# What You Need:
→ Maple Leaf Cookies
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing
10 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder plus 1/4 cup water
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or maple extract
13 - Food coloring in autumn shades (red, orange, yellow, brown, green)
→ Decorating Toppings
14 - Assorted sprinkles
15 - Edible glitter or sugar pearls
16 - Mini chocolate chips (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly mixed.
02 - Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
03 - Add egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a uniform dough forms.
05 - Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut maple leaf shapes using a cookie cutter and transfer cookies to prepared sheets, spacing at least 1 inch apart.
08 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat powdered sugar with egg whites or meringue powder and water until thick and glossy. Add vanilla or maple extract and mix well. Divide icing into separate bowls and tint with desired food coloring.
10 - Place colored icing into piping bags and decorate cooled cookies with intricate designs and assorted toppings. Let the icing set fully before serving or packaging.
