Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of pure maple syrup with the nutty essence of brown butter. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy family nights. Their soft texture and sweet icing make them irresistible, ensuring they will be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and brown butter creates a rich, unique taste that stands out.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for any season or celebration, Soft Maple Cookies can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
• Impressive Presentation: Dipped in creamy icing and topped with flaky sea salt or pecans, these cookies look as good as they taste.
• Chill Time Benefits: Refrigerating the dough enhances the flavors and ensures perfectly thick cookies every time.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for an enjoyable baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Heatproof bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a light and fluffy cookie dough by thoroughly mixing the ingredients.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets, ensuring easy removal after baking.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth icing by effectively combining powdered sugar with other ingredients.

Ingredients

What You’ll Need: Ingredients. Pantry staples meet premium pure maple syrup and nutty brown butter for extra depth and chew. Chill time ensures thick, tender cookies with concentrated maple flavor.

Ingredients:
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark recommended)
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (to brown)
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
– 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
– 1–2 Tbsp milk or cream (as needed for consistency)
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
– flaky sea salt or chopped toasted pecans (for sprinkling)

How to Make Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined; set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the maple syrup and beat until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat just until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed until no flour streaks remain. The dough will be soft.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 3 days) to prevent excess spread during baking while deepening the maple flavor.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Scoop Dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out approximately 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers look just set. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Make Brown Butter Icing

In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Cook while swirling until it becomes foamy and develops browned bits with a nutty aroma. Immediately pour into a heatproof bowl to stop cooking. Whisk in sifted powdered sugar, maple syrup, and optional ground cinnamon. Gradually add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency—thick but pourable.

Step 9: Ice Cookies

Once cooled, dip or drizzle each cookie in icing. While still wet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or toasted pecans if desired. Allow icing to set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing!

How to Serve Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

Soft maple cookies with brown butter icing are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging yourself, these cookies can be served alongside different accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, the creamy richness of milk complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a platter with fresh fruits like apples and pears for a visually appealing and flavorful dessert spread.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea adds an aromatic touch, making for a comforting afternoon snack.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with vanilla or maple-flavored ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

How to Perfect Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

To ensure your soft maple cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips. They will help you achieve that ideal texture and flavor.

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour helps prevent excess spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing; this creates a smoother batter and better incorporation.
• Measure Flour Properly – Use a spoon to fluff up the flour before scooping it into your measuring cup; this prevents dense cookies caused by too much flour.
• Watch Baking Time Closely – Bake until edges are lightly golden but centers look just set; overbaking will lead to dry cookies.
• Brown Butter Carefully – Monitor the butter closely while browning to develop the nutty flavor without burning it; remove it from heat as soon as brown specks appear.
• Let Cookies Cool Completely – Allow cookies to cool on racks completely before icing, ensuring the glaze sets properly without melting off.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

These soft maple cookies can shine even brighter when served alongside complementary side dishes. Here are some options that pair well:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides a creamy contrast and makes for a healthy side dish.
3. Cheese Board – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting flavor combination with sweet cookies.
4. Nut Mix – A selection of toasted nuts adds crunch and richness, enhancing your cookie experience.
5. Vegetable Crudités – Crisp veggies served with hummus offer a refreshing bite that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – Juicy strawberries dipped in chocolate provide an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with maple flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making soft maple cookies may seem simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect their texture and flavor. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to maintain thickness and enhance flavor.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can result in a dense texture. Ensure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature for the best results.

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear to keep them tender.

• Skipping the brown butter: Not browning the butter means missing out on that nutty depth of flavor. Take the time to brown it properly for richer cookies.

• Ignoring baking times: Baking for too long can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they look set but still soft in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

• Freeze baked cookies layered between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm cookies on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making soft maple cookies with brown butter icing:

Can I use other types of syrup?

You can substitute with other syrups, but pure maple syrup offers the best flavor and texture for these cookies.

How do I make my icing thicker?

To thicken your icing, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

What is brown butter, and how do I make it?

Brown butter is butter that has been cooked until golden brown, enhancing its flavor. Simply melt unsalted butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it turns golden and fragrant.

How should I store leftover icing?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Re-whip before using again.

Final Thoughts

These soft maple cookies with brown butter icing are delightful treats perfect for any occasion. Their chewy texture combined with rich flavors makes them irresistible. You can customize them by adding nuts or adjusting the spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these heavenly delights!