Preheat oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

If using walnuts, chop them into small pieces and set aside for later.

In the bowl of a standing mixer with the paddle attachment or using a handheld mixer, combine butter and brown sugar, mixing until smooth, around 1-2 minutes.

Beat in the egg until combined. Add in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract and mix until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl often.

Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until combined. Add in the chocolate chips and walnuts and mix on low again.

Use a medium cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into round balls, about 1.5 tablespoon-sized. Add more walnuts and chocolate chips on top if desired. Bake the cookies one tray at a time for about 8-11 minutes. Remove them from the oven when the edges are slightly brown and look set. The middles will look soft!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.