Pin it A festive autumn treat featuring crisp maple-flavored cookies and an assortment of colorful icings and toppings, perfect for creative decorating and sharing.
I always enjoy making these cookies with my family during the fall season; decorating them together brings so much joy.
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 12–15 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.
Pin it Sharing these cookies with family during the holidays creates wonderful memories and traditions.
Notes
Pair with apple cider or cinnamon tea for a cozy treat.
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.
Pin it These maple leaf cookies combine flavor and fun decorating perfect for autumn celebrations.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What gives the cookies their maple flavor?
Pure maple syrup is integrated into the dough to provide a natural, sweet maple essence that defines the cookie's autumn character.
- → How do I create the vibrant icing colors?
Use food coloring in autumn shades like red, orange, yellow, brown, and green mixed into the royal icing to achieve festive, eye-catching colors.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, once the dough is formed and wrapped, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to firm up before shaping and baking.
- → What is the best way to decorate the cookies?
Use piping bags with small round tips to apply the colored royal icing, then add assorted sprinkles or edible glitter while the icing is still wet for a festive look.
- → How should I store the decorated cookies?
Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or packaging. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.