Fall Leaf Cut-Out Cookies with Maple Icing
Introduction
As the leaves start to turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, there’s no better way to embrace the beauty of fall than with a batch of Fall Leaf Cut-Out Cookies! These delightful cookies are not only a wonderful treat for your taste buds but also a creative way to celebrate the season with friends and family. With the irresistible flavor of maple icing that complements the cookies perfectly, you’ll want to make these for every autumn gathering. If you’d like to receive this delightful recipe directly in your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll find that this recipe is beloved for many reasons! These cookies are delightfully crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, making for a sumptuous treat with every bite. The addition of maple icing adds a sweet, rich flavor that is simply heavenly. They’re easy enough for the kids to help out with, turning baking into a fun family activity. Plus, the vibrant colors of the leaves you create bring a festive spirit to your kitchen, making them perfect for sharing, decorating your dessert table, or just enjoying with a warm cup of cider.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons maple extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Food coloring in autumn leaf colors (red, orange, yellow, and brown)
For the Maple Icing:
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 3-4 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon maple extract
– Food coloring in autumn leaf colors
**Necessary Tools**
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer or whisk
– Cookie cutters (leaf shapes)
– Rolling pin
– Parchment paper
– Baking sheet
– Wire rack
– Piping bags or small spoons for icing
**Ingredient Swaps and Additions**
Feel free to get creative! You can substitute the maple extract with other flavors like almond or vanilla if you prefer a different profile. To make these cookies a bit richer, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough. Dried fruits such as cranberries can also bring an exciting twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until you achieve a light, fluffy texture. This step is crucial for airy cookies!
3. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract, mixing everything until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the dough comes together nicely.
5. Divide the dough into four equal portions and color each with a different autumn hue using your food coloring. It’s so much fun to see the vibrant colors come to life!
6. Roll out each portion to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface and use your leaf-shaped cookie cutters to get the perfect shapes.
7. Place the leaf cookies on the prepared baking sheet, then bake for 8-10 minutes or until their edges are slightly golden. These golden edges signal deliciousness!
8. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the maple icing, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract until smooth. Divide it into portions and color as desired.
10. Decorate your cooled cookies with the maple icing using a small spoon or piping bag, then allow the icing to set before indulging!
**Serving Suggestions**
These lovely cookies are perfect on their own or paired with warm beverages like apple cider or pumpkin spice latte. They make great additions to dessert tables at fall parties or bake sales!
Pro Tips for Success
1. Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies.
2. Keep your work surface floured to avoid sticking while rolling out the dough.
3. Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking cookies, as this will prevent smearing.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To enjoy them fresh again, you can lightly reheat them in the oven for a few minutes!
FAQ Section
– **Can I freeze the dough?** Yes, you can! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months.
– **What can I use instead of maple extract?** Vanilla extract is a great alternative, but it won’t give a maple flavor.
Conclusion
These Fall Leaf Cut-Out Cookies with Maple Icing are not just tasty; they embody the spirit of the season! With their beautiful colors and delightful flavors, they’re sure to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your delightful creations on social media — tag us on Pinterest or Instagram!
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per cookie:
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 30mg
Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 1g
