If you’re on the hunt for an irresistibly cozy treat to share with family and friends (or let’s be real, just for yourself), these Maple Glazed Cookies check all the boxes. Imagine soft, golden cookies kissed with maple syrup, topped in a silky maple glaze that sets with the most beautiful sheen. This is a recipe I return to over and over because it combines classic comfort with a rich, caramel-like flavor that puts a smile on everyone’s face. Maple Glazed Cookies are hands-down my favorite bake for crisp fall days, holiday gatherings, or honestly, any time I’m craving something sweet and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Maple Glazed Cookies pure magic is how simple yet effective each ingredient is. Everything plays a key role, from the buttery base to that signature maple glaze. Here’s why each item matters:
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a tender, rich cookie and helps the dough cream smoothly with the sugars.
- Brown sugar: This adds deep, molasses notes and makes the cookies extra chewy.
- Granulated sugar: It balances sweetness and ensures a perfect crumbly texture.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind the dough, adding structure so your cookies don’t crumble apart.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic backdrop that enhances the maple flavor.
- Pure maple syrup: The heart and soul of these cookies, bringing all that woodsy, caramel richness to the dough and glaze.
- All-purpose flour: Reliable and sturdy, flour provides body and shape to every bite.
- Baking soda: Gently lifts the cookies, making them slightly puffy.
- Baking powder: Boosts the rise alongside baking soda for a subtle lift.
- Salt: A small dash makes every other flavor pop.
- Ground cinnamon: A whisper of spice for complexity and warmth.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Whips into a smooth, luxurious icing that sets beautifully.
- Milk (for glaze): Adjusts the texture so your glaze glides over the cookies.
How to Make Maple Glazed Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — this gives you just enough time to get everything mixed and ready while the oven warms up. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies lift off easily and brown evenly. This is a small but vital step for perfect Maple Glazed Cookies.
Step 2: Cream Together Your Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it looks light and fluffy. This step adds air and structure, helping your cookies turn out soft and pillowy. Next, beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and that luscious maple syrup. Your kitchen will already start to smell heavenly!
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Giving your dry ingredients a good whisk ensures even distribution, so every bite of your Maple Glazed Cookies is perfectly balanced with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. The key is not to overmix; stop as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want these to be soft and tender.
Step 5: Portion and Bake
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread and develop those dreamy golden edges. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this keeps them from breaking apart while they’re still fragile.
Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. If the glaze feels too thick, add a tiny splash of milk at a time. If it’s too thin, more powdered sugar brings it back together. You want it just right so it sets with a shiny finish atop your cookies.
Step 7: Glaze and Set
Once your cookies are completely cool, use a spoon to drizzle (or an offset spatula to spread) the maple glaze over each one. Let the cookies sit for about 30 minutes so the glaze can firm up. This is where they truly transform into Maple Glazed Cookies worth savoring!
How to Serve Maple Glazed Cookies
Garnishes
For some extra flair, sprinkle freshly chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze while it’s still tacky. A dusting of cinnamon or even a pinch of flaky sea salt takes Maple Glazed Cookies straight into gourmet territory.
Side Dishes
Pair with a cold glass of milk, a cozy mug of coffee, or even a tall hot chocolate for the ultimate snack experience. These cookies also make a beautiful addition to dessert platters or afternoon tea spreads, nestled beside fruit or a selection of cheeses.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Maple Glazed Cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a ribbon for an irresistibly sweet gift. Arrange them in a ring on a pretty cake stand or lay them out in neat rows on a wooden board—either way, they’re a showstopper for any occasion. For holidays, consider using fun cookie cutters and letting kids help glaze and sprinkle nuts or sanding sugar for a festive feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Maple Glazed Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold their softness and flavor beautifully for up to five days, making them perfect for snacking or popping into lunchboxes throughout the week.
Freezing
For long-term storage, these cookies freeze like a dream. Place the unglazed cookies in layers between sheets of parchment in a container or resealable bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing for bakery-fresh taste anytime.
Reheating
If you’d like to restore that just-baked aroma, pop cookies (without glaze) in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Once warm, cool slightly before glazing as usual. This trick is especially handy when serving guests or assembling treat boxes in advance.
FAQs
Can I use imitation maple syrup for Maple Glazed Cookies?
While you can swap in imitation maple syrup in a pinch, real maple syrup gives these cookies unmatched flavor and depth. For best results, stick with the real deal—you’ll taste the difference in every bite.
Can the dough be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, so it’s easy to scoop and shape.
How do I get the perfect shiny glaze on my Maple Glazed Cookies?
For that coveted glossy finish, make sure your glaze is smooth and the cookies are completely cool before spreading it on. Let the glaze set at room temperature in a draft-free spot for picture-perfect results.
Are these cookies nut-free?
The base recipe contains no nuts, making Maple Glazed Cookies naturally nut-free. If you’d like, you can always add chopped pecans or walnuts as an optional topping, but they’re just as delicious without.
Can I freeze cookies with the glaze?
Yes, but with one caveat: the glaze may lose a tiny bit of shine after thawing. If that’s not a concern, go ahead and freeze them glazed; otherwise, freeze unglazed and finish with fresh glaze after thawing for best presentation.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with a batch of Maple Glazed Cookies—each one is a comforting bite of maple-kissed goodness that brings warmth and joy to any table. Don’t wait to try this recipe; once you’ve had your first maple-glazed, soft-centered cookie, you’ll want to bake them for every gathering, gift, or craving. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these delightful Maple Glazed Cookies. Soft and chewy cookies infused with the rich taste of maple, topped with a sweet glaze, these treats are perfect for any autumn gathering.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Let cool completely.
- Make glaze: For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze cookies: Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
