Joanne DiPalo

Maple Walnut Cookies


Finally there is a crisp chill in the air and there is no doubt now that fall has arrived. We can appreciate the cool temps for our festive Thanksgiving gatherings.

I enjoy the beauty of this season especially the gorgeous colors that can only come from nature.

The theme this month for #fillthecookiejar is Thanksgiving. As I look out the window on this chilly day I'm calmed as I watch the graceful falling leaves this morning. They were my inspiration for the maple walnut leaf cut-out cookies.

I made a basic shortbread cookie recipe from my Good Housekeeping cookbook and used maple flavoring in place of the vanilla. I then made a maple cinnamon glaze for the topping with more chopped walnuts. This is a cookie perfectly dressed and ready to be placed on the Thanksgiving treat buffet.

Maple Walnut Cookies
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tsp. maple flavoring
Directions
  1. Combine the flour and salt and chopped walnuts in a small bowl.
  2. Using a large bowl, beat the butter and confectioners sugar for about 3 minutes just until it is light and fluffy and then mix in the maple flavoring.
  3. Using low speed add in the flour mixture just until blended and dough forms. Remove the dough and separate into 2 disks. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  • Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutter and place on parchment lined cookie sheets. Chill for 15 minutes.
  • Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or just until the edges are lightly brown.
  • Cool on wire rack.
    • Maple Cinnamon Glaze
    Ingredients

    • 1 cup confectioners sugar
    • 2 tsp. maple flavor
    • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
    • a few drops of water if needed
    • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for topping

    Directions

    1. Mix together the sugar, maple flavor and cinnamon. If the mixture is not melting into a thick paste, add a few drops of water at a time and keep stirring. You want the mixture to be on the thicker side, not too runny. It will adhere to the cookies better and will harden.

    TIP: If the glaze is too watery, add a little more sugar to thicken. Spread the glaze with a knife over the cookie and immediately add chopped walnuts. Place on wire rack for an hour or two for the glaze to harden.

    A hot cup of cocoa or tea and a maple walnut cookie can bring back warm childhood memories.







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