Waffle Cookies Recipe

Waffle cookies? Yep, they’re a thing. And oh wow—they’re soft, sweet, and just so good.

I made them one lazy Sunday, and now I can’t stop. They’re like cookies and waffles had a baby. And the maple glaze? Don’t even get me started

You don’t need anything fancy. Just some cookie dough and a waffle maker. It’s easy, quick, and so fun to make.

Let’s do this. I’ll show you how I make ‘em. You’re gonna want seconds. Maybe thirds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Crispy and Crunchy: The unique waffle texture makes these cookies stand out. Every bite is crispy and satisfying!
• Sweet Maple Glaze: The maple glaze adds a rich, warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cookies’ flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy snack or a special treat for a party, these cookies are versatile and sure to impress.
• Quick and Easy: In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to enjoy, with no complicated steps involved.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake and glaze these cookies, then store them for later – they stay fresh and delicious!

Required Kitchen Tools:

Before we get started, gather the following tools:

• Hand or Stand Mixer: To easily cream the butter and sugar together.
• Mixing Bowls: A few bowls for mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
• Baking Sheets: For placing the cookies before baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
• Cooling Rack: For letting your cookies cool evenly after baking.
• Small Saucepan: For melting the butter and making the maple glaze.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these waffle cookies and maple glaze (exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

For the Waffle Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter (softened): This forms the base of your cookie dough and adds richness to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: A mix of sugars helps give the cookies the perfect sweetness and texture.
• Large Egg (room temperature preferred): This binds everything together and gives the cookies their perfect chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the maple glaze.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structure of the cookies, giving them the right consistency.
• Cornstarch: Helps make the cookies soft and tender while keeping that perfect crunch.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leaveners help the cookies rise and get that crispy, golden texture.
• Table Salt: Enhances the flavor of all the ingredients and balances the sweetness.

For the Maple Glaze:

• Maple Syrup: The star ingredient that brings the rich, natural sweetness to the glaze.
• Salted Butter (melted, or use unsalted and add a pinch of salt after melting): Adds creaminess and helps the glaze set.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it thicken to the perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Cookie Dough:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

In a large mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the ingredients together until they’re light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This will create the base of your cookie dough, giving it a smooth, creamy texture.

Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat again until everything is fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid flour flying everywhere. Once combined, you should have a soft cookie dough.

2. Form the Cookie Dough into Waffle Cookie Shapes:

Now, here comes the fun part! Using your hands or a spoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into small balls. You’ll want the dough to be slightly compressed to maintain a good structure when it bakes.

Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your hands to slightly flatten them. This will help the cookies bake evenly and achieve that waffle-like texture.

3. Bake the Waffle Cookies:

Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end – you want them to turn golden brown at the edges but remain soft in the center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Once they’re done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Continued):

4. Make the Maple Glaze:

While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to prepare the delicious maple glaze that will elevate these waffle cookies to the next level.

In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup and salted butter. Melt them together over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter is completely melted and the syrup is well combined. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Next, whisk in powdered sugar, a little at a time. Keep whisking until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. You want it to be pourable, but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more maple syrup; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

5. Glaze the Cookies:

Now that your cookies have cooled and your maple glaze is ready, it’s time to finish off these delicious treats! Using a spoon, drizzle the maple glaze generously over each cookie. The glaze will harden as it cools, creating a beautiful, shiny finish on the cookies.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can use a piping bag to create more intricate designs with the glaze. For a rustic look, just drizzle freely.

6. Let the Glaze Set:

Once all the cookies are glazed, allow them to sit for about 10-15 minutes so the glaze can firm up. The longer you let them sit, the more the glaze will set, giving the cookies that signature maple finish.

Serving and Decoration:

How to Serve Waffle Cookies:

These waffle cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ways you can serve them:

• With Coffee or Tea: The crispy texture and sweet maple glaze make these cookies an ideal companion to your morning or afternoon coffee or tea.
• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies at a dinner party or family gathering for a unique and delicious dessert that will impress everyone.
• For a Snack: These cookies make for a tasty snack that’s not too heavy, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth between meals.
• Gift Idea: Pack these cookies in a cute tin or box for a homemade gift. They’ll be a hit with anyone who receives them!

Storing Waffle Cookies:

How to Store Waffle Cookies:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy these cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They will stay crispy and delicious!
• In the Refrigerator: If you want to extend the shelf life of your cookies, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze really well! To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the oven.

Nutrition Information:

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition for one waffle cookie (without the glaze):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	22g
Protein	1g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g

Please note that the nutritional information may vary based on the ingredients used, especially when considering different brands of syrup or butter.

Variations for Waffle Cookies:

While this recipe is already delicious, there are many ways you can customize these waffle cookies to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a little extra sweetness, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking.
• Use Brown Butter: For a deeper, nuttier flavor, you can brown the butter before adding it to the dough. It adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the cookies.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free too.
• Try Different Glazes: If you’re not a fan of maple, you can drizzle the cookies with a chocolate glaze or even a cinnamon-sugar glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Add Spices: For a hint of warmth, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger to the cookie dough. This will give the cookies a cozy, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall or winter.

Tips and Tricks for Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure to use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps the ingredients combine smoothly and results in a better texture for your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so be gentle when folding in the flour.
• Chill the Dough: If you want the cookies to hold their shape better while baking, you can chill the dough for about 15 minutes before forming the dough balls. This will prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so be sure to keep an eye on the cookies toward the end of baking. The edges should be golden brown, but the center should still be soft when you take them out of the oven.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: To get even-sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures they bake uniformly and look neat.

Related FAQ (Answer Common Questions):

Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time! Just form the dough balls and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the dough balls on the baking sheet and bake as directed.

Can I freeze the glazed cookies? Yes, you can freeze the glazed cookies! Allow them to cool completely after glazing, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature.

What can I serve with these waffle cookies? These waffle cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or a cup of tea. They also go great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Conclusion (Final Thoughts):

These waffle cookies with maple glaze are the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a fun treat to share with friends or just want something sweet for yourself, these cookies are a great choice. With a crunchy texture that mimics waffles and a decadent maple glaze on top, it’s no wonder these cookies have become a favorite in many households. Don’t forget to try some of the fun variations, and remember, the possibilities are endless!

Waffle Cookies with Maple Glaze

Yield: About 18-20 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including cooling)