maple twist cookies
My mom (aka best cook in the world) made these cookies for years. She made them every Christmas (along with many other cookies) and for special occasions. They are my absolute favorites. When mom moved into assisted living a few years ago, her Christmas cookie recipes were part of the "treasures" she passed on to me. So now, the week before Christmas, mom comes over and "we" make the cookies together. I think she enjoys her new supervisory role. Maple Twists are a bit labor-intensive, but trust me, they are soooooooo worth it.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
These maple twist cookies have an old-fashioned feel, and everyone will love them. They're light, buttery, and not overly sweet. The filling adds a touch of sweetness and nuttiness from the walnuts. You'll taste the maple flavoring, but it's not overpowering. Brushed with a glaze to make them a little sweeter, it doesn't make the cookies too rich. They do take a little time to make, but the presentation is worth it. A wonderful cookie for your holiday spread or a cookie exchange.
Ingredients
- FILLING
- 5 cups walnuts, chopped in blender
- 1 stick butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon maple flavoring (if you can't find maple flavoring, you can use vanilla)
- DOUGH
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 1 cup milk
- ICING
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make maple twist cookies
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Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all filling ingredients and set aside. -
Step 2Place flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
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Step 3Beat butter and sugar in a mixer. Add eggs and raisins.
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Step 4Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk.
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Step 5Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Shape into a ball and cut into four pieces.
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Step 6Roll one piece of dough into a 12-inch log on a floured surface. Take a rolling pin and very gently roll the log into a 5" x 12" rectangle.
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Step 7Place 1/4 of the filling along the bottom edge of the dough.
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Step 8Fold the top edge of the dough over the filling. Pinch the seams and flatten the rectangle a little with your hands - making a "package".
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Step 9Cut the dough vertically into 1" pieces. You'll wind up with about 12 pieces.
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Step 10Hold each cookie piece in your hands and twist twice away from your body.
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Step 11Place on a cookie sheet and press the ends of each cookie down onto the cookie sheet.
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Step 12Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. They do not brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to the cooling rack. Repeat with the other 3 pieces of dough.
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Step 13Mix icing ingredients in a bowl. Brush it onto the cooled cookies.
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Step 14Now (and this is important) make a cup of tea, take two cookies, and sit in your special chair. Eat and sip; or do what I do... dunk and eat. You will be so happy!
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
