Name: Frosted Maple Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 1 h 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup pure maple syrup; 2 egg yolks; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted; ¼ cup pure maple syrup; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon maple extract; Tiny pinch of salt; 1 tablespoon milk; Sparkling sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a cookie that perfectly balances a tender, chewy texture with crisp edges, then this Frosted Maple Cookies Recipe will become your new obsession. Each bite reveals the warm richness of pure maple syrup complemented by a luxuriously smooth maple frosting that’s just sweet enough to brighten your day. These cookies are as delightful to look at—sprinkled with sparkling sugar for that extra touch of magic—as they are to eat, making them a true showstopper at any gathering or cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a white bowl filled with light brown, smooth cookie dough with a thick texture. A gray spoon is inside the bowl, slightly covered with dough. The bowl has a handle on the right side and sits on a white marbled surface. To the left of the bowl, there is a light beige cloth with a lace edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up these irresistible treats. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect taste, texture, and appearance for your Frosted Maple Cookies Recipe.

All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides the structure and body to your cookies, giving them that ideal balance of chew and crispness.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Acts as a gentle leavening agent to help the cookies rise just enough without losing their shape.
Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Helps with browning and adds a subtle lift.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, spicy hint that complements the maple flavor beautifully.
Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors by balancing the sweetness.
Brown sugar (1 cup, lightly packed): Brings moisture and a rich, caramel-like sweetness, perfect for chewy cookies.
Unsalted butter (¾ cup, softened): Delivers richness and tenderness while helping the dough hold together.
Pure maple syrup (½ cup): The star ingredient that infuses natural sweetness and that unmistakable maple essence.
Egg yolks (2): Give the cookies a silky texture and deepen the color.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates every flavor with a classic warmth.
For the frosting:
Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon, room temperature): Provides a creamy base for the frosting.
Powdered sugar (2 cups, sifted): Creates silky sweetness and perfect frosting texture.
Pure maple syrup (¼ cup): Delivers the frosting’s signature flavor and natural sweetness.
Pure vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Complements the maple notes with subtle depth.
Maple extract (½ teaspoon): Intensifies the maple flavor for a double dose of deliciousness.
Tiny pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness for a nuanced taste.
Milk (1 tablespoon): Thins the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
Sparkling sugar (optional): Adds a festive sparkle and slight crunch for a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Frosted Maple Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and sea salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution so every cookie gets an equal hit of flavor and rise without any clumps, setting the foundation for perfectly textured cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step aerates the butter and sugar, helping to develop the tender, chewy texture you want in these maple cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Next, add the pure maple syrup, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat at medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth, which helps to build a rich, flavorful dough that will hold together beautifully when baked.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed just until combined. Overmixing here can develop the gluten too much and make your cookies tough, so keep it gentle and stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in those enviable crisp edges.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 17 to 19 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden and the centers look set. This timing ensures a tender middle without overbaking. Let them cool on the sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Maple Frosting

While the cookies cool, whisk together the butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, maple extract, salt, and half the milk in a mixer on low speed. Increase to high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining milk a little at a time until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookies are fully cooled, generously spread the maple frosting on top. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle sparkling sugar over the frosting immediately to add an extra touch of sparkle and delightful texture.

How to Serve Frosted Maple Cookies Recipe

The image shows six round cookies placed on a black wire cooling rack, each topped with one layer of smooth, creamy light beige frosting spread in a circular motion. The cookies themselves are golden brown with a slightly cracked surface texture, and the frosting appears soft and glossy. Some white coarse salt flakes are lightly sprinkled on top of the frosting, adding subtle texture contrast. The cookies rest on a white marbled textured surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkling of sparkling sugar is a simple but stunning way to elevate your Frosted Maple Cookies Recipe. For an added touch, consider a few toasted pecan crumbs or a light dusting of cinnamon to complement the maple flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair exceptionally well with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. The warmth of your beverage will perfectly contrast with the sweet, chewy cookies, making each bite even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, arrange these frosted maple cookies in a charming tin or a decorative box layered with parchment paper. You can also stack them with small parchment squares in between to keep the frosting intact. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or a cinnamon stick in the box can lend an inviting aroma and make the presentation even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Frosted Maple Cookies Recipe fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to 4 days, allowing you plenty of time to savor every crumb.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, thaw completely and frost as instructed. You may also freeze fully frosted cookies by wrapping them tightly, but be mindful that the frosting texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Warm your Frosted Maple Cookies Recipe slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring out their soft, chewy goodness. Just be careful not to melt the frosting entirely—just a gentle warmth enhances their flavor and aroma wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar for the cookies?

Brown sugar adds both moisture and a deeper caramel flavor that works beautifully in this recipe. Using regular granulated sugar is possible but may result in a slightly drier, less flavorful cookie.

What if I don’t have maple extract for the frosting?

While maple extract intensifies the maple flavor, you can omit it and still have delicious frosting by relying on pure maple syrup and vanilla. The cookies and frosting will still taste wonderfully maple-y.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend might work but can affect the texture. Choose a blend that includes xanthan gum and be prepared for a slightly different chew and rise.

How long do the frosted cookies last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, frosted maple cookies generally stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days before the frosting’s texture may start to change.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, giving you those perfect edges and a chewy center every time.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Frosted Maple Cookies Recipe, it will become a staple in your baking rotation. The combination of tender, chewy cookies with luscious maple frosting is truly irresistible and perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo with a warm drink. Give these a go and prepare to be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such a cozy, delicious treat.