Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
I just have to tell you about these soft maple cookies with brown butter icing! They’re like a warm hug on a chilly day, bringing together that dreamy maple flavor with a rich, fudgy icing. Honestly, once you try biting into one of these, you’ll wish you had the recipe on repeat! Whether you’re having a cozy coffee date with a friend or planning a lovely dessert for a gathering, these cookies are sure to impress.
What Are Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing?
Soft maple cookies with brown butter icing are delightful treats that combine the classic flavors of maple and butter. Imagine a soft, pillowy cookie that melts in your mouth, topped with a thick layer of brown butter icing that adds just the right amount of sweetness. They are perfect for any occasion, really—birthdays, holidays, or even just a random Tuesday when you want to treat yourself!
Ingredients Overview for Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
You’re going to love how simple the ingredients are! Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious cookies:
- All-purpose flour: Essential for the cookie base, but you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and gives them that lovely, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch! It balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: The main fat, which gives flavor. You can swap it with coconut oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Brown sugar: Adds that deep, caramel-like flavor. You can use granulated sugar in a pinch, but brown sugar makes a difference!
- Maple syrup: The star ingredient, bringing that distinct maple flavor. You could replace it with agave syrup or honey, but it’ll change the taste a bit.
- Eggs: Binding everything together, no substitutes here unless you want to use a flax egg for vegan options.
- Vanilla extract: A must for that lovely depth of flavor!
- Powdered sugar: For the icing, achieving that perfect sweetness and creamy consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
Let’s get this cookie party started! Here’s how to whip these up:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper—this helps them not stick!
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside while you mix the wet ingredients.
- In a mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Trust me; this step makes a huge difference!
- Add in the maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture, beating until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies soft!
- Using a spoon, drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. They’ll look slightly golden when done but will feel soft to the touch.
- While they cool, let’s work on the icing! In a saucepan, brown some butter over medium heat until it’s fragrant and nutty. Watch it carefully—burnt butter is a sad thing!
- Once cooled slightly, whisk in the powdered sugar and a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Top each cooled cookie with the icing. You can let it drizzle or slather it on—your choice!
Sweet Serving Suggestions
These soft maple cookies with brown butter icing aren’t just delicious; they look cute too! Serve them fresh from the oven or let them sit for a bit for an even more gooey experience. Pair them with a warm mug of coffee or a steaming cup of chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a lovely gift when packaged in a pretty box with a ribbon!
Tips for the Perfect Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
- Let the butter cool before you mix it into the icing; this prevents it from melting the sugar and making it too runny.
- For thicker icing, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the right consistency.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes if you want more uniform cookies that don’t spread too much while baking.
- Experiment with mix-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you want to change things up!
Q&A Section
1. Can I use maple extract instead of syrup?
Yes, but you will need less. Maple extract is more concentrated, so start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
2. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can make a substitute by mixing white sugar with a little molasses. For each cup of sugar, mix in one tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor.
3. How do I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later!
4. Can I add spices?
Absolutely! Adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can give these cookies an exciting twist. Go for it!
Why You’ll Adore These Cookies
What’s not to love? These soft maple cookies with brown butter icing are incredibly comforting and delightful to eat. The combination of soft cookie and creamy icing is heavenly, and the flavors make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Plus, when you bake them, your kitchen will smell like a dreamy autumn day, making it all the more tempting to have another!
My Journey with Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
When I first tried making these cookies, I ended up burning my butter—oops! But that little mishap turned into a pleasant surprise as I adjusted the recipe to create this rich layer of flavor. There were a few trial-and-error moments, especially with the icing consistency, but I eventually found that perfect creamy balance. I’m telling you, every time I bake these, it feels like a celebration in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to give them a try!
Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful soft maple cookies topped with a rich brown butter icing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly golden but soft to the touch.
- For the icing, brown butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then whisk in powdered sugar and milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Top each cooled cookie with icing.
Notes
For thicker icing, add more powdered sugar. Chill the dough for uniform cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg