Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Soft maple cookies with brown butter icing bring the warmth of fall into every bite. The cookies are tender, chewy, and perfectly maple-flavored, while the rich brown butter icing adds a nutty sweetness that makes them irresistible. This easy recipe delivers bakery-style cookies without complicated steps. Save this recipe now if you love soft cookies that feel cozy, sweet, and homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cookies stay soft and chewy for days
• Brown butter icing adds rich, nutty flavor
• Maple flavor is warm, comforting, and not overpowering
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or everyday treats

Ingredients

Cookies

• 2½ cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Brown Butter Icing

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
8. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. For the icing, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
10. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
11. Drizzle or spread brown butter icing over cooled cookies.
12. Allow icing to set slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature butter for a smooth cookie dough
• Chill dough briefly for thicker cookies
• Drizzle icing while slightly warm for a glossy finish
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture
• Adjust maple syrup in icing for sweetness preference
• Store cookies in a single layer for best texture

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
• Refrigerate icing separately if making ahead
• Freeze baked cookies without icing for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight before adding icing
• Avoid stacking iced cookies until icing sets

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with warm coffee, chai, or hot chocolate
• Pair with a glass of milk for a classic combination
• Arrange on a dessert platter for parties
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
• Serve slightly warm for softest texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without brown sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and depth. You can use half white sugar, but texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Why is the brown butter icing special?

Browning the butter adds a nutty aroma and deep flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the maple.

Can I use frozen cookies?

Yes, uniced baked cookies freeze well. Thaw at room temperature before icing.

How do I make the cookies extra soft?

Don’t overbake and allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring. This retains moisture.

Ready to Make It?

Soft maple cookies with brown butter icing deliver warmth, sweet maple flavor, and tender texture in every bite. Save this recipe, share it with friends, or enjoy a cozy cookie break anytime.

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