Name: Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 c. (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 c. raw walnuts; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 c. (200 g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp whole milk; 1 tsp pure maple syrup; 3/4 c. (160 g) light brown sugar; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 tsp maple extract or pure vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp pure maple syrup; 1 1/2 c. (175 g) confectioners’ sugar; Pinch of kosher salt; Pinch of ground nutmeg; 3 tbsp whole milk; Crushed raw walnuts and maple sugar; A maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter

Ingredients

3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 cup raw walnuts

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tbsp whole milk

1 tsp pure maple syrup

3/4 cup (160 g) light brown sugar

6 tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 tsp maple extract or pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp pure maple syrup

1 1/2 cups (175 g) confectioners’ sugar

Pinch of kosher salt

Pinch of ground nutmeg

3 tbsp whole milk

Crushed raw walnuts and maple sugar, for serving (optional)

A maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor, pulse the flour and walnuts until the walnuts are finely ground. Add the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, then pulse a few times until well combined.

Step 2: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, whole milk, and maple syrup and beat until combined.

Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on medium-low speed until no dry streaks remain. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.

Step 4: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use the maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies, re-rolling scraps as needed, for a total of about 48 cookies. Place cookies on two parchment-lined baking sheets and freeze until cold, about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Arrange oven racks in the upper and lower thirds and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the edges turn lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.

Step 6: For the icing, melt the light brown sugar and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and let cool slightly.

Step 7: Whisk in the maple extract and maple syrup. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, then stir in salt and nutmeg. Whisk in whole milk until the icing is smooth and light brown in color.

Step 8: Dip one side of each cookie into the icing, letting the excess drip off. Decorate with crushed walnuts or maple sugar if desired. Let the glaze set before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper walnut flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before grinding.

If you don’t have maple extract, pure vanilla extract works as a great substitute.

To make these gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Adjust the thickness of the icing by adding more or less milk for your preferred consistency.

Storage

Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them crisp. If you prefer softer cookies, store them in a sealed container with a slice of bread. Refrigeration can cause the glaze to become sticky, so it’s best avoided. To refresh cookies, let them come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and cutting. This helps the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to handle.

What if I don’t have a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter?

You can use any leaf-shaped cutter or another fall-themed shape you have on hand. Alternatively, a simple round or square cutter will work fine, though the maple leaf shape adds a festive touch.