Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich maple flavor, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Ideal for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply as a sweet snack, these cookies bring warmth and comfort with every bite. The unique cream filling adds an extra layer of indulgence that makes them irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and extract creates a rich, sweet taste that pairs well with the buttery cookie.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or filled with cream for a delightful sandwich cookie experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share at parties or gatherings; they’re sure to be a hit!
• Store Well: These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container, making them great for meal prep or snacks throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and ensure the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand-held mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Maple leaf cookie cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand-held mixer: Helps you achieve a light and fluffy dough without much effort.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking of your cookies.
• Cookie cutter: Creates perfectly shaped maple leaf cookies that add charm to your dessert table.

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 Dough

1. Use a paddle attachment in a bowl with a stand or hand-held mixer, and beat the unsalted 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 pure maple syrup and maple extract, beating until combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add this mixture into the mixing bowl and 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 for over an hour, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften before rolling out.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 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 both sides of the dough if necessary to prevent sticking.
3. Use a maple leaf cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. Dusting the cutter with flour helps prevent sticking.
4. Place cut-outs on prepared cookie sheets without worrying about spacing too closely since they do not spread during baking.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

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

Step 6: Prepare Maple Cream Filling

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

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

1. Spread a small portion of filling on one Maple Leaf Cookie, then cover it with another cookie.
2. Repeat until all cookies are assembled.

Enjoy!

These Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week! They actually taste better after sitting for a day as they soften slightly!

How to Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a rich cup of coffee for a satisfying treat.
• Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the maple flavor beautifully.

At a Gathering

• Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a platter with other treats for a festive dessert table.
• Party Favors: Package individual cookies in decorative bags as sweet take-home gifts.

As an Afternoon Snack

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside apple slices or berries for a balanced snack.
• With Yogurt: Crumble cookies over yogurt for added sweetness and texture.

How to Perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

To make your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies even better, here are some helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures better mixing and creates a lighter texture.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When rolling out the dough, keep it to just two rolls to maintain its tenderness.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking, keeping the shape intact.
• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
• Let Cool Completely: Ensure cookies cool fully before adding filling; this prevents melting and makes assembly easier.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

These Maple Leaf Cream Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone that pair well with maple flavors.
3. Nut Mix: A blend of nuts provides crunch and savory notes that enhance the cookie’s sweetness.
4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The combination of chocolate and fruit creates a decadent treat alongside your cookies.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert pairing.
6. Tea Biscuits: Light, buttery biscuits add variety without overpowering the main cookie flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Maple Leaf Cream Cookies can be simple, but a few common mistakes might hinder your success. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing the Dough – Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Beat until just combined for a tender texture.
• Not Chilling the Dough – Skipping the chilling step may result in cookies that spread too much. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Neglecting the Rolling Technique – Rolling dough too thin can cause breakage. Aim for about 1/8 thickness for sturdy cookies.
• Ignoring Cooling Time – Removing cookies from the tray too soon can lead to breakage. Let them cool completely on wire racks.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Freeze assembled cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 300°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on low power for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Maple Leaf Cream Cookies:

Can I use different extracts in Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Yes, you can experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond to create unique flavors!

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

Look for lightly golden edges; they should still appear soft in the center.

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

You can drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle additional powdered sugar on top for decoration.

How can I customize my Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Try adding nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips into the dough before baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! Their sweet maple flavor and creamy filling make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!

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

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Description

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the warmth of maple syrup and creamy indulgence to any occasion. These cookies feature a buttery shortbread base filled with a luscious maple cream filling, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or as an everyday snack. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

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• 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. In a mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and maple sugar until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and maple extract; mix until combined.
2. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually mix into the butter mixture until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F and roll out chilled dough to 1/8" thick. Cut out shapes using a maple leaf cookie cutter.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
5. Prepare the cream filling by beating butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
6. Spread filling between two cookies to assemble.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg