Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing Recipe
The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is a surefire way to bring everyone together. Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday party, or just a cozy night in. The combination of pure maple syrup and brown sugar gives these cookies a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to resist.
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Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing Recipe
Soft and chewy cookies with a rich maple flavor and topped with a nutty brown butter icing.
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 12
Ingredients
✓ 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
✓ 1 cup brown sugar
✓ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
✓ 1 large egg
✓ 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
✓ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
✓ 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
✓ 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
✓ Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
✓ Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
✓ Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
✓ Add maple syrup and egg to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
✓ Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
✓ Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
✓ Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
✓ Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
✓ To make the icing, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
✓ Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
✓ Spread a small amount of icing on each cooled cookie.
Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for best results. Don’t overmix the dough.
Nutrition
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 17
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 2
These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, with their soft texture and beautifully browned butter icing. The process of making them is straightforward, making it a great recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour — provides structure; can be substituted with bread flour for a denser texture
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup — adds distinct flavor and moisture; use grade A for a stronger maple flavor
- 1 cup brown sugar — contributes to chewiness and flavor depth; can be light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature — crucial for creaming with sugar; must be soft
- 1 large egg — binds ingredients together; use room temperature for better mixing
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted — essential for smooth icing; sifting removes lumps
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — enhances overall flavor; use pure extract for best results
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda — helps cookies spread; ensure it’s fresh for best results
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — balances sweetness; can be adjusted to taste
This combination of ingredients works together to create a cookie that’s both soft and flavorful, with a rich icing that’s sure to impress.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup pure maple syrup and 1 large egg to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Cooking
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembly and Icing
- To make the brown butter icing, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whisk in 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a small amount of icing on each cookie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are easy to make and require common ingredients. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a dessert to impress your guests. The rich flavor of maple syrup and the deep, nutty taste of brown butter icing make these cookies truly special.
Tips for Making Perfect Soft Maple Cookies
- Ensure that your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. This will help create a lighter texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- If you find the dough too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before scooping.
- For an extra crunchy exterior, bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes instead of 10-12.
- To make the icing ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Time Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes for 2 batches
Nutritional Information
Per cookie (assuming 12 cookies per batch):
- Calories: Approximately 180-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 15-18g
- Protein: 2-3g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I substitute the maple syrup with something else?
While you can experiment with other syrups, pure maple syrup provides a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate. However, you can try using a combination of honey and molasses as a substitute.
Conclusion
Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are a delightful treat that’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of pure maple syrup and brown sugar, along with the rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter icing, makes these cookies truly special. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
