Nutty Maple Cookies

Name: Nutty Maple Cookies
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3 dozen.
Ingredients: 2/3 cup butter, softened; 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon maple flavoring; 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped walnuts; FROSTING:; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon maple flavoring; Additional chopped walnuts, optional

My husband loves the flavor of maple so these cookies are definitely a keeper. They are always on my cookie plate at Christmas time.—Lillian Anderson, Webster, Wisconsin

Ingredients

2/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
FROSTING:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
Additional chopped walnuts, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in water and flavoring. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in walnuts.
Roll into 1-in. balls; flatten to 1/2 in. thickness with a fork. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.
For frosting, in a small bowl, beat the butter, confectioners' sugar, cream and flavoring until smooth. Frost cookies. Sprinkle with additional walnuts if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 112 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.

Originally published as Santa's Favorite Cookies in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2009