Autumn Maple Leaf Sugar Cookies
Celebrate the essence of Fall with these delightful Autumn Maple Leaf Sugar Cookies, an ideal treat to prepare between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Featuring charming maple leaf and oak leaf designs, these cookies are infused with the rich flavor of pure maple syrup. The dough, once chilled to perfection, creates cookies that are not only visually appealing but also tender and flavorful. The final touch of maple syrup glaze and vibrant sanding sugar gives these sweet treats a festive flair, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family moments.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Butter
1 cup (softened (2 sticks))
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (dark, well packed)
Egg yolk
1 (large)
Maple syrup
1 cup (pure grade A)
Sanding sugar
1/2 cup (large crystals)
Instructions
1
Begin by measuring 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt into a sifter. Set it aside.
2
In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened butter and the two sugars (1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar) until the mixture is light and creamy. Use medium-high speed on an electric mixer.
3
Reduce the speed and incorporate 1 large egg yolk until well combined.
4
Add 1 cup of pure grade A maple syrup, mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
5
Switch to a wooden spoon and gradually sift the flour mixture into the bowl, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6
Divide the dough into thirds, shaping each portion into a flat disc. Wrap each disc in well-floured wax paper.
7
Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing it to chill thoroughly.
8
Once the dough is chilled, roll out each disc on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Place the rolled dough in the freezer for approximately 15 minutes to firm it up, facilitating easier cookie cutting.
9
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) while you prepare your cookie sheets. Line them with foil and lightly spray with vegetable cooking spray.
10
Using cookie cutters, cut shapes from the chilled dough and bake them in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on their thickness, until the edges are just beginning to brown.
11
Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and brush each with the remaining 1/2 cup of maple syrup, finishing with a generous sprinkle of sanding sugar. Use vibrant colors like red, yellow, or green for an added festive touch.
12
Allow cookies to cool completely before placing them in a decorative tin or serving plate.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Autumn Maple Leaf Sugar Cookies?
Autumn Maple Leaf Sugar Cookies are festive fall treats shaped like leaves and flavored with pure maple syrup.
When is the best time of year to bake these cookies?
These cookies are an ideal treat to prepare between Halloween and Thanksgiving for holiday gatherings or cozy family moments.
What leaf designs are suggested for these cookies?
The recipe suggests using maple leaf and oak leaf cookie cutter designs.
What provides the primary flavor for these sugar cookies?
The cookies are infused with the rich, authentic flavor of pure grade A maple syrup.
How much all-purpose flour is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is salt used in this cookie recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is sifted together with the flour.
How should the butter and sugars be mixed?
Beat 1 cup of softened butter with granulated and dark brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and creamy.
What types of sugar are included in the dough?
The dough uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar.
How many eggs are needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 large egg yolk.
How much maple syrup is mixed into the dough?
One cup of pure grade A maple syrup is incorporated into the dough mixture.
What is the best way to add the flour to the wet ingredients?
Gradually sift the flour mixture into the bowl and stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined to avoid overmixing.
How should the dough be prepared for chilling?
Divide the dough into thirds, shape each into a flat disc, and wrap each disc in well-floured wax paper.
How long should the cookie dough be refrigerated?
The dough needs to chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Why should the rolled dough be put in the freezer before cutting?
Placing the rolled dough in the freezer for 15 minutes firms it up, making it easier to cut out clean cookie shapes.
What is the recommended thickness for rolling out the dough?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
How should the cookie sheets be prepared for baking?
Line the cookie sheets with foil and lightly spray them with vegetable cooking spray.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
The cookies bake for 10 to 15 minutes depending on their thickness.
How can you tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are ready when the edges are just beginning to brown.
Where should the cookies be placed immediately after baking?
Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack for cooling and glazing.
What is used to glaze the cookies after they are baked?
Brush each cookie with maple syrup while they are still on the wire rack.
What kind of sugar is used for decoration?
Use 1/2 cup of sanding sugar with large crystals for a festive finish.
What colors of sanding sugar are recommended for the autumn theme?
Vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green are suggested for an added festive touch.
Can I use a wooden spoon to mix the flour?
Yes, the instructions specifically recommend switching to a wooden spoon to stir in the flour mixture.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 8 primary ingredients in this recipe.
Does the recipe require sifting?
Yes, both the flour and salt should be sifted, and the flour is sifted again as it is added to the wet ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific number of servings is not specified, as it depends on the size of the cookie cutters used.
What is the texture of these cookies?
The cookies are described as tender and flavorful with a sweet maple glaze.
How should the finished cookies be stored?
Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in a decorative tin or on a serving plate.
What category do these cookies fall under?
These fall under the categories of cookies, desserts, and autumn treats.