Maple Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 2¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 5-10 drops each of red, orange and yellow gel food coloring

For decorating (optional):

• Maple icing
• 1½ to 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• ½ teaspoon maple extract (or more to taste)
• Sprinkles

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into 3 equal portions. Tint each portion evenly with gel food coloring: one red, one orange, one yellow. Knead each portion gently until the color is evenly distributed.
6. Chill for minimum 30 minutes.
7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into fall shapes using cookie cutters.
9. Bake cookies for 11-12 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool completely.
10. Once cooled, decorate with maple icing and sprinkles if desired.