Cookies with Maple Frosting

Maple Cookies with Maple Glaze

These maple-flavored cookies are incredibly soft and delicate, almost cake-like in texture, and filled with cozy autumn notes. The frosting features a cooked brown sugar base, giving it a smooth, fudge-like (penuche-style) consistency that complements the airy cookies perfectly.

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Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Maple Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 cups powdered (confectioners’) sugar
• Pinch of salt

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Directions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition.

Step 2: Incorporate Flavorings and Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed and add the buttermilk. Mix in the maple extract, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 3: Add Flour and Bake

Slowly incorporate the flour, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms. Scoop portions of dough onto the lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each mound. Bake for 6–8 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers stay soft. Let the cookies cool briefly on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Cooked Frosting

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar, stirring continuously. Add the milk, maple syrup, and a small pinch of salt. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Complete the Frosting

Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. If the icing becomes too thick, stir in a few drops of milk at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Frost the Cookies

Quickly spread the glaze over the cooled cookies, as it firms up rapidly. Once set, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.