If you’ve been searching for a sweet treat that perfectly balances rich buttery flavor with the deep, luscious notes of maple, you’re in for a real delight with this Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe. These cookies aren’t just simple baked goods; they’re a warm hug wrapped in crisp edges and drizzled with a smooth maple glaze that elevates every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon or an impressive dessert at a gathering, this recipe brings a charming, irresistible twist to your cookie repertoire that’s bound to become a favorite fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in building a cookie that’s as flavorful as it is texturally perfect. From the soft richness of butter to the natural sweetness of maple syrup, these ingredients come together to create magic.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds creamy richness and helps achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides the essential sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds a bit of lift and moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall aroma and roundness of flavor.
- Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): Infuses the cookie dough with that unmistakable maple character.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that gives the cookie body and chew.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly and spreads evenly.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift for a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, sifted): The foundation of the sweet glaze.
- Pure maple syrup (3 tablespoons for glaze): Intensifies maple flavor in the glaze topping.
- Milk (1-2 tablespoons, as needed for thinning): Adjusts glaze consistency perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle warmth to the glaze.
How to Make Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan effortlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, vigorously beat the softened butter along with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for creating a delicate texture and enhancing flavor.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and the maple syrup into your creamed sugars. Be sure to beat until the mixture looks smooth and well combined—this blend forms the flavor-rich heart of your cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these beforehand helps distribute all the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll each one into a ball. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently flatten them with your hand to ensure an even bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for lightly golden edges—that’s the perfect indication your cookies are done. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Prepare the Maple Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and starting with one tablespoon of milk, adding more as necessary to achieve a thick but pourable glaze. For a lovely hint of warmth, you can mix in the optional vanilla extract.
Step 9: Glaze and Set
Once your cookies have cooled completely, generously drizzle the maple glaze over each one. Allow the glaze to set for 10 to 15 minutes to get that perfect shiny finish before serving.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon can elevate the look and flavor of your maple glazed cookies. These garnishes add an inviting crunch and warmth that complement the sweet glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, fresh brewed coffee, or even a glass of chilled milk to balance the sweetness and enhance your tasting experience. They’re also delightful alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a dessert twist.
Creative Ways to Present
You can arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board or a delicate porcelain plate to wow your guests visually. Try stacking them with layers of wax paper in between for a charming gift package, tied with a natural twine bow to share the love of this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. After glazing and when fully set, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This gently warms the cookies without melting the glaze excessively, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
For the richest, most authentic flavor in this Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe, pure maple syrup is recommended. Maple-flavored syrups often contain additives that can alter the taste and texture.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
Powdered sugar is key for a smooth glaze, but if you don’t have any, you can try blending granulated sugar until superfine. However, the texture might be slightly grainier than with powdered sugar.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just take care to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookie texture intact.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping if needed. This helps the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.
Is there a way to make these cookies dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with a non-dairy margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk for thinning the glaze. The flavor will still shine through beautifully!
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered the joy of making this Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe, I encourage you to bake a batch and share the experience with someone special. These cookies capture the perfect harmony of sweetness and comfort, delivering warmth and smiles in every bite. Once you try them, you’ll see why they quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking collection.
Print
Maple Glazed Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy maple glazed cookies, perfectly balanced with the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup. Featuring a golden butter base infused with brown sugar and vanilla, these cookies are crowned with a luscious maple glaze that adds an irresistible finish. Ideal for a cozy treat or sharing with friends and family, these cookies bring a touch of autumn warmth to any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for thinning)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, which helps to incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a rich flavor and cohesive dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overdeveloping gluten and keeping cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your hand for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk, starting with 1 tablespoon of milk and adjusting as needed to achieve a thick but pourable consistency. Optionally, stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Glaze Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over each cookie. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to firm slightly and add a delightful sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for optimal texture in the dough.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- For thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add more milk gradually.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and egg with a flax egg.

