Maple-Walnut Cookies

Maple-Walnut Cookies (adapted from KA Cookie Companion) 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup maple sugar* 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon strong maple flavor 1/2 cup vegetable shortening (I used Trans fat free crisco) 1 large egg 1/4 cup maple syrup 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 2 cups chopped walnuts, toasted (Don't skip toasting them!) Preheat the oven to 375 Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or Lightly Grease In a bowl, beat together the sugars, baking soda, salt, maple flavor, and shortening. Beat in the egg and maple syrup, then stir in the flour. Fold in the nuts gently - the dough may be pretty stiff. Break off small sized pieces of dough (about table tennis sized) and rolls into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If you would like a crispy cookie, flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. *If you don't have access to maple sugar - you can substitute brown sugar. It will bring a different taste to the cookie but pretty close to what this is.