Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing: The ULTIMATE Recipe

Soft maple cookies with brown butter icing are the taste of autumn comfort food in every bite. These soft maple cookies, infused with the warm, cozy flavor of maple syrup and topped with a rich, nutty brown butter icing, are an absolute dream. I can almost smell the leaves changing just thinking about them! This recipe is inspired by my childhood trips to the New England countryside, where maple syrup was king. I’ve been perfecting these soft maple cookies with brown butter icing for years, and I’m so excited to finally share my secret with you. Let’s get baking! 

Why You Will Love This soft maple cookies with brown butter icing Recipe

These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a hug in cookie form. The soft, chewy texture of the cookie, combined with the decadent brown butter icing, makes them utterly irresistible. They’re surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy weekend baking session or a last minute dessert.

I remember baking these cookies for the first time with my grandmother. The entire house was filled with the aroma of toasted butter and maple syrup. It’s a taste and a memory I cherish, and I can't wait for you to create your own delicious memories with these soft maple cookies with brown butter icing. Check out some of our other cookie recipes like Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, too.

Ingredients Needed for This soft maple cookies with brown butter icing Recipe

For the Soft Maple Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Brown Butter Icing:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

How to Make This soft maple cookies with brown butter icing Recipe

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process is key for a light cookie.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and maple syrup. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
6. Drop by Spoonfuls: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie.
7. Bake: Bake for 8 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers might still look soft, and that’s okay!
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make Brown Butter: While the cookies are cooling, make the brown butter icing. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue to cook, swirling occasionally, until it turns a nutty brown color and smells fragrant. This usually takes about 5 7 minutes. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn!
10. Combine Icing Ingredients: Remove the browned butter from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt until smooth. Add more milk, if needed, to reach your desired consistency.
11. Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the brown butter icing over the tops.
12. Let Set: Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve This soft maple cookies with brown butter icing Recipe

These soft maple cookies with brown butter icing are perfect on their own with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra special treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries. Think about these flavors alongside the bold tastes of dishes like our Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.

You can also get creative with toppings! Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the icing for added texture and flavor. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of maple sugar or cinnamon.

How to Store This soft maple cookies with brown butter icing Recipe

Refrigeration: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help keep the icing fresh.

Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies (without the icing) for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Defrost at room temperature before icing. I do not recommend freezing with the icing on the cookies.

Reheating: If you refrigerate the cookies, you can warm them up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for that just baked feel.

Tips to Make This soft maple cookies with brown butter icing Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for both the cookies and the icing. This will help ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
• Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix the dough until just combined.
• Brown Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely as it browns to prevent it from burning. Burnt butter will have a bitter taste so be vigilant.
• Adjust Icing Consistency: If the icing is too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Helpful Notes for This soft maple cookies with brown butter icing Recipe

For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup, not imitation. The quality of the maple syrup will greatly impact the taste of the cookies and the icing.

If you don't have ground cinnamon on hand, a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice would also work well in the cookie dough.

Feel free to play around with the amount of maple syrup in the icing to suit your taste preferences. If you want a strong maple flavor, add a bit more.

Variation of This soft maple cookies with brown butter icing Recipe

For a festive twist, add chopped cranberries or pecans to the cookie dough. You can also substitute half of the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty flavor.

If you want to make a cream cheese icing, combine 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with the brown butter icing ingredients for a tangy and creamy frosting. For other ideas, consider pairing this dessert with the tastes of our Lasagna Soup 2!

Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipe ideas and baking inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So there you have it: my secret recipe for soft maple cookies with brown butter icing! I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful cookies as much as I do. They’re a perfect treat for any occasion and bring a touch of warmth and comfort to every gathering. Don't hesitate to leave a comment below if you have any questions or if you've put your own twist on these soft maple cookies with brown butter icing. Happy baking!

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing: The ULTIMATE Recipe

Soft and chewy maple cookies topped with a decadent brown butter icing. These cookies are the perfect fall comfort food!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 220
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 10g

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• **For the Brown Butter Icing:**
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and maple syrup.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 8 10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, cooking until it turns a nutty brown color, about 5 7 minutes.
10. Remove browned butter from heat and let it cool slightly.
11. Whisk together browned butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt until smooth. Add more milk if needed.
12. Once cookies are completely cool, spread brown butter icing over tops.
13. Allow icing to set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• For best flavor, use pure maple syrup. Watch the butter carefully as it browns to prevent burning. These cookies are best stored in the refrigerator due to the icing.