maple walnut spice cookies

My SIL Christie is one of the most inspiring cooks I know. Mark and I can't think of a single thing she has made that we didn't love. That being said, almost everything she makes (maybe everything) is healthy, lowfat, etc. I get to feed some pre-race half-marathoners this weekend and her maple walnut spice cookies came to mind for a light dessert (although they are seriously addictive so that could negate the lightness). They freeze really well (store between layers of parchment paper).

Cookies:
11/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. ground nutmeg
1/8 t. ground cloves
3/4 c. packed dark brown sugar
1/4 c. butter, softened
2 T. maple syrup
1 egg
1. Preheat 350. Combine flour through cloves in a medium bowl, whisk together well.
2. Beat brown sugar and butter with a mixer at high speed until light and fluffy (4 mins.)
3. Add syrup and egg. Beat until well blended. Beating at low speed, gradually add flour mixture until just combined.
4. Spoon batter evenly into 30 mounds, 2 in. apart on baking sheets.
5. Bake14 mins. or until lightly browned. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:
1 c. powdered sugar
2 T. maple syrup
1 T. fat-free milk
2 t. butter, softened
1/2 c. finely chopped, toasted walnuts
1. Combine sugar through butter with a whisk until smooth. Spread frosting evenly over cookies.
2. Working quickly, sprinkle cookies with nuts.