Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Maple Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker icing).
Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the maple icing over the tops. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.