Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (leaf-shaped)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use leaf-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Pecans can be used instead of walnuts.
Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
- Use different shaped cookie cutters for different occasions.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.
- Don't overwork the dough, as it can become tough.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the cookies for added texture.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the cookies are spreading too much, chill the dough for longer before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before and after handling food.
Food history:
Maple syrup is a staple ingredient in Canadian cuisine, and is often used in desserts and baked goods.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of maple sweetness and crunchy walnuts.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after dinner or as a snack with a cup of tea.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Ingredient: N/A
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Region: Canadian
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Maple, Maple-Flavored