STEP 1: PREPARE THE DOUGH

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving the cookies a nice texture.

Add the egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can lead to tough cookies.

STEP 2: CHILL THE DOUGH

Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is essential for two reasons: it makes the dough easier to roll out, and it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

STEP 3: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures even baking and makes cleanup easier.

STEP 4: ROLL OUT THE DOUGH

Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even baking. Use a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies, placing them on the prepared baking sheets.

Gather any scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting out cookies until all the dough is used. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.

STEP 5: BAKE THE COOKIES

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking; they will continue to firm up as they cool. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

STEP 6: PREPARE THE ICING

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The icing should be thick but pourable; it should flow easily but hold its shape when piped. If you want to use food coloring, divide the icing into separate bowls and add your desired colors.

STEP 7: DECORATE THE COOKIES

Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to decorate! Use a piping bag or a small offset spatula to spread the icing over the cookies. Get creative! You can outline the cookies, fill them in, or even add details like veins on the leaves with different colors. Consider using a small brush or toothpick to create intricate designs.

STEP 8: ALLOW TO SET

Let the decorated cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow the icing to set completely. This will prevent smudging when you stack or package them.