Apple Cookies with Maple Icing

I can’t think of a better way to embrace the cozy vibes of autumn than with Apple Cookies with Maple Icing. These delightful treats remind me of the kitchen filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies. Growing up, my favorite memories were spent in the kitchen, helping my grandma mix ingredients and sneak tastes of the dough. It’s amazing how a simple recipe like this can make the home feel so inviting. The combination of tart apples and sweet maple icing creates an irresistible flavor that will have you reaching for seconds.

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Apple Cookies with Maple Icing. First, they’re incredibly easy to make! Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll feel like a pro as you blend the ingredients together. Second, the aroma that fills your kitchen will have your whole family running to see what’s baking. Nothing beats the warm, inviting smell of cookies—especially when they’re made with fresh apples. Third, the flavor is out of this world. The apples add a natural sweetness and moisture, making these cookies soft and chewy. Fourth, the maple icing is the perfect finishing touch, bringing a rich, sweet contrast to the cookies while still being light enough to let the apple flavor shine through. Plus, they’re versatile! Whether you serve them at a fall gathering or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with tea, they’re sure to be a hit.

Apple Cookies with Maple Icing Ingredients

The ingredients for these Apple Cookies with Maple Icing are simple and wholesome. Each component plays a vital role in creating the delicious flavor and texture that makes these cookies special. The key players include unsalted butter for richness, fresh apples for moisture and sweetness, and maple syrup for that heavenly icing. Together, they create a delightful balance that everyone will love.

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: This will provide the creamy base for your cookie dough.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness that complements the apples.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a little zing to the cookies.
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg: Enhances the fall flavors.
• ½ cup maple syrup: A key ingredient for the icing; it adds a distinct sweetness.
• 1 ½ cups grated apple, preferably Granny Smith or Honey Crisp: The star of the show, adding moisture and flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the icing.
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream: Makes the icing creamy.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness to the icing.
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup: Flavors the icing beautifully.

Step by Step Instructions for Apple Cookies with Maple Icing

Making these Apple Cookies with Maple Icing is a straightforward process that even beginners can follow. Just gather your ingredients, and let’s get started! The magic of baking happens in each step, so don’t rush it.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is an important step to ensure your cookies bake evenly. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

2. In a large mixing 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, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. You want to incorporate as much air as possible for light cookies.

3. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the buttery mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.

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 dry mix is crucial for ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Gradually stir one-third of the dry mixture into the wet mixture on medium-low speed until just combined. Next, add half of the ½ cup maple syrup and continue to mix. Follow this by adding another third of the flour mixture and then the remaining maple syrup. Finally, fold in the last third of the flour mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to stay tender.

6. Once the dough is ready, stir in 1 ½ cups grated apple until evenly distributed. The grated apple will add moisture and natural sweetness.

7. Using a medium cookie scoop, drop the cookie batter onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will allow them to spread without merging.

8. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they are turning light golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want to avoid over-baking, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

9. Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

10. While the cookies are cooling, 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 the mixture is smooth. It should be thick but spreadable.

11. For the final touch, transfer the icing to a resealable plastic bag and cut off a small corner. Pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies or spread it with an offset spatula for a more rustic look.

Tips and Variations

These tips will help you make the most out of your Apple Cookies with Maple Icing.

• Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough in scoops. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum for best results.
• Add Nuts: Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter for an extra crunch and flavor.
• Variations: Try adding a sprinkle of oats to the cookie dough for a heartier texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.

Serve This Apple Cookies with Maple Icing With

These Apple Cookies with Maple Icing can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are some great pairing ideas:

• Tea Time: Serve them with a hot cup of tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
• Fall Gatherings: Perfect for Thanksgiving, these cookies will be a hit on any dessert table!
• Picnic Treats: Pack them in your picnic basket for a sweet treat outdoors.
• Breakfast Treat: They can even work as a sweet breakfast option alongside yogurt or a smoothie.
• Storage Tip: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to enjoy later, but I’m pretty sure they won’t last long!

FAQ

Conclusion

These Apple Cookies with Maple Icing bring together the warmth of autumn and the joy of baking. With their soft, chewy texture and the sweet maple icing, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. I encourage you to try making them for yourself and share the deliciousness with friends and family. There’s nothing quite like a homemade cookie to brighten someone’s day!

Apple Cookies with Maple Icing

The ultimate comfort food for fall! These Apple Cookies with Maple Icing are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings. Make them tonight and share the warmth!

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: 120

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 melted butter
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Equipment

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

Method

 

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
2. In a large mixing 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, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the buttery mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
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 dry mix is crucial for ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Gradually stir one-third of the dry mixture into the wet mixture on medium-low speed until just combined. Next, add half of the ½ cup maple syrup and continue to mix. Follow this by adding another third of the flour mixture and then the remaining maple syrup. Finally, fold in the last third of the flour mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated.
6. Once the dough is ready, stir in 1 ½ cups grated apple until evenly distributed.
7. Using a medium cookie scoop, drop the cookie batter onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they are turning light golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want to avoid over-baking, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
9. Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. While the cookies are cooling, 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 the mixture is smooth.
11. For the final touch, transfer the icing to a resealable plastic bag and cut off a small corner. Pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies or spread it with an offset spatula for a more rustic look.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Tip 2: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough in scoops. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
• Tip 3: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Tip 4: Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter.
• Tip 5: Try adding oats for a heartier texture.

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Meet Molly Brooks

I love mixing nostalgic flavors with fun, fresh twists. My goal is to make cooking the best part of your day. I loved making this recipe, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home!