Save A festive autumn treat featuring crisp maple-flavored cookies and an assortment of colorful icings and toppings perfect for creative decorating and sharing.
This kit always brings joy to our family gatherings each autumn.
Ingredients
- For the Maple Leaf Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (55 g) packed light brown sugar 1 large egg 1/3 cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing: 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar sifted 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder + 1/4 cup water 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or maple extract Food coloring in autumn shades (red orange yellow brown green)
- Toppings for Decorating: Assorted sprinkles Edible glitter or sugar pearls Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl beat the butter granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3:
- Add the egg maple syrup and vanilla extract beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing until a dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Divide the dough in half flatten into disks wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness.
- Step 8:
- Cut out leaf shapes using a maple leaf cookie cutter. Transfer cookies to prepared sheets spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 1215 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 10:
- For the royal icing beat powdered sugar and egg whites (or meringue powder + water) until thick and glossy. Add vanilla or maple extract and mix. Divide icing into bowls and tint with food coloring.
- Step 11:
- Transfer colored icing to piping bags. Decorate cooled cookies with icing and toppings as desired. Allow icing to set before packaging or serving.
Save Decorating these cookies has become a cherished family tradition we look forward to each season.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls Electric mixer Measuring cups and spoons Maple leaf cookie cutter Rolling pin Baking sheets Parchment paper Wire rack Piping bags and small round tips
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) egg milk (butter) May contain traces of nuts if using certain toppings Double-check all toppings and food colorings for allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 130 Total Fat 4 g Carbohydrates 22 g Protein 1 g per cookie
Save Enjoy this festive activity with family and friends for delicious fun every fall.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the best maple flavor in the cookies?
Using pure maple syrup in the dough along with a touch of vanilla extract highlights the maple flavor. For a richer taste, you can add a half teaspoon of maple extract to the dough.
- → What is the best way to roll out the dough?
Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure even baking and crisp edges while maintaining tenderness inside.
- → Can I use meringue powder instead of egg whites for the icing?
Yes, meringue powder mixed with water is a suitable alternative to egg whites, producing a thick, glossy royal icing perfect for decorating.
- → How long should the decorated cookies dry before packaging?
Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely so the icing sets firmly, usually at least an hour, to prevent smudging or sticking.
- → Which toppings complement the icing best?
Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, sugar pearls, and optional mini chocolate chips add visual appeal and texture when decorating the cookies.
- → What tools do I need for decorating?
You'll need piping bags with small round tips, mixing bowls, and a sturdy work surface to apply the icings and toppings precisely.