Pin A festive autumn treat featuring crisp maple-flavored cookies and an assortment of colorful icings and toppings, perfect for creative decorating and sharing.
This decorating kit has brought so much joy to our family gatherings, with everyone delighting in customizing their own maple leaf cookies.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 
Our family loves gathering to decorate these cookies especially around the holidays creating warm memories together.
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
Pin Enjoy decorating and sharing these festive maple leaf cookies for a perfect autumn celebration.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What gives these cookies their distinct maple flavor?
Pure maple syrup is incorporated into the dough, providing a natural, warm sweetness. Adding maple extract enhances this flavor depth.
- → How should I prepare the dough for best results?
Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine until a dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to ensure easier rolling and cleaner leaf shapes.
- → What is royal icing and how is it made here?
Royal icing is a smooth, pipeable topping made from powdered sugar and egg whites or meringue powder, flavored with vanilla or maple extract and tinted with autumn colors for decorating.
- → Can I customize decorations on these cookies?
Yes, use assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, sugar pearls, or mini chocolate chips to personalize the look and texture of each cookie.
- → What tools are essential for decorating these cookies?
You'll need piping bags with small round tips for applying icing, alongside basic baking tools like mixing bowls, a rolling pin, and a maple leaf cookie cutter.
- → How long should the icing set before storing cookies?
Allow the decorated icing to dry completely at room temperature to avoid smudging or sticking when stacking or packaging.