Maple-Nut Diamonds

1. Prepare Basic Dough. Knead in the 1/2 cup nuts and the maple syrup. If necessary, cover and chill dough 1 to 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle. 

2. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. On a lightly floured surface, roll half the dough at a time to a 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2-1/2x1-3/4-inch diamond-shape cookie cutter, cut out dough. Place cutouts 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet; sprinkle with maple sugar and, if desired, additional nuts. 

3. Bake in preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool. Makes 72.