Maple Cookies with Maple Icing

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.

7. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.

8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Maple Icing:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Stir in the pure maple syrup and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and maple syrup mixture into the powdered sugar until smooth. If using, stir in the maple extract. The icing should be thick but pourable. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more maple syrup or milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

4. Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops of the cookies into the maple icing or spoon the icing over each cookie.

5. Let the icing set before serving.