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the maple icing generously over the tops. Let the icing set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Flavor Customization: If you prefer a stronger maple flavor, use dark amber maple syrup for both the cookies and the icing.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a slightly healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour without compromising texture.
- Icing Consistency: To create decorative patterns with the icing, use a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Make Ahead: The cookie dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg