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Best Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies with Easy Maple Frosting

Thanksgiving sugar cookies with maple frosting - featured image
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Soft, bakery-style sugar cookies with a secret cream cheese ingredient, topped with a rich maple cream frosting made with real maple syrup. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any fall gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ounces (56g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 and 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark Amber preferred)
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons (30-45ml) heavy cream, as needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (flaky sea salt optional)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
  • Thanksgiving-themed sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the granulated sugar and beat for another 2 to 3 minutes until light and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days.
  7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  8. Place about 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl for rolling.
  9. Scoop the chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon portions (about the size of a walnut). Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then roll in the sugar to coat.
  10. Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm to about 1/2 inch thick.
  11. Bake one sheet at a time on the center rack for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be just set and very lightly golden; the centers will look slightly underbaked.
  12. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. While the cookies cool, make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  14. Add the maple syrup and beat until combined. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition.
  15. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light, fluffy, and spreadable. If too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  16. Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on each cookie using an offset spatula or butter knife.
  17. If desired, immediately add sprinkles or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Let frosting set for about 15 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Notes

Do not skip chilling the dough—it prevents spreading. Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The cream cheese is the secret to the soft texture. Cookies can be baked 2 days ahead and stored unfrosted; frost the morning of serving. For best flavor, make the dough up to 3 days ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving sugar cookies, maple frosting, soft sugar cookies, cream cheese sugar cookies, fall cookies, holiday cookies, maple cream cookies

Find it online: https://evabake.com/best-thanksgiving-sugar-cookies-with-easy-maple-frosting/