Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These cookies combine the rich flavor of pure maple syrup with the nutty goodness of brown butter, creating a unique dessert that is both chewy and satisfying. Ideal for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies will win over anyone who takes a bite. The standout feature? A luscious icing drizzled over each cookie, enhancing their maple flavor while adding a beautiful finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and brown butter creates an irresistible taste that will leave you wanting more.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies can be whipped up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any gathering or as a sweet snack at home, they match well with coffee or tea.
• Customizable Icing: The icing can be adjusted to your liking—make it thick or thin—and topped with sea salt or pecans for extra flair.
• Perfect Texture: Chilling the dough ensures that these cookies bake up soft and chewy, making them a crowd-pleaser.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing, gather the necessary tools and equipment to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and effort when beating ingredients to achieve the right texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without mess.
• Baking sheets: Ensures even baking while providing a sturdy surface for your cookies.

Ingredients

What You’ll Need: Ingredients. Pantry staples meet premium pure maple syrup and nutty brown butter for extra depth and chew. Chill time ensures thick, tender cookies with concentrated maple flavor.

For the Cookies

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark recommended)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Icing

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (to brown)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1–2 Tbsp milk or cream (as needed for consistency)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Flaky sea salt or chopped toasted pecans (for sprinkling)

How to Make Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined; set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Scrape down the bowl as needed. Add in the maple syrup and continue mixing until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract just until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed. Mix only until flour streaks disappear; be careful not to overmix. The dough will be soft.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (up to 3 days). This step helps prevent excess spread during baking while deepening the maple flavor.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie ball, spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers are just set. Allow cooling on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make Brown Butter Icing

In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Cook while swirling occasionally until foamy with speckles of brown bits form; this should take around 4-5 minutes. Immediately pour into a heatproof bowl to stop cooking. Whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and optional cinnamon. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Ice Cookies

Once cooled, dip or drizzle icing over each cookie. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or toasted pecans while still wet. Allow icing to set for approximately 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing!

How to Serve Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

These Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are delightful treats perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving ideas to enhance your cookie experience.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the brown butter icing complement the warmth and spice of these beverages beautifully.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a decorative platter alongside other sweets like brownies or mini cupcakes. This makes for an inviting display at parties or gatherings.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Top a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream with these cookies for an indulgent dessert. The combination of hot and cold creates a delightful contrast in textures.

Pack for Lunchboxes

• Include these cookies in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. Their soft texture makes them easy to enjoy anywhere, and they add a hint of sweetness to any meal.

Gift in Decorative Bags

• Package cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon as thoughtful gifts. This is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or as a simple ‘thank you’ gesture to friends and family.

How to Perfect Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

To ensure your Soft Maple Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and spices are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Brown the Butter Carefully: Cook the butter until it has a nutty aroma but be cautious not to burn it, as burnt butter can affect the taste.
• Let Icing Set Properly: Allow the icing to set for about 30 minutes before serving to achieve perfect drizzling and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

These Soft Maple Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing their sweetness and overall appeal.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a sophisticated pairing that complements the cookies’ flavors.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with rich cookies.
4. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts offers crunchiness and savory notes that balance out the sweet cookie experience.
5. Milkshake: A creamy milkshake, especially vanilla or maple-flavored, pairs perfectly as a delightful drink alongside these treats.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience that’s fun and delicious.
7. Maple Pecan Granola: Serve granola as a crunchy topping on yogurt or alone as a snack that echoes the cookie’s maple flavor.
8. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over cookies enhances their sweetness and adds decadent richness to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the texture and flavor of your cookies.

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chill time can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to maintain shape and enhance flavor.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding flour can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can alter cookie consistency. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Using stale ingredients: Old baking soda or flour can ruin your cookies. Check expiration dates and use fresh ingredients for the best results.
• Not measuring correctly: Using incorrect measurements can lead to dry or overly wet dough. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precision.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in 10-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing.

How do I achieve the perfect texture for Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing?

The key is chilling the dough and not overmixing once you add the flour. This helps keep them soft and chewy.

Can I substitute maple syrup in this recipe?

While pure maple syrup gives these cookies their unique flavor, you could try agave syrup or honey, but it will change the taste profile.

What should I do if my brown butter icing is too thick?

If your icing is too thick, gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

How long do Soft Maple Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator or three months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or spices according to your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

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Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are a delightful addition to any dessert table. These cookies combine the rich, sweet flavor of pure maple syrup with the nutty essence of brown butter, resulting in a chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The cookies are topped with a luscious icing that enhances their maple goodness, making them perfect for fall gatherings or simply enjoying at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for icing)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup (for icing)
• 1–2 Tbsp milk (for icing, as needed for consistency)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for icing)
• Flaky sea salt or chopped toasted pecans (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined; set aside.
2. In a large bowl using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add in the maple syrup and continue mixing until fully combined.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract just until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed, mixing only until flour streaks disappear.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie ball, spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers are just set. Allow cooling on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack.
9. In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Cook while swirling occasionally until foamy with speckles of brown bits form (around 4-5 minutes).
10. Immediately pour into a heatproof bowl. Whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and optional cinnamon. Add milk until desired consistency.
11. Once cooled, dip or drizzle icing over each cookie. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or toasted pecans while still wet. Allow icing to set for approximately 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg