If you are on the hunt for a delightfully tender treat that bursts with rich, nutty flavor and a touch of sweet sophistication, look no further than this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe. These cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy peanut butter goodness paired with a luscious maple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of warmth. Every bite melts in your mouth, making them an irresistible favorite for cookie lovers of all ages. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a party, or just because, these cookies promise to bring a smile to your face and a little joy to your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with these cookies is a breeze thanks to the simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness that makes this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe so special. From creamy peanut butter to the exquisite maple syrup in the glaze, you’ll appreciate how these pantry staples come together to elevate every bite.
- 1/4 cup salted butter (softened, half stick): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cookie.
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient lending that classic nutty flavor and soft texture.
- 1/2 cup light-flavored olive oil: Keeps the cookies moist and adds a subtle depth without overpowering.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Provides caramel undertones and moisture for chewiness.
- 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, fragrant notes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the softness.
- 3 & 1/4 cups flour (spooned and leveled): The base of the dough, measured carefully to avoid dryness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a light and tender texture.
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: The smooth base of the maple glaze.
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a wonderful maple flavor to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons hot water: Helps thin the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon maple extract: Boosts the maple profile; adjust to your taste.
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two or more large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This prep step sets the foundation for perfectly baked cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened salted butter until it becomes light, creamy, and lump-free. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes and is essential for a tender texture in the final cookie.
Step 3: Incorporate the Peanut Butter
Mix in the creamy peanut butter thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. This step ensures that rich peanut flavor infuses each cookie without any clumps.
Step 4: Add Oil for Moisture
Pour in the light-flavored olive oil and mix well, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly. The oil is a key player in keeping the cookies irresistibly moist and soft.
Step 5: Blend in the Sugars
Combine both the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar into the mixture and beat for about a minute. This not only sweetens the dough but also assists in achieving the perfect chewy yet tender texture.
Step 6: Mix in Vanilla and Eggs
Add the vanilla extract and the eggs, then beat well while scraping the sides of the bowl. These ingredients contribute to the cookie’s flavor depth and bind the dough properly.
Step 7: Measure and Prepare the Flour
It’s absolutely crucial to measure your flour correctly here. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off without packing it down to avoid overly dense cookies. This careful measuring keeps the dough from becoming dry and crumbly.
Step 8: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate step, stir the baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt into the measured flour. This ensures even distribution and proper leavening throughout the dough.
Step 9: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Dough
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Because the dough will be quite dry, you may need to finish mixing by hand with a wooden spoon. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is fully incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
Step 10: Shape the Cookies
Use a 1½ inch cookie scoop to portion out the dough, pressing the dough firmly into the scoop before releasing. If you don’t have a scoop, simply roll the dough into 1½ inch balls by hand for uniform cookies.
Step 11: Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place the dough balls on your prepared sheets spacing them at least two inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 12: Flatten the Cookies
Using a fork, gently press each cookie down to about ½ inch thickness, first in one direction and then perpendicular. To avoid sticking, dip the fork in sugar as needed throughout.
Step 13: Bake the Cookies
Bake at 350 degrees F for 8 to 9 minutes until edges are set and tops lose their shine. A tiny bit of shine is okay if you like slightly softer centers.
Step 14: Cool on the Pan
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 15: Bake Remaining Cookies
Continue baking the rest of the dough and cool all cookies completely before glazing.
Step 16: Prepare the Maple Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, hot water, and maple extract in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust the maple extract to your liking for that perfect sweet finish.
Step 17: Glaze the Cookies
Drizzle about one teaspoon of the glaze onto the top of each cooled cookie, letting it gently coat the surface.
Step 18: Let the Glaze Set
Allow the cookies to rest for 30 to 60 minutes so the glaze can harden slightly and develop beautiful texture contrast.
Step 19: Optional Finishing Touches
Before serving, feel free to sprinkle flaked sea salt or kosher salt on top of each cookie to add a savory balance to the sweetness.
Step 20: Enjoy and Store Properly
Store your freshly made cookies covered on the countertop for 2 to 3 days to maintain that soft, fresh-baked texture.
How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or chopped toasted nuts on top can elevate the cookies with an exciting texture and flavor contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg also complements the maple glaze beautifully, making these cookies feel like a cozy autumn treat.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or spiced chai tea to balance their sweetness and bring out the warm peanut butter and maple notes. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board layered with parchment paper for a charming presentation at parties. You can also drizzle extra maple glaze artistically on the plate or stack the cookies with a smear of peanut butter or jam between them for irresistible cookie sandwiches that add another layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe in an airtight container on your countertop. They will stay soft and fresh for up to three days, perfect for enjoying a treat at your leisure!
Freezing
You can freeze the unglazed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake directly from frozen adding a minute or two to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze them without the glaze, and add fresh glaze after thawing for the best flavor.
Reheating
To revive the soft, fresh-baked sensation, warm the cookies slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This gently melts the glaze and makes the cookie wonderfully tender again, like just out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add delightful bits of peanuts in your cookies, giving them extra texture and a bit more crunch while maintaining the classic flavor.
Is it necessary to use maple extract in the glaze?
While optional, maple extract intensifies the subtle maple flavor beyond what syrup alone can provide, making the glaze more aromatic and flavorful. You can skip it if you prefer just a simple maple sweetness.
How do I avoid flat, hard cookies?
Measuring your flour carefully and not overmixing the dough are key steps to keeping these cookies soft and tender. Following the recipe’s advice to spoon and level the flour, and stopping as soon as it’s combined, will help you achieve the perfect texture.
Can I substitute the olive oil with another oil?
Yes! A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works well, but avoid strong-flavored oils to keep the peanut butter as the star. Coconut oil could be interesting but might change the cookie’s taste slightly.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
No worries at all—using your hands to roll uniform 1½ inch balls works just as well. The scoop just helps keep the sizes even for consistent baking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe feels like sharing a delicious secret that everyone will want to know. Each soft, tender cookie with its perfect hint of maple makes baking a joyful experience and eating them even more satisfying. I truly hope you give these a try and enjoy every blissful bite as much as I do!
