Description
These Glazed Maple Leaf Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the fall season or any festive occasion. Featuring a tender walnut-infused cookie base, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they are topped with a luscious maple-flavored glaze that adds a sweet and aromatic finish. The cookies are shaped like maple leaves to bring a charming seasonal touch, ideal for sharing with friends and family or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
Glaze/Icing
- 3/4 cup (160 g) light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract or pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups (175 g) confectioners’ sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- Crushed raw walnuts and maple sugar, for serving (optional)
- A maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter
Instructions
- Prepare Walnut Flour Mixture: In a food processor, pulse the all-purpose flour and raw walnuts until the walnuts are finely ground and evenly blended with the flour. Add the baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt, then pulse again until all dry ingredients are fully combined.
- Make the Dough: Using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed in a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and pale, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, whole milk, and pure maple syrup, beating until well incorporated. Gradually add the dry flour and walnut mixture on medium-low speed, mixing until fully combined and no dry streaks remain. Transfer the dough to a clean surface and wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the wrapped dough for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days to firm it up for easier handling and better flavor development.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter, cut out approximately 48 cookies. Re-roll the scraps as needed. Place the cut cookies onto two parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Freeze Before Baking: Freeze the shaped cookies on the baking sheets until they are cold, about 10 minutes. This step helps preserve the shape during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Bake the cookies, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom halfway through, for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges start to turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool completely.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, cook the light brown sugar and unsalted butter, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the sugar dissolves completely, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer this mixture to a heatproof bowl and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the maple extract and pure maple syrup. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, stirring until combined. Add the pinch of kosher salt, ground nutmeg, and whisk in the whole milk until the mixture forms a smooth, light brown icing.
- Glaze and Garnish: Dip one side of each cooled cookie into the maple glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Optionally, decorate each glazed cookie with crushed raw walnuts or a sprinkle of maple sugar for extra texture and flavor. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough thoroughly before rolling helps maintain cookie shape and improves texture.
- Freezing the cut cookies before baking ensures cleaner edges and prevents spreading.
- Use a high-quality pure maple syrup and maple extract for the most authentic flavor.
- Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be frozen both before baking and after glazing for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: maple leaf cookies, maple glazed cookies, walnut cookies, fall cookies, maple sugar cookies, holiday cookies
