Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are a delightful treat that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall. These cookies feature a chewy texture and are drizzled with a rich brown butter icing, making them suitable for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. The unique combination of pure maple syrup and nutty brown butter elevates them beyond your average cookie, ensuring they will be a hit with everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The rich taste of maple syrup combined with brown butter creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: Chilling the dough ensures soft, thick cookies that stay tender even after baking.
• Versatile Occasion: These cookies are perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and premium ingredients, they’re easy to whip up without hassle.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of only 1 hour 30 minutes, you can enjoy these delicious cookies in no time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Light-colored saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy mixture quickly, ensuring better incorporation of ingredients.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping your ingredients organized while mixing.
• Light-colored saucepan: Allows you to monitor the browning of butter easily without burning it.

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Ingredients

What You’ll Need: Ingredients. Pantry staples meet premium pure maple syrup and nutty brown butter for extra depth and chew. Chill time ensures thick, tender cookies with concentrated maple flavor.

For the Cookies

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark recommended)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Brown Butter Icing

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, (to brown)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1–2 Tbsp milk or cream, as needed for consistency
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Flaky sea salt or chopped toasted pecans, for sprinkling

How to Make Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl (using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer), beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add in the maple syrup and mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract just until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed, mixing only until no flour streaks remain. The dough will be soft.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days) to prevent excess spreading during baking while enhancing the maple flavor.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie ball, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers look just set. Let cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make Brown Butter Icing

In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Cook while swirling occasionally until foamy and speckled with brown bits—a nutty aroma will develop. Immediately pour into a heatproof bowl to stop cooking. Whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and optional cinnamon. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.

Step 7: Ice Cookies

Dip or drizzle cooled cookies with icing. While still wet, sprinkle over flaky sea salt or toasted pecans for added texture. Let set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy these Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing as a delightful treat that captures all the warmth of fall!

How to Serve Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are delightful treats perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and consider these creative suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing with a warm beverage like coffee or tea elevates the flavors of the cookies. The rich brown butter icing complements the bitterness of coffee beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a platter alongside other desserts for a beautiful presentation. Include items like brownies or fruit tarts to create variety.

At a Gathering

• Serve these cookies at gatherings or potlucks. They’re sure to be a hit among guests, and their sweet aroma will draw everyone in.

With Ice Cream

• Enjoy the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The warmth of the cookie contrasts perfectly with cold ice cream.

For Breakfast Treats

• These cookies can double as a breakfast treat. Serve them alongside yogurt and fresh fruit for a sweet morning start.

How to Perfect Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Perfecting your Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for a flawless batch every time.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough allows the flavors to deepen and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

• Use quality maple syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark recommended) to ensure rich flavor in both the cookies and icing.

• Brown butter carefully: Watch closely while browning butter; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. The nutty aroma indicates it’s ready.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off with a knife for accuracy, preventing dense cookies.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender and chewy rather than tough.

• Let cool before icing: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding icing, ensuring it adheres well without melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet, rich flavors. Consider serving them alongside one of these options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that contrasts nicely with the cookie’s texture.

3. Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which offer savory notes that enhance the sweetness.

4. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate provides a delightful contrast to the soft cookies.

5. Chai Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with chai spices add crunchy texture and warmth that complements the maple flavor.

6. Mini Caramel Puddings: Silky caramel puddings add richness while enhancing the overall sweetness experience when paired together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final result.

• Ignoring chill time: Skipping the chilling process can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to ensure thick and tender cookies.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding the dry ingredients can result in tough cookies. Mix just until flour streaks disappear for a soft texture.

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Using incorrect measurements can alter the cookie’s texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.

• Baking at incorrect temperatures: Baking at too high or too low of a temperature can affect how the cookies rise and brown. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary.

• Skipping the parchment paper: Not using parchment paper may cause cookies to stick to the baking sheet, making it hard to remove them. Always line your baking sheets for easy cleanup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

• Freeze undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For best results, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Reheating Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing.

Can I use different types of syrup?

You can experiment with various syrups, but pure maple syrup yields the best flavor.

How do I make my icing thicker?

To thicken your icing, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes! Substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg made from ground flaxseed mixed with water.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored properly, Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing can last up to a week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

What is brown butter, and how do I make it?

Brown butter is regular butter that has been melted and cooked until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. To make it, melt unsalted butter over medium heat while stirring until browned bits form at the bottom of the pan.

Final Thoughts

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or different spices based on your preference. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delightful treats!