Name: Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing for Fall Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 102 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Provides structure to hold shape.); 1 teaspoon baking soda (Leavening agent for fluffiness.); 0.5 teaspoon salt (Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (Adds warm autumnal spice.); 0.5 cups unsalted butter (Contributes richness and tenderness.); 1 cups brown sugar (Infuses moisture and caramel flavor.); 0.5 cups pure maple syrup (Key ingredient for unique flavor.); 1 large egg (Acts as binding agent.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Enhances flavor depth.); 1 cups powdered sugar (Creates a smooth glaze.); 2 tablespoons milk (Adjusts icing consistency.); 0.5 cups unsalted butter (Browning gives richness.); optional cinnamon (For extra hint of spice.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As the crisp air of fall starts to wrap around us, I can’t help but crave the cozy flavors that this season brings. Enter my Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing—soft, chewy delights that capture the essence of autumn in every bite. These mouthwatering gems are infused with rich maple syrup and a whisper of cinnamon, bringing a welcoming warmth that’s perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening at home. And let’s not forget about that luscious brown butter icing that takes them from simple cookies to a truly indulgent treat. With easy prep and delightful textures, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Curious about how to make these comforting bites your new go-to this fall? Let’s dive in!

Why Are These Cookies a Fall Must-Have?

Comforting, the soft and chewy texture of these cookies makes them a delightful treat for chilly evenings. Irresistible, the rich maple flavor combined with the nutty brown butter icing elevates them to gourmet status. Effortless, the simple instructions ensure even novice bakers can enjoy success. Versatile, pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy snack. If you’re a fan of delicious desserts, don’t miss out on other sweet delights like Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake and Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites!

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing Ingredients

For the Cookies
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure so the cookies hold their shape.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a lighter, fluffier cookie.
Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Cinnamon – Adds a warm, autumnal spice that perfectly complements the maple.
Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness and helps achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brown Sugar – Infuses moisture and a lovely caramel-like flavor into the dough.
Pure Maple Syrup – The key ingredient that gives these cookies their distinctive sweet and rich flavor.
- Substitution Note: For a stronger maple flavor, use Grade A Dark Color & Robust Taste maple syrup.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent and adds moisture for the perfect chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor depth of the cookies.
For the Icing
Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that coats the cookies beautifully.
Milk – Helps adjust the icing consistency to your desired thickness.
Unsalted Butter – Browning this ingredient gives the icing its nutty flavor and richness.
Optional Cinnamon – Sprinkle in for an extra hint of spice and warmth in the icing.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a medium bowl. This creates a well-combined dry mixture that sets the foundation for your Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing. Set the bowl aside while you move on to making the dough.

Step 2: Make Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Next, blend in ½ cup of pure maple syrup, followed by 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture until just incorporated, ensuring not to overmix.

Step 3: Chill Dough
Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour—up to 3 days if you prefer to plan ahead. Chilling the dough is essential for letting the flavors meld and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring a delightful chewy texture.

Step 4: Bake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is chilled, scoop out 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set yet slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare Icing
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter until it begins to brown, swirling occasionally to prevent burning. Once the butter is golden and fragrant, remove it from the heat. Whisk in 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, stirring until smooth. Add milk gradually to reach your desired icing consistency, ensuring it’s pourable yet thick enough to coat the cookies beautifully.

Step 6: Frost Cookies
Once your Soft Maple Cookies are completely cool, dip the tops directly into the brown butter icing or drizzle it generously over them. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or chopped pecans on top. Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving these delightful cookies, perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

Expert Tips for Soft Maple Cookies

Chill the Dough: Ensuring you chill your dough is key for getting that perfect chewy texture; skipping this step can lead to overly spread cookies.
Monitor Butter Browning: As you brown the butter for icing, keep a close eye on it. A nutty aroma and golden color means it’s just right; burnt butter will spoil the flavor.
Mix Gently: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to remain soft!
Bake in Batches: For even baking, consider using two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking. This helps ensure all cookies are baked evenly and perfectly.
Icing Consistency: Adjust the milk in your icing slowly, aiming for a pourable texture. If it’s too runny, simply add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
Storage Matters: Store your Soft Maple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delightful chewiness for up to a week.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are perfect for busy home cooks who want to plan ahead! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days—this allows the flavors to deepen and keeps your cookies from spreading too much when baked. Simply cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and follow the baking instructions. For the icing, you can make it in advance as well; just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat gently before frosting your cookies. This way, you’ll have delicious homemade treats ready without the stress, perfect for any cozy gathering!

What to Serve with Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

There’s something magical about creating a cozy atmosphere around your table, especially when serving these delightful treats.

Warm Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai enhance the cookies’ flavors while providing a comforting beverage option.
Cinnamon Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy cinnamon ice cream adds a sweet contrast, creating a delightful play of temperatures and textures.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite pairs perfectly, echoing fall vibes and balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
Roasted Pecans: The crunchy texture of these nuts complements the chewy cookies, adding a satisfying crunch without overpowering their flavors.
Apple Cider: Serve warm for a nostalgic touch. The sweetness and slight acidity illuminate the rich maple flavor beautifully.
Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate the cookies to a more decadent dessert, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Warm Milk: A classic side that adds comfort and nostalgia, it creates a cozy combination that takes you back to childhood memories.

Enjoy these soft maple cookies with an inviting accompaniment that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet cravings!

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful variations and personalize your Soft Maple Cookies experience to match your taste buds!

Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a delightful nutty flavor.
The delicious blend of maple and nuts creates a cozy treat reminiscent of autumn.
Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a rich, sweet surprise.
Every bite becomes a little more indulgent with melted chocolate adding a perfect balance to the maple.
Spiced Icing: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or ginger into the brown butter icing for an aromatic spice kick.
These warming spices can elevate the flavor profile and make each cookie even more festive.
Almond Extract: Substitute almond extract for vanilla in the dough for an unexpected, delightful twist.
The slight nuttiness of almond adds a wonderful depth that complements the maple beautifully.
Pumpkin Spice: Mix in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dry ingredients for a fall-inspired flavor explosion.
This variation brings the cozy essence of pumpkin pie straight to your cookies.
Fruity Fusion: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a pop of color and tartness.
The sweet and slightly tart fruit pairs excellently with the rich maple flavor, creating a burst of flavor in each bite.
Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to cater to dietary needs.
This allows everyone to enjoy the warmth and indulgence of these soft cookies, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Looking for more comforting recipes? Try the indulgent Garlic Butter Shrimp for dinner or whip up some delicious Cosmic Brownie Cookies for your next sweet craving!

Storage Tips for Soft Maple Cookies

Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This keeps them soft and chewy without drying out.
Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 3 days. Just remember to place them in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To enjoy leftover Soft Maple Cookies warm, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warm.

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing Recipe FAQs

What type of maple syrup should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing, I highly recommend using Grade A Dark Color & Robust Taste maple syrup. It imparts a deeper, richer maple flavor that really shines through in the cookies. Regular light syrup doesn’t have that same intensity, so skip that if you can!

How should I store my cookies?
You can store your Soft Maple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This method will keep your cookies soft and chewy, making them incredibly enjoyable every time you reach for one. If you want them to last longer, I suggest placing them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, just remember to keep them sealed tightly to retain their moisture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Of course! Freezing your Soft Maple Cookies dough is a great way to ensure you always have fresh cookies on hand. Simply scoop the unbaked dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. After that, transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored like this for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time while they are still frozen.

What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your Soft Maple Cookies spread too much, it often means that the dough was either too warm or not chilled long enough. I recommend chilling your dough for at least 1 hour, but if possible, give it a longer chill time, up to 3 days in the fridge. Additionally, make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the cookies inside since even a slight temperature variation can impact baking results.

Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
It’s best to keep Soft Maple Cookies away from pets, particularly chocolate or any other unnecessary ingredients, as sweets can upset their stomachs. If you or someone you’re serving has allergies, always check for possible allergens in the ingredients, such as eggs, dairy, or gluten from the flour. You might consider experimenting with gluten-free flour or vegan substitutes to enjoy these cookies while catering to various dietary restrictions.