Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients.

Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk for the glaze until smooth.

Once cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the cookies.