Can You Bake Sweet Maple Cookies with a Glaze in Just 30 Minutes?
Craving a buttery, maple-infused treat that’s perfect for sharing? What if you could bake five dozen soft cookies packed with white chocolate chips and pecans, drizzled with a smooth maple glaze, in just 30 minutes of active time? Maple Cookies, with 29 reviews, are your answer—ideal for holiday trays, cookie exchanges, or cozy snacks. Ready to fill your kitchen with warm, maple-sweet aromas? Let’s get baking!
Overview: Why Maple Cookies Shine
What makes Maple Cookies so special? These delightful cookies combine a soft, buttery dough infused with maple flavor, studded with creamy white chocolate chips and crunchy pecans, and finished with a sweet maple glaze. Baked on simple baking sheets, they’re perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or gifting. The recipe is beginner-friendly, kid-approved for fun tasks, and adaptable for dietary needs, yielding 5 dozen cookies (60 cookies).
Time requirement: 30 minutes active (20 minutes prep, 10 minutes cooking), plus cooling and drying time for glaze. The batch method maximizes yield for sharing.
Difficulty level: Easy! If you can mix dough and drizzle glaze, you’re set. Baking sheets, a saucepan, and a mixer or whisk are the main tools, and kids can help stir in chips or drizzle glaze.
Health perks: Pecans provide heart-healthy fats, and moderate portions keep it balanced as a treat. The recipe supports gluten-free or vegan diets with swaps, making it a wholesome indulgence.
Essential Ingredients: What You Need and Why It Matters
Here’s the lineup for 5 dozen cookies. Each ingredient plays a key role, with swaps for flexibility.
Cookies
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and tenderness. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and tenderizes cookies. Sub: Coconut sugar or 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds moisture and molasses flavor. Sub: Coconut sugar or 1/2 cup brown sugar + 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind and add structure. Sub: Flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons water) for vegan.
- Maple flavoring (1 teaspoon): Provides distinct maple taste. Sub: Pure maple syrup (2 teaspoons, reduce sugar by 1 tablespoon) or vanilla extract.
- All-purpose flour (2-1/2 cups): Forms cookie structure. Sub: Gluten-free flour blend or 1-1/4 cups whole wheat + 1-1/4 cups all-purpose.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps cookies rise and spread. Sub: No substitute; critical for texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness. Sub: Kosher salt or reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for low-sodium.
- White baking chips (2 cups): Add creamy sweetness. Sub: Dark chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or vegan white chocolate chips.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Provide nutty crunch. Sub: Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for nut-free.
Maple Glaze
- Butter (1/3 cup, cubed): Creates smooth glaze base. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Confectioners’ sugar (1-3/4 cups): Sweetens and thickens glaze. Sub: Reduce to 1-1/2 cups or use maple sugar.
- Maple syrup (1/3 cup): Adds rich maple flavor. Sub: Honey or agave syrup (flavor will vary).
- Maple flavoring (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances maple taste. Sub: Vanilla extract or omit.
These ingredients are pantry-friendly and festive, creating a wholesome, indulgent treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Bake These Cookies!
Ready to start? You’ll need baking sheets, a small saucepan, and a mixer or whisk. These steps are simple, with tips for success.
- Preheat oven and prep: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Prepare ungreased baking sheets; optionally line with parchment for easy cleanup. Tip: Parchment prevents sticking and simplifies removal.
- Cream wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 cup brown sugar with a mixer or whisk until light and fluffy (5-7 minutes). Beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon maple flavoring until well blended. Tip: Room-temperature eggs ensure a smooth dough; scrape bowl sides for even mixing.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk 2-1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Tip: Sift if flour is clumpy for a lighter texture.
- Mix dough: Gradually beat dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until just combined. Stir in 2 cups white baking chips and 1 cup chopped pecans. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep cookies soft; use a sturdy spoon for thick dough.
- Shape and bake: Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon each) 2 inches apart onto baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Cool on pans for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely (about 30 minutes). Tip: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size; underbake slightly (10 minutes) for softer cookies.
- Make glaze: In a small saucepan, melt 1/3 cup cubed butter over medium heat. Remove from heat. Gradually beat in 1-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1/3 cup maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon maple flavoring until smooth. Tip: Whisk vigorously for a smooth glaze; adjust sugar for desired thickness.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let glaze dry completely (about 1 hour). Store between waxed paper in airtight containers. Tip: Place cookies on a wire rack over parchment to catch glaze drips; chill briefly to speed drying.
Assembly: Plate It Like a Pro
These cookies are golden and drizzled with glossy glaze, making them easy to plate beautifully. Here’s how to make them look as good as they taste.
- Cookies: Place 2-3 cookies per plate, showcasing the glaze and white chocolate chips. Tip: Arrange in a small stack or fan to highlight the drizzle.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with extra chopped pecans or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Tip: Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra flair.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a complete treat. Tip: Brew coffee during cooling for efficiency.
- Presentation: For a festive vibe, use white or brown plates to highlight the golden cookies and glaze. Serve on a tiered stand for cookie exchanges or parties. Tip: Add a maple leaf candy or pecan half for a seasonal touch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Keep It Fresh
Want to enjoy leftovers or prep ahead? Here’s how to keep your cookies tasting great.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container with waxed paper between layers at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Tip: Waxed paper prevents glaze from sticking; store pecans separately to maintain crunch.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze fresh. Freeze glaze separately if needed; thaw and stir before using. Tip: Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap to preserve moisture.
- Make-ahead: Prepare dough up to 3 days ahead; refrigerate. Bake and glaze fresh for best texture. Tip: Chop pecans and measure chips a day ahead to save time.
Health tip: Storing properly preserves the pecans’ heart-healthy fats, so you’re getting nutrients even in leftovers.
Recipe Variations: Get Creative
This recipe is flexible. Try these twists to keep it exciting while staying wholesome.
- Vegan version: Use vegan butter, flax eggs, vegan white chocolate chips, and ensure sugars are vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour blend; check baking soda.
- Lower sugar: Reduce sugar and brown sugar to 1/2 cup each in cookies; use 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar in glaze.
- Nut-free option: Omit pecans; use sunflower seeds or extra white chocolate chips.
- Spiced boost: Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to cookie dough.
- Add-ins: Replace white chocolate chips with butterscotch or dark chocolate chips.
Conclusion: Savor Your Maple Cookies
You’re now ready to master Maple Cookies! These wholesome, sweet treats bring buttery dough, white chocolate chips, pecans, and a maple glaze together for a cookie that’s perfect for holiday trays, cookie exchanges, or cozy snacks. With just 30 minutes of active time and simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, crowd-pleasing batch that’s as delicious as it is festive. Play with vegan or spiced twists to make it your own. Grab those baking sheets, drizzle some glaze, and enjoy this maple delight. Share your results in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
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Maple Cookies
Description
Craving a buttery, maple-infused treat that’s perfect for sharing? What if you could bake five dozen soft cookies packed with white chocolate chips and pecans, drizzled with a smooth maple glaze, in just 30 minutes of active time? Maple Cookies, with 29 reviews, are your answer—ideal for holiday trays, cookie exchanges, or cozy snacks
Ingredients
Cookies
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and tenderness. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and tenderizes cookies. Sub: Coconut sugar or 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds moisture and molasses flavor. Sub: Coconut sugar or 1/2 cup brown sugar + 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind and add structure. Sub: Flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons water) for vegan.
- Maple flavoring (1 teaspoon): Provides distinct maple taste. Sub: Pure maple syrup (2 teaspoons, reduce sugar by 1 tablespoon) or vanilla extract.
- All-purpose flour (2-1/2 cups): Forms cookie structure. Sub: Gluten-free flour blend or 1-1/4 cups whole wheat + 1-1/4 cups all-purpose.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps cookies rise and spread. Sub: No substitute; critical for texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness. Sub: Kosher salt or reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for low-sodium.
- White baking chips (2 cups): Add creamy sweetness. Sub: Dark chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or vegan white chocolate chips.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Provide nutty crunch. Sub: Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for nut-free.
Maple Glaze
- Butter (1/3 cup, cubed): Creates smooth glaze base. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Confectioners’ sugar (1-3/4 cups): Sweetens and thickens glaze. Sub: Reduce to 1-1/2 cups or use maple sugar.
- Maple syrup (1/3 cup): Adds rich maple flavor. Sub: Honey or agave syrup (flavor will vary).
- Maple flavoring (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances maple taste. Sub: Vanilla extract or omit.
These ingredients are pantry-friendly and festive, creating a wholesome, indulgent treat
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prep: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Prepare ungreased baking sheets; optionally line with parchment for easy cleanup. Tip: Parchment prevents sticking and simplifies removal.
- Cream wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 cup brown sugar with a mixer or whisk until light and fluffy (5-7 minutes). Beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon maple flavoring until well blended. Tip: Room-temperature eggs ensure a smooth dough; scrape bowl sides for even mixing.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk 2-1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Tip: Sift if flour is clumpy for a lighter texture.
- Mix dough: Gradually beat dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until just combined. Stir in 2 cups white baking chips and 1 cup chopped pecans. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep cookies soft; use a sturdy spoon for thick dough.
- Shape and bake: Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon each) 2 inches apart onto baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Cool on pans for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely (about 30 minutes). Tip: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size; underbake slightly (10 minutes) for softer cookies.
- Make glaze: In a small saucepan, melt 1/3 cup cubed butter over medium heat. Remove from heat. Gradually beat in 1-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1/3 cup maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon maple flavoring until smooth. Tip: Whisk vigorously for a smooth glaze; adjust sugar for desired thickness.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let glaze dry completely (about 1 hour). Store between waxed paper in airtight containers. Tip: Place cookies on a wire rack over parchment to catch glaze drips; chill briefly to speed drying.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Can I use pure maple syrup instead of maple flavoring? Yes! Use 2 teaspoons syrup in cookies and 1/2 teaspoon in glaze; reduce sugar by 1 tablespoon in cookies.
What are the health benefits? Pecans provide heart-healthy fats; moderate portions keep it balanced.
How do I know the cookies are done? Edges are golden brown after 10-12 minutes.
Can I prep for a party? Yes! Make dough 3 days ahead; bake and glaze fresh.
Kid-friendly? Totally! Maple flavor appeals to kids; omit pecans for allergies.
Why are my cookies spreading? Butter too warm or overmixed dough. Use softened butter and mix minimally.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour; check baking soda.
How to store leftovers? Room temp for 1 week, fridge for 2 weeks; freeze unglazed for 3 months; thaw before glazing.