Apple Cookies with Maple Icing

There’s something about baking that brings back memories of my childhood, and these Apple Cookies with Maple Icing are no exception. I remember the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, enticing everyone to gather in the kitchen. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the grated apples and the sweet maple icing that drapes over them like a warm hug. It’s the kind of treat that makes any gathering feel special, whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a cozy afternoon at home with loved ones.

Apple Cookies with Maple Icing Shopping List

When it comes to making these delightful cookies, the ingredients are what brings them to life. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect blend of flavors and textures. The key players include unsalted butter, which adds richness, and maple syrup, which infuses that beloved maple flavor.

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base for our cookies, providing a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Using brown sugar gives a deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• 1 large egg: This adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: While we avoid vanilla extract, feel free to add this for extra flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main building block for our cookies, giving them structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is essential for helping the cookies rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, a classic pairing with apples.
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: This adds a nice kick of spice.
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg rounds out the spice profile.
• ½ cup maple syrup: Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
• 1 ½ cups grated apple: This is where the magic happens—grated apples add moisture and flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Used for the icing, it creates that sweet, creamy topping.
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream: This helps achieve a smooth consistency for the icing.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness to the icing.
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup: A little more maple flavor for the icing.

Directions for Apple Cookies with Maple Icing

Making these cookies is a straightforward process that’s a joy to follow. Just gather your ingredients and let’s get baking! Each step will guide you through creating these scrumptious cookies that are sure to impress.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is an important first step as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. In a large bowl, cream together ¾ cup unsalted butter and ½ cup brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, which will help your cookies rise.

3. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 large egg to the bowl. Beat until well combined. You’ll notice the mixture will become smoother and creamier. Don’t rush this step, as combining these wet ingredients well makes for a better cookie.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg. This is called dry mixing, and it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.

5. Gradually stir one-third of the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing on medium-low speed until just combined. Then, add half of the ½ cup maple syrup and mix again. Follow this by incorporating another third of the flour mixture. Make sure not to overmix; you want to keep the dough tender.

6. Next, add the remaining ½ cup maple syrup and the last third of the flour mixture. Stir until just combined again. At this point, be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any flour that might cling.

7. Gently fold in 1 ½ cups grated apple until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The grated apples not only add flavor but also moisture, making your cookies soft and chewy.

8. Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This spacing is important as it allows room for the cookies to spread while baking.

9. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until they turn light golden brown. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Once baked, let them rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

10. While the cookies cool, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup until smooth. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.

11. Once the cookies are cool, transfer the icing to a resealable plastic bag and cut off a small corner. You can then pipe the icing onto the cookies or spread it on with an offset spatula, creating a beautiful finish.

Recipe Notes about Apple Cookies with Maple Icing

These tips will help you ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. They cover everything from storage to serving suggestions.

• Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their soft texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze uniced cookies for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter at gatherings.
• Variation: Add some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking; adding more cinnamon or even a bit of cloves can enhance the flavor.

What to Serve With Apple Cookies with Maple Icing

These Apple Cookies with Maple Icing are not only delicious on their own but can also be complemented with a variety of items to create a delightful spread. Here are some great serving suggestions:

• Pairing with Beverages: Serve your cookies alongside a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee for a comforting afternoon snack.
• Dessert Spreads: Include these cookies in a dessert platter with other treats like brownies, mini cheesecakes, or fruit tarts for variety.
• Seasonal Fruit: Fresh fruit like pears or additional apple slices can be a refreshing side that enhances the fall flavors of the cookies.
• Ice Cream: These cookies also make a fabulous topping for vanilla ice cream; simply crumble a cookie on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Holiday Celebrations: These cookies are perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall-themed party, bringing warmth and sweetness to your table.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Apple Cookies with Maple Icing truly encapsulate the flavors of fall, bringing warmth and sweetness into every bite. I hope you find joy in baking them just as much as I do. So why not gather your ingredients and give this delightful recipe a try? You’ll be rewarded with soft, chewy cookies that are perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself!

Apple Cookies with Maple Icing

The ultimate comfort food, these Apple Cookies with Maple Icing are soft, chewy, and drizzled with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home, these cookies are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Make them today and enjoy the warmth of homemade goodness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup maple syrup real maple syrup, not pancake syrup
• 1 ½ cups grated apple Granny Smith or Honey Crisp are best but any apples will work
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon m melted butter
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Baking Sheet
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Grater
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is an important first step as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a large bowl, cream together ¾ cup unsalted butter and ½ cup brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, which will help your cookies rise.
3. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 large egg to the bowl. Beat until well combined. You’ll notice the mixture will become smoother and creamier. Don’t rush this step, as combining these wet ingredients well makes for a better cookie.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg. This is called dry mixing, and it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
5. Gradually stir one-third of the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing on medium-low speed until just combined. Then, add half of the ½ cup maple syrup and mix again. Follow this by incorporating another third of the flour mixture. Make sure not to overmix; you want to keep the dough tender.
6. Next, add the remaining ½ cup maple syrup and the last third of the flour mixture. Stir until just combined again. At this point, be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any flour that might cling.
7. Gently fold in 1 ½ cups grated apple until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The grated apples not only add flavor but also moisture, making your cookies soft and chewy.
8. Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This spacing is important as it allows room for the cookies to spread while baking.
9. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until they turn light golden brown. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Once baked, let them rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. While the cookies cool, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup until smooth. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.
11. Once the cookies are cool, transfer the icing to a resealable plastic bag and cut off a small corner. You can then pipe the icing onto the cookies or spread it on with an offset spatula, creating a beautiful finish.

Notes

These tips will help you ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. They cover everything from storage to serving suggestions.

• Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their soft texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze uniced cookies for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter at gatherings.
• Variation: Add some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking; adding more cinnamon or even a bit of cloves can enhance the flavor.