Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet maple flavor will have everyone reaching for more. With a delicious cream filling sandwiched between two perfectly baked cookies, they make an ideal treat for gatherings, holidays, or simply to enjoy at home. The unique combination of maple sugar and pure maple syrup elevates these cookies, making them a standout dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth goodness: These cookies are soft and tender, providing an irresistible texture that makes them hard to resist.
• Versatile treat: Perfect for celebrations, cozy nights in, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up these cookies with ease.
• Delightful flavor: The rich maple flavor shines through in every bite, making them a crowd favorite.
• Make-ahead option: These cookies taste even better the next day, allowing you to prepare them in advance.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Maple leaf cookie cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes beating ingredients easy and ensures a light texture for the cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients separately before mixing them together.
• Cookie sheets: Provides a flat surface to bake multiple cookies at once without losing shape.

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 Maple Shortbread 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 Maple Shortbread Dough

1. Use a paddle attachment in a bowl with a stand or hand-held mixer, and beat the butter with the maple sugar for 60 seconds. You will still see the maple sugar crystals because it takes longer to break them down.
2. Add the powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy about 2 minutes.
3. Add the maple syrup and maple extract; beat together until combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt together.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture into the mixing bowl with wet ingredients; beat until the dough comes together.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. If you chill it longer than an hour, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 thick. Sprinkle flour on top of the dough and your rolling pin as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cut Out Cookies

1. Using a maple leaf cookie cutter, press down into the dough to cut out shapes.
2. Lightly dust your cutter with flour if it starts sticking to the dough.
3. Place cut-out cookies onto lined cookie sheets without worrying about spacing since they do not spread during baking.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

1. Bake for 8 – 10 minutes until they are barely golden brown on the edges.
2. Remove from oven and allow cooling on wire racks completely.

Step 7: Make the Maple Cream Filling

1. In another bowl using a paddle attachment, beat together butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, maple extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Assemble Cookies

1. Spread a small portion of filling on one Maple Leaf Cookie; top with another cookie.
2. Repeat this process until all cookies are assembled.

Step 9: Serve or Store

Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week! These cookies soften overnight for even better flavor!

How to Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them at home, these cookies will surely please everyone.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair your cookies with a warm cup of herbal or black tea for a comforting afternoon treat.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with fresh fruit and nuts for an appealing and colorful presentation.

With Ice Cream

• Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

For Celebrations

• Use these cookies as part of your holiday dessert table, showcasing their beautiful maple leaf shape and delicious flavor.

How to Perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

To achieve the perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a creamy consistency, ensuring your cookie dough mixes well and bakes evenly.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to roll out and helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When rolling out the dough, limit how many times you re-roll scraps to keep the texture light and tender.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated by using an oven thermometer; this prevents overbaking or underbaking your cookies.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing cookies to cool on wire racks ensures they set properly before adding cream filling.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet flavor. Here are some suggestions to enhance your snacking experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that contrasts with the rich cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to create a savory contrast with the sweet flavors of maple.
4. Nuts & Dried Fruits: A bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits provides crunchy textures that pair nicely with soft cookies.
5. Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage can enhance the cozy experience of enjoying Maple Leaf Cream Cookies together.
6. Homemade Whipped Cream: Top your cookies with light whipped cream for an extra creamy element that elevates their taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To create the perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can ruin your baking experience.

• Overmixing the Dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping Chilling Time – Chilling the dough is crucial for shaping and preventing spread during baking. Don’t skip this step!
• Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly – Accurate measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale for best results, especially for flour and butter.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature – An inaccurate oven temperature can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure precision.
• Using Freshly Baked Cookies Immediately – Newly baked cookies need time to cool for optimal texture. Allow them to cool completely before filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Freeze unfilled cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 300°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for fresh taste.
• Microwave – Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds on low power, but be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a covered pan on low heat for a couple of minutes, ensuring they don’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Maple Leaf Cream Cookies.

How do I make Maple Leaf Cream Cookies more flavorful?

You can add extra maple extract or try incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.

Can I substitute the butter in Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Yes! You can use a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option without sacrificing flavor.

What is the best way to decorate my Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Consider using maple-flavored icing or sprinkles that complement the maple theme for an attractive finish.

How do I know when my Maple Leaf Cookies are done baking?

They should be lightly golden brown around the edges while still soft in the center when pulled out of the oven.

Can I use other shapes instead of maple leaves?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutter shape you like; just adjust baking times as needed based on thickness.

Final Thoughts

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile for various occasions. You can customize them by adding different fillings or toppings based on your preferences. Try these delightful cookies today; you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, a treat that promises to melt in your mouth with each bite. These charming cookies feature a tender shortbread base infused with rich maple flavors, complemented by a luscious cream filling. They’re perfect for celebrations or cozy afternoons at home and make for an excellent homemade gift. Simple to prepare, even novice bakers will find joy in crafting these tasty morsels. With their unique maple essence, they are sure to become a favorite dessert that brings warmth and happiness to every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Beat room temperature butter with maple sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in powdered sugar, followed by maple syrup and extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt; combine with wet ingredients until dough forms.
4. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thick; cut into leaf shapes.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden; cool on racks.
7. For the filling, beat room temperature butter with powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
8. Assemble by spreading filling between two cookies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg