Sweet Maple Cookies with Maple Frosting

These tender, cake-style cookies are flavored with maple extract and topped with a fast-setting icing made from butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup.

Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Ingredients

Cookies

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Maple Icing

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk. Stir in the maple extract, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies
Mix in half of the flour, then gradually add the remaining flour until a smooth dough forms. Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Bake for 6–8 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn lightly golden. Cool briefly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Maple Icing
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar, stirring constantly. Add the milk, maple syrup, and salt, then remove from the heat. Let the mixture cool for 10–15 minutes. Gradually whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth, thinning with a drop or two of milk if needed.

Step 4: Ice and Store
Spread the icing over the cooled cookies right away, as it firms up quickly. Store the cookies in an airtight container until ready to serve.