last updated on October 29, 2026

Next up in my series “cookies inspired by TV shows and movies,” I present Parks and Rec waffle cookies! Leslie is obsessed with waffles so she would LOVE these cookies! If you are a Parks and Rec fan or a waffles fan, or both, you NEED these cookies.

This cookie is soft and dense, and is perfect with the scoop of “butter”cream frosting on top. And i’m not joking when i say you have to drizzle on maple syrup before you eat it! It is a must.

I am so excited for you all to try this cookie. It is for sure in my top 5 ever!

If you love these Parks and Rec waffle cookies, check out some other cookies in this series!

Ingredients

maple cookies

1 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter cold and cut into cubes
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 3/4 cups flour
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

buttercream frosting

1/2 cup butter room temp
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350. Combine the shortening, butter, and brown sugar in a large bowl or stand mixer. Mix for 3 minutes until combined and fluffier.
Add eggs and maple syrup and mix until combined.
Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Your dough should be soft, but not sticky. If it is sticky, add 1 tbsp at a time until it is no longer sticky.
Using a large cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and roll it in your hands. Smash the dough slightly into a cylinder shape. Using a skewer or something similar, make 4 lines on each dough ball for the waffle look.
Bake the cookies at 350 for 9-10 minutes. Let them cool completely while you make the frosting.
For the frosting add the butter to a bowl and whip with a stand or hand mixer for 3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and whip another 3 minutes. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop the about 1 tbsp of frosting onto each cookie.
When serving, drizzle with maple syrup! Enjoy!

What’d you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you have any questions!