Maple-Walnut Spice Cookies

Store these glazed cookies between layers of parchment or waxed paper to keep them from sticking together. You can bake and freeze cookies for a month in advance; bring them to room temperature before frosting them.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.To make the cookies, lightly pour the flour into dry measuring cups; flatten with a knife. Combine the flour and the following 6 ingredients (including cloves)in a medium bowl, mixing well with a whisk.Put the brown sugar and 1/4 cup butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer on high speed until light and fluffy (about 4 minutes). Add 2 tablespoons of syrup and egg; beat until smooth. While whisking on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture; beat until smooth.Spread the dough evenly with a spoon over 30 cakes (about 1 tablespoon each), 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake at 350 ° C for 14 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Remove from the pan; cool completely on a wire rack.To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of syrup, milk and 2 teaspoons of butter, beating with a whisk until smooth. Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cookies. When cooking quickly, sprinkle the cookies with nuts.