If you’re searching for a cozy treat that embodies autumn in every bite, you’ll absolutely fall in love with these Maple Glazed Cookies. These soft, spiced cookies get crowned with a silky maple glaze that’s just the right balance of sweet and buttery. Whether you’re new to baking or seasoned in the art, this recipe makes it so easy to whip up a batch that will disappear before you know it. Every bite delivers a comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of maple that’s blissfully nostalgic and delightfully decadent!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking these Maple Glazed Cookies doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, just classic pantry staples and a splash of pure maple syrup for that unbeatable aroma. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring the perfect bite—think crisp edges, soft centers, a hint of spice, and that irresistible maple finish.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich flavor and tenderness, ensuring your cookies are soft and luscious.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that pairs beautifully with maple.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the sweetness and helps the cookies achieve those perfectly crisp edges.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind the dough together and add extra chewiness to each cookie.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors and enhances the warm spice notes.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): Gives structure and ensures the cookies bake up thick and delightful.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread and rise as they bake.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a touch of lift for that soft, pillowy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and highlights every cozy spice.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warm, aromatic, and absolutely essential for that classic spiced flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, nutty note that dances perfectly with the maple glaze.
- Powdered Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Creates the silky-smooth base of the glaze.
- Pure Maple Syrup (3 tablespoons): The star of the show—brings that unmistakable, natural maple sweetness.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Adjusts the glaze consistency so it’s easy to drizzle or spread.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon, for glaze): Adds depth and warmth to the sweet maple topping.
How to Make Maple Glazed Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready by the time your dough is whipped up. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a snap! Proper prep sets you up for golden success.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture gets fluffy and light, about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial—properly creamed butter gives your cookies their lovely texture and height.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition so the batter stays velvety and cohesive. Pour in the vanilla extract and give everything a good mix. The vanilla teams up with the spices and maple to build a cookie that’s layered with flavor!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining your dry ingredients before adding keeps everything distributed evenly, so every bite of your Maple Glazed Cookies is spiced just right.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed (or by hand) just until the flour disappears. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as the dough comes together for cookies that are tender, not tough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop uniform balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps them finish setting up.
Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, 1–2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable—add another splash of milk if needed. For extra maple flavor, feel free to add a touch of maple extract!
Step 8: Glaze and Set
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the maple glaze generously over each one. Let them sit until the glaze is set and shiny. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with chopped pecans if you’re feeling fancy—trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Serve Maple Glazed Cookies
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the still-wet glaze makes these Maple Glazed Cookies look truly bakery-worthy. You can even drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the top right before serving for a sticky-sweet finish that enhances both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies are just right for a cozy dessert spread—pair them with a mug of strong coffee, chai, or hot apple cider to bring out all their autumn flavors. They also make a dreamy accent on a holiday dessert platter alongside chocolate truffles or spiced nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the glazed cookies in a rustic tin for gifting, or display them in neat rows on a wooden board for a warm, homey vibe at gatherings. Maple Glazed Cookies look stunning with edible gold dust or pressed into sandwich cookies with a dollop of maple buttercream between them for a delicious twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Maple Glazed Cookies supremely soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the glaze looking gorgeous and prevent sticking.
Freezing
Unfrosted cookies freeze beautifully—just pop them into a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment. Thaw at room temperature before glazing. If you want to freeze the already-glazed cookies, flash-freeze them on a baking sheet before storing in a container so the glaze stays intact.
Reheating
Forgot to glaze ahead or want a warm cookie fix? Briefly microwave a cookie (unglazed is best) for about 10 seconds until soft. Add glaze after warming, and let it set for a few minutes—the maple aroma will fill your kitchen all over again!
FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will add a deeper molasses note and slightly richer color to your Maple Glazed Cookies, so if you love bold flavor, go for it.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency—some blends can make cookies slightly more delicate.
What can I use if I don’t have pure maple syrup?
While pure maple syrup delivers the best, most authentic flavor, you can substitute with maple-flavored syrup in a pinch. If doing so, consider adding a drop or two of maple extract for extra depth.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the dough?
For sure! Chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries would make lovely add-ins. Fold them in after combining the wet and dry ingredients for little surprise bites.
How do I get the glaze to set quickly?
Let the glazed cookies rest at room temperature and avoid stacking them until the glaze is completely dry. If you’re short on time, popping the trays in the refrigerator for a few minutes can help the glaze set faster.
Final Thoughts
Sharing a plate of Maple Glazed Cookies is one of life’s simple pleasures—just wait until you see the smiles after the first bite! I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen, and inspires you to bake a batch (or two!) for every sweet occasion. Happy baking!
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Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delicious Maple Glazed Cookies. Soft and chewy spiced cookies drizzled with a sweet maple glaze, these treats are perfect for cozy autumn days.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients together. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Bake cookies: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze cookies: Drizzle or spread glaze over cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger maple flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon maple extract to the glaze.
- Chopped toasted pecans sprinkled on top make a delicious finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
