Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. With their sweet, rich flavor and tender texture, they are sure to impress your guests. Ideal for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies stand out with their unique maple taste and charming leaf shape. One bite and you’ll be hooked on their melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and maple extract creates a sweet and aromatic cookie that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a special dessert at home. They can be enjoyed anytime!
• Soft and Creamy Filling: The luscious cream filling adds another layer of indulgence that complements the cookies beautifully.
• Great for Sharing: These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their fun leaf shape!

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating those delicious cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light texture in the cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless after baking.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even dough thickness for uniform cookies.

Ingredients

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: Make the Maple Shortbread Cookies

1. In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature butter with the maple sugar for about 60 seconds.
2. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Mix in the pure maple syrup and maple extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until the dough forms.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 thick, sprinkling flour on top as needed.
3. Use a maple leaf cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough, dusting the cutter with flour to prevent sticking.
4. Place the cutouts onto prepared cookie sheets; they won’t spread much during baking.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown; then cool completely on wire racks.

Step 3: Prepare Maple Cream Filling

1. In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, combine room-temperature butter, powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, maple extract, and salt.
2. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

1. Take one cooled cookie and spread a small amount of filling on it.
2. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich effect.
3. Repeat until all cookies are filled.

Enjoy your homemade Maple Leaf Cream Cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to one week! These treats tend to soften over time, making them even tastier!

How to Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are delightful treats perfect for various occasions. You can serve them in many creative ways to impress your guests or enjoy them as a cozy snack.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair with a cup of coffee for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
• Enjoy with herbal tea to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.

As Dessert at Gatherings

• Present on a decorative platter during gatherings for an elegant touch.
• Serve alongside other desserts for a delightful dessert table.

For Special Occasions

• Use as party favors by packaging them in small boxes tied with ribbon.
• Include them in holiday cookie assortments for festive celebrations.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced apples to add freshness.
• Create a colorful fruit plate that complements the cookies’ sweetness.

How to Perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Creating the perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain its shape during baking, resulting in perfectly formed cookies.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender. Overworking can lead to tough cookies.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements, especially for flour, to achieve the right consistency in your dough.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Check the cookies early; they should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here’s a list of delectable options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with these cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse creates an indulgent dessert experience when served together.
4. Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy candied nuts offer a satisfying texture contrast alongside soft cookies.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Ginger Tea: The warmth of ginger tea complements the maple flavor while adding a spicy kick.
7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each cookie for an extra layer of decadence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, certain pitfalls can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using butter that is too cold or too warm can lead to a dough that’s hard to work with. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Overworking the Dough: Kneading the dough excessively can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined and avoid over-rolling.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining shape during baking. Don’t skip this step; 30 minutes in the fridge makes a difference!
• Improper Baking Times: Baking cookies for too long can make them dry and hard. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven when edges are lightly golden.
• Ignoring Ingredient Measurements: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision to avoid imbalances in flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to three months.
• For best results, layer parchment paper between cookies before sealing.

Reheating Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a cookie for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Maple Leaf Cream Cookies special?

These cookies combine the rich flavor of maple syrup with creamy filling, creating a delightful dessert that melts in your mouth!

Can I customize the filling for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut to create unique flavors.

How do I ensure my Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are soft?

Make sure not to overbake them; they should be slightly golden at the edges but still soft when you take them out of the oven.

Are there any substitutes for ingredients in Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Yes, you can substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar or use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour if needed.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies can stay fresh up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them perfect for any occasion, be it holidays or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize them with various fillings and flavors to suit your taste!

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: Amelia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, a sweet treat that will captivate your taste buds with its rich maple flavor and creamy filling. These charming leaf-shaped cookies are perfect for every occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoons at home. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that combines the buttery goodness of shortbread with a luscious cream filling, making them irresistible. Easy to make and visually appealing, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and become a cherished recipe in your collection.

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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
• For the cream filling: 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature), 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and salt.

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, beat room-temperature butter and maple sugar until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, mix until combined, then incorporate maple syrup and extract.
2. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll out chilled dough to about 1/8" thick and cut out shapes using a maple leaf cookie cutter.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden; cool on wire racks.
5. For the filling, beat together room-temperature butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Assemble cookies by spreading filling between two cooled 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: 20g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg