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

Cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, along with vanilla extract until blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in the diced apples and optional walnuts until evenly distributed.

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

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden; let cool before transferring to a wire rack.

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk to create the glaze.

Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.