Buttery Maple Sugar Cookies with Real Maple Glaze

If you love soft, buttery cookies that feel like a cozy flannel blanket in dessert form this is your recipe. These maple sugar cookies with maple icing have become a winter tradition in my kitchen. They’re tender and lightly sweet with a golden-brown finish and a glossy maple glaze that sets beautifully perfect for gifting, cookie trays, or just sneaking one with your coffee. That rich maple flavor shines through thanks to real maple syrup in both the cookie dough and the icing. You’ll love how simple they are to make, and how special they feel every time you bite into one.

Why You’ll Love Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

These cookies are soft, comforting, and just a little fancy thanks to that shiny maple icing. They’re perfect for fall and winter baking, especially if you’re looking for something that isn’t chocolate or peppermint. The real maple syrup adds an earthy sweetness that stands out on a cookie tray. And best of all, the icing hardens enough for stacking and gifting!

Simple Ingredients

You probably have most of these pantry staples already:

• Butter: Gives the cookies that rich, soft, bakery-style texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with maple.
• Real Maple Syrup: The star of the show! Brings that woodsy, natural sweetness to both the cookie and the glaze.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and balances out the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough for that classic structure.
• Baking Soda + Baking Powder: Both leavening agents ensure a soft, pillowy rise.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings out the maple flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (for the icing): Melts beautifully with syrup to make a smooth glaze.
• Heavy Cream or Milk (for the icing): Helps thin the icing just enough for drizzling or dipping.

Yield and Time

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

What Is Needed

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup real maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Maple Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for desired consistency)

How to Make Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving room to spread.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
8. For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and just enough cream or milk to reach a drizzling consistency.
9. Spoon or dip icing over cooled cookies. Let them set until the icing firms up.

Top Tips

• Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup it makes all the difference.
• Don’t overbake: they should be just barely golden at the edges to stay soft.
• Let cookies cool completely before icing, or the glaze will melt.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
• Let kids drizzle the glaze it’s a fun holiday activity and makes beautiful swirls!

Recipe Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
• Sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo.
• Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for spiced maple cookies.
• Swap the icing for a cream cheese frosting for a richer finish.

Recommended Equipment

• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk or fork for icing
• Cooling rack

Make Ahead Tips

The cookie dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 48 hours. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake straight from frozen just add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

How to Store and Reheat

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can be frozen with or without icing for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp no reheating needed!

What to Serve With This Recipe

• A mug of warm apple cider or chai latte
• Vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert plate
• A holiday cookie tray with chocolate and gingerbread varieties
• As a sweet thank-you gift wrapped in cellophane bags

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

These cookies are inspired by traditional New England maple desserts, where maple syrup is harvested in early spring and used all year in cozy baked goods. Maple icing is a nostalgic nod to old-fashioned maple candies, and it gives these cookies that gorgeous shiny top that looks bakery-perfect but is so easy to make at home.

More Christmas Cookies

If you love these cookies you must try these forgotten Christmas Cookies.