Maple Cookies Recipe
Soft, chewy maple cookies bring a warm, sweet flavor that everyone loves. They are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them a delightful treat for any occasion!

If you’re looking to change things up from your regular cookies, these maple cookies are a great choice. They are tasty and have a soft texture, making them perfect for the holiday season.
I used pure maple syrup in the recipe, which gives them a sweet flavor that is better than normal cookies. The warm smell fills the kitchen and makes it feel cozy, especially during Christmas.
They turned out amazing, with a nice golden color and just the right amount of chewiness. Each bite is sweet and warm, making them hard to resist. I had never made cookies like these before, but I was surprised at how easy they were to make.
The best part is that they stay soft and delicious for days, so you can enjoy them even after baking.
I love to enjoy these maple cookies with my kids, especially when we bake together during the holidays. We often drizzle a sweet glaze on top, which makes them even better. Whether we eat them with a glass of milk or share them with friends, these cookies have become a family favorite. Making these treats together has become a special tradition that we all look forward to each year.
What is Maple Cookies?
Maple cookies are delightful sweet treats known for their rich flavor, thanks to the use of maple syrup. They typically have a soft, chewy texture with a slight crispness on the outside, making them a comforting snack. Often enjoyed during the fall and winter months, these cookies can be served plain or topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 ⅓ cups (292 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (105 g) pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
Maple Glaze:
- ½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon maple extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt, to taste

How to make Maple Cookies
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4:
Add the egg, and beat until combined. Then add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract, beating on high until everything is well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Step 6:
Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Step 7:
Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8:
In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, maple extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
Step 9:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze over each cookie. Let the glaze set before serving.
Tips
- Brown Butter Boost: Try browning the butter before adding it to the dough for a nutty, caramelized undertone. This pairs beautifully with maple and adds depth to the cookies.
- Nutty Mix-Ins: Add finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture and a nice balance to the sweetness of the maple.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough will enhance the maple flavor and add warmth, especially if you’re making these cookies during fall or winter.
- Infuse with Orange Zest: Add a bit of orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus twist. The subtle orange flavor complements the sweetness of the maple nicely.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: After glazing, drizzle some melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for a decorative and tasty touch.
- Chill for Perfect Shape: Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent spreading. This helps create thick, chewy cookies with a soft center.
How to store the Cookies?
To store your maple cookies, allow them to cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer them softer, you can place a slice of bread in the container, as it will keep them moist.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies without the glaze. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature, and add the glaze once they’re fully thawed for the best texture.
What to serve with Maple Cookies?
Maple cookies taste wonderful with cozy drinks and simple treats that bring out their sweet flavor. For a warm pairing, try a hot cup of tea, coffee, or apple cider. These drinks add a nice contrast and make the cookies taste even better. A glass of cold milk or warm vanilla almond milk is also a great choice and is loved by kids and adults alike.
For a little extra, you can serve these cookies with ice cream. Vanilla ice cream or butter pecan ice cream works really well, giving a nice creamy texture alongside the soft cookies. It turns a simple snack into a delicious dessert that’s fun to enjoy with family or friends.
If you’re having a get-together, you could even add a few berries or fresh fruits on the side. They add color, freshness, and a little tart flavor that goes well with the rich taste of maple. It’s an easy way to make the cookies part of a sweet and balanced treat.

To make maple cookies softer
- Slightly underbake: Remove the cookies from the oven just as the edges turn golden but the centers still look soft. The cookies will firm up slightly as they cool but stay tender in the middle.
- Add moisture with extra brown sugar or honey: Using a bit more brown sugar or adding a teaspoon of honey to the dough can help lock in moisture, resulting in a softer texture.
- Avoid overmixing: Overmixing can make cookies tough, so mix the ingredients just until combined for the softest texture.
- Store with a slice of bread: After baking, keep the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help them retain moisture and stay soft for longer. The cookies absorb the moisture from the bread without getting soggy.
FAQ
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
- Brown sugar is preferred for its rich flavor and moisture, but you can use regular sugar. The texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
- Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor, but maple-flavored syrup can work as a substitute. Just keep in mind the flavor might be milder.
Can I make the cookies without the maple extract?
- Yes, but the maple flavor may be less intense. You can add a bit more maple syrup for extra flavor if you like.
Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure it has a similar structure to regular flour for best results.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough for later use. Just roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I make the glaze without maple extract?
- Yes, just use pure maple syrup for the glaze. The maple flavor will be lighter but still delicious.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Yes, but omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Maple Cookies Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
cookies15
minutes10
minutes25
minutesSoft, chewy maple cookies bring a warm, sweet flavor that everyone loves. They are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them a delightful treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Cookies:
2 ⅓ cups (292 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
⅓ cup (105 g) pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon maple extract
- Maple Glaze:
½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon maple extract
1 pinch kosher salt, to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the egg, and beat until combined. Then add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract, beating on high until everything is well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, maple extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze over each cookie. Let the glaze set before serving.