Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup softened butter at room temperature (227 grams)
- ⅔ cup brown sugar (133 grams)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (270 grams)
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (113 grams)
Maple Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar (65 grams)
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides to easily lift the cookies after baking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Flavors and Flour: Add almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined. Then add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Gently stir in the finely chopped walnuts.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and flatten it evenly. To avoid the dough sticking to your hands, place a sheet of plastic wrap on top and press down with your hands or a spatula until smooth. Use a fork to prick the dough evenly 35 times to help it bake evenly.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the pan and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes, or alternatively freeze for 15 minutes to firm up the dough before baking.
- Bake: Remove the cookie dough from the fridge and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: After baking, allow the cookie sheet to cool for 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 18 equal-sized cookies, each roughly 2.6 inches by 1.3 inches. Let the cookies cool in the pan on a wire rack until completely cool. If needed, re-slice the cookies for clean edges once cooled.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more maple syrup if a thinner glaze is desired. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies with a spoon or fork.
- Serve: Serve the cookies once the glaze has set, and enjoy a perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and buttery flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and fluffy texture.
- Pricking the dough with a fork helps bake the cookies evenly and avoids puffing up.
- Chilling the dough firms it up to hold shape and improves texture.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan.
- Adjust glaze thickness by varying the amount of maple syrup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
