Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to add a little seasonal charm and cozy sweetness to your cookie game, this Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. I love this recipe because it captures the warmth of maple syrup alongside crisp, buttery cookies that have the perfect hint of walnuts and spice. It’s that kind of treat that feels both rustic and elegant—great for sharing with friends or sneaking a few while curled up with a good book.

When I first tried these cookies, the glaze was what really won me over. That glossy maple-infused icing makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious and somehow festive at the same time. Whether it’s a holiday get-together, an autumn afternoon, or just a casual weekend baking session, the Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies Recipe adds a unique twist you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for the Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies Recipe come together to create a cookie that’s both flavorful and textured, with simple pantry staples enhanced by a little maple magic. When it comes to shopping, I suggest using the best quality maple syrup and fresh nuts you can get your hands on—it really makes a difference in the final taste.

• All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough—measure carefully for light, crisp cookies.
• Raw walnuts: Grinding these finely helps infuse a nutty richness without crunch interfering with the cookie shape.
• Baking powder: Gives a little lift so the cookies don’t turn out too dense.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs beautifully with maple flavor.
• Kosher salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Use softened butter for creamy dough and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and texture in the cookie.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Whole milk: Helps with moisture and tenderness in your dough.
• Pure maple syrup: The star ingredient for that unmistakable maple flavor both in dough and glaze.
• Light brown sugar: Essential in the icing for a deep caramel undertone.
• Maple extract or vanilla extract: I prefer maple extract for double the maple punch, but vanilla works too.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Creates the perfect smooth, spreadable glaze.
• Ground nutmeg: A pinch adds depth and subtle warmth to the icing.
• Crushed raw walnuts and maple sugar (optional): For garnishing and adding visual appeal plus extra texture.

Variations

I love making this Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies Recipe my own by tweaking the flavors a bit. Don’t hesitate to get creative—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs!

• Nut-Free Version: Replace walnuts with finely ground oats or sunflower seeds; I did this once for a friend with allergies and nobody missed the nuts.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dough for more warmth and complexity during the colder months.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter, flax egg, and plant-based milk—I’ve tried this and was pleasantly surprised by how well the texture holds.
• Maple Glaze Only: Skip the walnut garnish to keep things simple; sometimes I just dip and serve for less fuss but still great taste.

How to Make Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Pulse the Flour and Walnuts

Start by giving your food processor a quick workout—pulse the flour and raw walnuts together until the walnuts are finely ground. This step is key because the ground walnuts blend seamlessly into the dough, adding flavor without making the cookies crumbly or uneven.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns fluffy and pale—this usually takes about 2 minutes with a handheld mixer on medium-high. I learned this little trick early on: don’t rush this part because the texture here lays the foundation for tender cookies.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the egg, milk, and pure maple syrup until combined. Then gradually beat in the dry mixture you pulsed earlier on medium-low speed, just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so keep it gentle and watch your dough come together beautifully!

Step 4: Chill and Roll Out the Dough

Transfer the dough to a clean surface, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. When you’re ready, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured surface, then cut out your maple leaf shapes.

Step 5: Freeze Before Baking

Lay your cut cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and pop them in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This quick chill keeps their shape intact when baking and gives you that perfect crisp edge once baked. Don’t skip this little nap for your cookies—they’ll thank you.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, switching baking sheets halfway through for evenness. You’ll want to pull them out just as the edges start to turn a lovely golden-brown—trust me, that’s when the flavor really starts to pop!

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the cookies cool, make the icing by melting brown sugar and butter together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Once dissolved, whisk in maple extract, maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, salt, nutmeg, and milk until it reaches a smooth, light brown glaze consistency. The aroma fills the kitchen and lets you know you’re onto something good.

Step 8: Dip, Decorate, and Enjoy

Dip one side of each cooled cookie into the glaze and let the excess drip off before placing them on a rack or parchment. For a little extra crunch and beautiful finish, sprinkle crushed walnuts or maple sugar on top while the glaze is still wet. It’s as satisfying to decorate as it is to eat!

How to Serve Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle crushed walnuts and a little maple sugar on top of the glaze while it’s still wet. The nuts add that wonderful texture contrast, and the maple sugar gives an extra pop of sweetness and sparkle. These simple garnishes make the cookies look festive and inviting without any fuss.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or pumpkin-spiced latte. For a more decadent treat, I like serving them alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon whipped cream during fall gatherings—it’s always a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh autumn leaves and mini pumpkins to lean into the seasonal theme. Stacking a few with twine tied around them also makes an adorable homemade gift or party favor that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They usually last 3-4 days this way and stay crisp with the glaze intact, perfect for snacking all week.

Freezing

If you want to save these for later, I freeze the unglazed cookies first, storing them between sheets of parchment. When ready to eat, I thaw and then dip in glaze fresh. Freezing after glazing can sometimes cause the icing to lose its shine and texture.

Reheating

To freshen the cookies, I gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F for 5 minutes). This softens them slightly without melting the glaze too much and brings out that freshly-baked aroma again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies Recipe brings together so many cozy flavors in one beautiful cookie. It’s a recipe that feels special without being complicated, and seeing those glossy maple-glazed leaves ready to share never gets old. I hope you’ll enjoy making and eating them as much as my family and I do—you’re in for a delicious treat that looks as delightful as it tastes!

Print