Description
Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing deliver the perfect blend of chewy maple-infused cookies topped with a rich, nutty brown butter icing. These soft, tender cookies offer a warm, inviting flavor ideal for cozy afternoons, celebrations, or gifting. The recipe features simple pantry staples enhanced by pure maple syrup and browned butter for unmatched depth and comforting sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Brown Butter Icing
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for browning)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Brown Butter: Melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. This brown butter will be used for the icing and enrich the dough with a deep flavor.
- Mix the Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, combine brown sugar, pure maple syrup, ½ cup melted brown butter (from previous step or freshly browned), and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their soft, chewy texture during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough balls approximately 1 tablespoon each onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Brown Butter Icing: While cookies cool, whisk together the remaining browned butter (¼ cup), powdered sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or cream to thin if needed.
- Ice the Cookies: Once cookies reach room temperature, generously spread or drizzle the brown butter icing over the top of each cookie. Allow icing to set for 15 to 20 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- Butter Browning Patience: Carefully brown butter without rushing to avoid burning; this adds essential flavor depth.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off to prevent dense cookies caused by excess flour.
- Chill Dough Thoroughly: Well-chilled dough helps control cookie spread and preserves soft texture.
- Use Real Maple Syrup: For authentic flavor, always use pure maple syrup rather than artificial flavorings.
- Adjust Icing Consistency: Modify thickness by adding powdered sugar or heavy cream to achieve your preferred glazing texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: maple cookies, brown butter icing, soft cookies, chewy cookies, maple dessert, cozy treats, holiday cookies, homemade cookies
