These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are a true treat for any occasion! With their rich maple flavor and creamy filling, these cookies are perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. The unique maple leaf shape adds a charming touch, making them not only delicious but visually appealing too. Once you take that first bite, you’ll find yourself reaching for another!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of maple syrup and sugar creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
- Great for Sharing: With about three dozen cookies in one batch, they’re ideal for parties or gifts.
- Softens with Time: These cookies actually taste better the next day as they soften and blend flavors.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started with the Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand-held mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Maple leaf cookie cutter
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand-held mixer: These make it easy to achieve a smooth and fluffy dough without much effort.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare different components of the recipe simultaneously.
- Parchment paper: It prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
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 Cookie Dough
- 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 may still see some crystals; that’s okay!
- Add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in the maple syrup and maple extract, combining well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. If chilled longer than an hour, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out.
Step 3: Shape and Bake Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 thick. Sprinkle flour on both sides of the dough to prevent sticking.
- Using a maple leaf cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the dough. Dusting the cutter in flour can help prevent sticking.
- Place cut-out cookies onto lined cookie sheets without worrying about spacing too much since they won’t spread during baking.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are barely golden brown. Cool completely on wire racks.
Step 4: Make the Maple Cream Filling
- In your mixer bowl, combine the remaining butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, maple extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cookies
- Take one Maple Leaf Cookie and spread a small amount of filling on top; then place another cookie on top as a sandwich.
- Repeat this process until all cookies are filled.
Step 6: Serve or Store
- Enjoy these delightful cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to one week; they taste even better after resting!
How to Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With a Cup of Tea
- Brew a warm cup of your favorite herbal or black tea. The flavors of the tea complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter with fresh fruits and nuts. This adds variety and makes for an eye-catching display.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in decorative bags tied with ribbons. These make charming party favors for events like birthdays or holidays.
Alongside Ice Cream
- Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or maple-flavored ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that everyone will love.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair the cookies with slices of apples, pears, or berries. The freshness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
How to Perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
To ensure your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps achieve a light and fluffy cookie dough, ensuring even mixing and better texture.
Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough prevents spreading during baking, resulting in beautifully shaped cookies that hold their design.
Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method instead of packing flour into the measuring cup to avoid dense cookies.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture; overworking can lead to tough cookies.
Keep Cookie Cutters Dust-Free: Lightly dusting cookie cutters with flour prevents sticking and helps achieve clean shapes when cutting out cookies.
Best Side Dishes for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
These Maple Leaf Cream Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet flavor. Here’s a list of tasty options you might consider serving alongside them:
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or camembert that offer a savory balance to the sweetness.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that pairs well with dessert treats.
Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts adds crunch and a savory touch that complements the soft texture of the cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: Create an interactive dessert experience by serving melted chocolate for dipping alongside your cookies.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Warm beverages like coffee or hot chocolate enhance the cookie’s flavors while providing comfort on chilly days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies even better. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter can lead to a dense cookie. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Overworking the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chill time can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Underbaking: Removing the cookies too early can lead to a raw center. Bake until they are lightly golden around the edges for perfect results.
- Skipping the dusting with flour: Not dusting your cookie cutter can make it stick to the dough. Lightly coat with flour to ensure clean cuts.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Maple Leaf Cream Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
- You can freeze unfilled cookies for up to three months.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Maple Leaf Cream Cookies special?
Maple Leaf Cream Cookies stand out due to their rich maple flavor and creamy filling, making them a delightful treat.
How long do Maple Leaf Cream Cookies last?
When stored properly, these cookies remain fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Can I customize my Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding nuts or different extracts into the filling for unique flavors.
Why should I chill the dough?
Chilling helps solidify the butter, leading to less spreading while baking and ensuring your cookies maintain their shape.
Are there alternatives for powdered sugar?
Yes! You can make homemade powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar until fine if needed.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with flavors or fillings of your choice!
Maple Leaf Cream Cookies
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, a perfect treat for any occasion. These charming cookies, shaped like maple leaves, feature a buttery shortbread base infused with rich maple flavors and a creamy filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress your guests. With their unique shape and delicious taste, they’re ideal for sharing or gifting.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
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
- In a stand mixer, beat room temperature unsalted butter and maple sugar until creamy. Add powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate pure maple syrup and maple extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture to form dough.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then roll out to 1/8" thickness and cut into maple leaf shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden brown. Cool completely on wire racks.
- For the filling, whip together remaining butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- 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
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg