If you’re on the hunt for the most soul-warming, autumn-evoking treat to ever come out of your kitchen, these Frosted maple cookies are nothing short of magic. Each bite delivers soft, buttery goodness enveloped in deep maple flavor and topped with a luscious, sweet maple glaze. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a festive fall gathering, or just treating yourself to something special, these cookies are destined to steal the show with their stunning simplicity and unforgettable taste.

Frosted maple cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a splash of real maple syrup, you’ll bring together a dough that bakes into soft, golden cookies—ready to be slathered in dreamy frosting. Each ingredient has its own charming part to play, forming the irresistible flavor and texture of these Frosted maple cookies.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, giving them structure and that perfect, tender crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: A one-two punch of leavening that ensures your cookies are light and just the right amount of puffy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and gentle spice that pairs beautifully with the maple.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances out the sweetness.
Brown sugar: Contributes richness and moisture for chewy centers and a hint of molasses depth.
Unsalted butter: Brings unmatched flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture to both the cookies and the frosting.
Pure maple syrup: The true star of the show, it gives the cookies and the frosting their signature taste and sticky-sweet aroma.
Egg yolks: Only yolks for extra tenderness and richness—no dry cookies here!
Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile for an unmistakably cozy aroma.
Powdered sugar: Sifted smooth to create the silkiest possible frosting.
Maple extract (optional): For a bolder maple punch in your frosting—totally worth it.
Milk: Just a touch, to bring your frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
Sparkling sugar (optional): Adds a little glitz and crunch to your finished cookies.

How to Make Frosted maple cookies

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt in a medium bowl. This step is all about evening out the leaveners and spices, so every cookie is infused with that lovely, mellow warmth and rises beautifully in the oven.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl—stand mixer or hand mixer are both great—beat the brown sugar and softened butter until the mixture is practically airy, about three minutes. This is where the magic really starts, as aerating the butter creates a tender cookie base that holds onto that gorgeous maple flavor.

Step 3: Add the Maple, Egg Yolks, and Vanilla

Drizzle in the maple syrup, followed by the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Beat until everything’s pleasantly smooth. The fragrant maple blends with the brown sugar and vanilla, giving your kitchen that telltale autumn scent you’ll want to bottle up.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry

Gently add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low only until just combined. This ensures your Frosted maple cookies bake up tender rather than tough. Don’t worry if the dough seems a little soft—it’s meant to be!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover and pop the dough in the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling is non-negotiable; it helps the flavors meld and keeps your cookies from spreading too much when baked, so the centers stay soft.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line your baking sheets. Use a medium cookie scoop to drop dough balls a couple inches apart. Bake for 17–19 minutes, just until the edges are pale golden and the centers look set. Let them cool on the sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Frosting

Once your cookies are totally cool, mix up the frosting: beat together the additional butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, maple extract (if using), salt, and just enough milk to reach a spreadable, creamy consistency. Two to three minutes on high is all it takes—your frosting will turn out perfectly fluffy and luscious.

Step 8: Frost, Decorate, and Enjoy

Use a butter knife, offset spatula, or even the back of a spoon to swirl generous dollops of frosting onto each cookie. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some sparkling sugar for a touch of shimmer and crunch right away before the frosting sets.

How to Serve Frosted maple cookies

Garnishes

For the prettiest trays, add a finishing touch of sparkling coarse sugar the moment you frost your cookies. Crushed toasted pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon work wonderfully too if you want extra autumn flair to complement your Frosted maple cookies.

Side Dishes

Balance out your sweet treats with a hot mug of chai tea, a creamy latte, or a simple glass of cold milk. For dessert platters, pair your Frosted maple cookies with spiced nuts or a medley of fall fruits (think crisp apples, pears, or dried cranberries) for a gorgeous, seasonal spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment for gifting, arrange them on a serving board with maple candies or caramels, or use mini cookie cutters to shape them into leaves for a themed look. Mini versions also make fantastic favors for parties or cozy celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Frosted maple cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking and keep the frosting looking fresh.

Freezing

Both the unfrosted cookies and the finished, frosted ones freeze well. For best results, freeze cookies in a single layer before stacking; thaw at room temperature, then frost if you haven’t already. Individually wrapping cookies helps them stay extra soft!

Reheating

If you like your cookies a bit warm, give unfrosted cookies a quick 5-second zap in the microwave. Frosted cookies are best at room temperature, but a very brief, low-power warm-up can make them wonderfully gooey—just keep an eye out so the icing doesn’t melt too fast.

FAQs

Can I use imitation maple syrup for this recipe?

For truly unforgettable Frosted maple cookies, it’s worth using real maple syrup. The flavor is deeper and more complex, but if you’re in a pinch, imitation syrup will still work—it just won’t be quite as magical.

How do I make my frosting extra fluffy?

Let your butter come to room temperature before mixing, then beat it with the powdered sugar and other ingredients on high until the frosting is light and airy. If needed, add a tiny splash of milk for a smooth, pipable consistency.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. The dough may be a bit softer, so chilling becomes even more important to help the cookies hold their shape.

What’s the best way to get neat, bakery-style frosting swirls?

Use an offset spatula or small butter knife and spread the frosting in gentle, circular motions. If you prefer, transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a large round tip for those satisfying, thick swirls you see in bakeries.

Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?

Of course! Chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even tiny maple-flavored chips make fun additions. Just mix them in gently after the flour, being careful not to overwork the dough.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sharing a batch of Frosted maple cookies with friends or family. Their cozy flavor and gorgeous glaze make them the ultimate feel-good treat, perfect for any season. I can’t wait for you to try these—you’re in for a sweet, maple-filled adventure!

Frosted maple cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: About 2 hours
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight your taste buds with these soft and flavorful frosted maple cookies. The perfect treat for maple lovers!

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Set aside.
Cream sugar and butter until fluffy. Add in maple syrup, egg yolks, and vanilla; mix until smooth. Gradually add in the dry ingredients.
Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets. Portion out dough onto sheets.
Bake until golden and set. Cool on a wire rack.
Prepare frosting. Beat ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Frost cookies and top with sugar.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a touch of maple extract to the cookie dough.
Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 17-19 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Maple cookies, frosted cookies, dessert, baking