Heat convection oven to 400 degrees.

In a food processor, combine whole-wheat flour, 1 cup white flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Add butter into flour mixture and process until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Move mixture to bowl.

Stir in the nuts, the maple syrup and egg (and maple extract, if using), so that dough leaves side of bowl and forms a ball. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; gently roll in flour to coat. Knead lightly; if dough is very soft, roll in flour again.

Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat or roll into an 8-inch disk; cut into desired shapes, but do not separate.

Brush with milk. If using, sprinkle maple sugar (or a different sugar). Or try a maple icing!

Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Immediately remove from baking sheet, and carefully separate. Serve warm.