Soft Maple Sugar Cookies with Homemade Maple Icing

By Jason Griffith · March 4, 2026

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Soft, chewy, and filled with rich maple flavor, these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are the ultimate fall baking treat. With warm brown sugar notes and a sweet maple glaze drizzled on top, they’re perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want something comforting and homemade.

There’s something magical about maple flavor. It’s warm, nostalgic, and instantly makes your kitchen smell like autumn. These cookies come together in just over 30 minutes and deliver bakery-style results with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

As a food writer, I test a lot of dessert recipes—but these maple cookies stand out every time. Here’s why:

  • Soft and chewy texture with lightly crisp edges
  • Deep maple flavor from real maple syrup (no artificial extracts needed)
  • Simple pantry ingredients
  • Perfect for fall and holiday cookie trays
  • Beautiful glaze finish that makes them look impressive

They’re sweet without being overpowering, and that maple icing adds the perfect finishing touch. If you love cozy baked goods like my Moist 1-Bowl Banana Bread – The Easy Recipe That Never Fails, you’re going to adore these cookies.

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Soft and chewy maple cookies topped with sweet maple icing. Perfect for fall baking and holiday cookie trays.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 32 min

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (for icing)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  6. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon milk. Add additional milk as needed to reach a smooth, drizzling consistency.
  9. Spread or drizzle the maple icing over completely cooled cookies and allow icing to set before serving.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 410 calories
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbs: 60 g
  • Protein: 4 g

Rate This Recipe

Average Rating: 0 (0 votes)

Facebook Pinterest

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Maple Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)

For the Maple Icing:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Swaps and Notes

  • Pure Maple Syrup is Key: Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. It makes a huge difference in flavor.
  • Add Warm Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice adds even more fall warmth.
  • Make Them Thicker: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for a puffier cookie.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and almond milk in the icing.

How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates the soft texture.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

6. Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft—that’s perfect.

Cool completely before icing.

7. Make the Maple Icing

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon milk. Add more milk if needed to achieve a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency.

8. Ice the Cookies

Spread or drizzle the icing over cooled cookies. Allow icing to set before serving.

Tips for Perfect Maple Cookies

  • Don’t overbake—they continue to set as they cool.
  • Use room temperature butter for best texture.
  • Let cookies cool fully before icing to prevent melting.
  • For clean glaze lines, use a piping bag or spoon drizzle technique.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These cookies pair beautifully with warm drinks and breakfast-style favorites:

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 410
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Protein: 4g

(Estimated values based on 10 servings.)

Storage & Leftover Tips

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Refrigerate for up to 1 week if your kitchen runs warm.
  • Freeze un-iced cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
  • You can also freeze the dough in pre-scooped portions for fresh-baked cookies anytime.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy comforting, homemade baked goods, try:

Final Thoughts

These Maple Cookies with Maple Icing are everything a fall dessert should be: warm, soft, flavorful, and beautifully glazed. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe delivers every time.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment, share your tips, and follow along for more cozy, easy-to-make recipes from my kitchen to yours.

Happy baking! 🍁

You’ll also love