These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dessert. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich maple flavor make them irresistible. Plus, these cookies are easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time. Enjoy them fresh or let them sit overnight for even better taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and maple extract creates a unique flavor that shines through.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Occasion Treat: Suitable for holidays, gatherings, or just a sweet snack at home.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The blend of butter and cornstarch ensures these cookies are soft and tender.
- Store Well: These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand-held mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Maple leaf cookie cutter
- Cookie sheets
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand-held mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients, making your dough light and fluffy.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when baking cookies.
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness when rolling out the dough for consistent cookie sizes.
Ingredients
These sweet Maple Leaf Cream Cookies just melt-in-your-mouth. One bite, and you will be going for another! They are so addicting and delicious!
For the Cookies
- 11 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maple sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Maple Cream Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Use a paddle attachment in a bowl with a stand or hand-held mixer. Beat the butter with the maple sugar for about 60 seconds. You will still see some crystals from the maple sugar as it takes longer to break down. Next, add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy, which should take around 2 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the pure maple syrup and maple extract to the mixture. Beat together until fully combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture. Beat until the dough comes together nicely.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. If you chill it for over an hour, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out.
Step 5: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Roll Out Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Sprinkle flour on both the top of the dough and your rolling pin to avoid sticking. If necessary, add more flour if the dough sticks.
Step 7: Cut Out Cookies
Using a maple leaf cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough. To prevent sticking, dust your cutter with flour before pressing into the dough. Place cutouts onto lined baking sheets without worrying about spacing too much since they do not spread during baking.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake your Maple Leaf Cookies in preheated oven for 8 – 10 minutes until they are barely golden brown on the edges. Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
Step 9: Prepare Filling
In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, beat together butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, maple extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Assemble Cookies
Spread a small amount of filling on one Maple Leaf Cookie then place another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Repeat this process until all cookies are assembled.
Step 11: Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Maple Leaf Cream Cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to one week. These cookies soften over time making them even tastier!
How to Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies offer versatility in serving. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance your experience.
With a Cup of Tea
- Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of tea makes for a cozy afternoon break. The flavors of maple complement herbal or black teas beautifully.
As Dessert for Special Occasions
- Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies as a dessert option during special gatherings like birthdays or holidays. Their unique shape and taste will surely impress your guests.
With Ice Cream
- Crumble the cookies on top of vanilla or maple-flavored ice cream for an extra sweet treat. This combination adds texture and richness to your dessert.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies alongside other desserts on a platter for a stunning presentation at parties. Their vibrant colors and shapes will attract attention.
How to Perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
To make the best Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, follow these tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time.
Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a creamy texture when mixing, leading to better dough consistency.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies keep their beautiful maple leaf shape.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender result.
Dust with Flour: When rolling out the dough, dust it and your rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking and achieve even thickness.
Bake Until Just Golden: Watch closely while baking; removing them when they’re barely golden ensures they remain soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Best Side Dishes for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
These Maple Leaf Cream Cookies pair well with several side dishes that enhance their sweet flavor. Consider these options when planning your meal or snack time.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese that provide a creamy contrast to the cookies’ sweetness.
- Maple-Glazed Nuts: Sweetened nuts bring another layer of maple flavor, making them a delightful crunchy side.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a healthy side that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The richness of chocolate enhances the sweetness of the cookies, creating an indulgent treat.
- Coffee or Espresso: A strong coffee drink complements the maple flavors and provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoiding these will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can prevent the dough from becoming light and fluffy. Always use room temperature butter for the best texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies tender.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause your cookies to spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for optimal results.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can burn your cookies or leave them undercooked. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
- Ignoring the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool completely is crucial for achieving the right texture. Be patient and let them cool on wire racks before assembling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Maple Leaf Cream Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
- Place unfilled cookies in a single layer between parchment paper in an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw before filling and serving.
Reheating Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes. This helps restore their softness.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10–15 seconds. This is quick but be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes. This method keeps them soft without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?
Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are delicious sandwich cookies filled with a creamy maple frosting, perfect for any occasion, especially during fall and Thanksgiving.
How long do Maple Leaf Cream Cookies last?
These cookies last up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I customize my Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough or experiment with different extracts in the cream filling.
Are Maple Leaf Cream Cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze unfilled cookies for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them before adding the cream filling.
What is the best way to enjoy Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?
Enjoy them fresh or allow them to sit overnight for deeper flavor development. They pair well with coffee or tea!
Final Thoughts
Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich maple flavor make them irresistible! Feel free to customize your cookies with different fillings or toppings, making this recipe versatile enough for any occasion. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 20 filled cookies 1x
Description
Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are a delightful treat that capture the essence of fall with their rich maple flavor and tender texture. These charming sandwich cookies feature a creamy maple filling nestled between two beautifully shaped cookies, making them perfect for any occasion—be it festive gatherings or cozy family desserts. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Enjoy them fresh or allow them to sit overnight for an even more intense flavor experience. Once you take a bite, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies will leave you craving more!
Ingredients
- 11 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maple sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Beat together room temperature butter, maple sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in pure maple syrup and maple extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture until combined.
- Chill the dough in plastic wrap for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thick, cut shapes using a maple leaf cookie cutter, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are barely golden.
- For the filling, beat together butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, maple extract, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble by spreading filling between two cookies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 141
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 68mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use room temperature butter for best results. Chilling the dough prevents spreading during baking. Experiment with different extracts in the cream filling for added flavor.