Indulge in the sweet and nostalgic flavors of Maple Cookies with Maple Icing, featuring simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and maple extract. Perfect for the holidays, these soft, fluffy cookies are topped with a rich maple icing for a delightful treat.
As a child, I always looked forward to the holidays, not just for the presents, but for my grandmother’s Maple Cookies with Maple Icing. These cookies were a staple at our family gatherings. Every year, as the first snowflakes fell, my grandmother would pull out her old, worn recipe book and together, we’d bake these heavenly cookies. The kitchen filled with laughter, the scent of maple, and the warmth of shared memories. Today, every bite takes me back to those precious moments, and I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you.
Why You’ll Love Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
- Nostalgic Charm: These cookies bring a wave of fond memories and comfort, perfect for holiday gatherings and reminiscent of cherished family recipes.
- Simplicity in Baking: With straightforward ingredients and clear instructions, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats with ease.
- Distinct Maple Flavor: The double hit of maple in both the cookie and the icing sets this recipe apart, offering a unique and irresistible taste.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: Unlike typical cookies, these offer a soft, cake-like texture, making them a delightful surprise to the palate.
- Versatility for Occasions: Ideal for holidays, tea parties, or as a cozy snack, these cookies adapt to any setting with their elegant appearance and exquisite taste.
Ingredient Notes For Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
This Maple Cookies with Maple Icing recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. Key notes on the ingredients:
- Butter: Using unsalted butter in both the cookies and icing allows you to control the saltiness while adding richness.
- Sugar Varieties: Granulated sugar in the cookies and brown sugar in the icing create a perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
- Maple Extract: The star ingredient, maple extract, infuses the cookies with their signature flavor. It’s essential for that authentic maple taste.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to the cookies’ tender crumb.
- Flour: All-purpose flour keeps the texture light and fluffy, perfect for a soft cookie.
- Icing Consistency: The combination of powdered sugar and maple syrup in the icing creates a smooth, spreadable glaze that complements the soft cookie.
How To Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
Crafting these Maple Cookies with Maple Icing is a journey of delightful aromas and flavors. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and are evenly baked.
- Cookie Dough Base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth texture.
- Incorporate Eggs and Buttermilk: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the buttermilk. This method ensures each ingredient is fully incorporated, contributing to the cookie’s moistness.
- Flavoring and Leavening Agents: Mix in salt, vanilla, maple extract, baking soda, and baking powder. Each of these plays a role in flavor and texture, with the extracts providing a rich maple taste and the leavening agents ensuring a light, fluffy cookie.
- Adding Flour: Gently mix in the flour in two batches to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Baking: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake until just set, keeping a close eye to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cookies.
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. This step is essential for texture; cooling on the baking sheet helps set the cookies, while the wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy.
Storage Options
For maintaining the freshness and texture of Maple Cookies with Maple Icing, consider the following storage options:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This method keeps the cookies soft and moist.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer firmer icing, refrigerate the cookies in a covered container. They can last up to 1 week this way.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature before serving to restore their original texture.
Variations and Substitutions
Adapt the Maple Cookies with Maple Icing recipe to your preferences or pantry availability with these suggestions:
- Vegan Options: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk and egg replacer to cater to vegan dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Different Extracts: While maple extract is preferred, vanilla or almond extract can offer a unique twist to the flavor profile.
- Nut Additions: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and nuttiness.
- Spice It Up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spicy note, perfect for the holiday season.
Maple Cookies with Maple Icing
Indulge in the sweet and nostalgic flavors of Maple Cookies with Maple Icing, featuring simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and maple extract. Perfect for the holidays, these soft, fluffy cookies are topped with a rich maple icing for a delightful treat.
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Servings: 48
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons maple extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- A pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation of Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs to the mixture, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually add the buttermilk to the mixture while continuing to mix at a low speed.
- Combine the salt, vanilla extract, maple extract, baking soda, and baking powder, and mix into the batter.
- Gradually incorporate half of the flour into the mixture, ensuring it is well mixed, then add the remaining flour and continue to mix until a consistent dough is formed.
- Using a spoon, drop approximately two-tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes. The cookies should retain a pale color; be cautious not to overbake.
- After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparation of Icing:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, bringing the mixture to a boil for two minutes while whisking continuously.
- Add the milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan, and bring the mixture to a boil again for one minute, continuing to whisk.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, whisking until it reaches a glue-like consistency. If the icing is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
- Spread the icing over the cooled cookies quickly, as it will thicken upon cooling. If necessary, add additional milk to maintain a spreadable consistency.
- Allow the icing to set before storing the cookies in a covered container.
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