Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them! With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich maple flavor, they make the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies stand out with their unique shape and delicious cream filling. One bite will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The combination of butter and cornstarch creates a cookie that dissolves beautifully in your mouth.
• Rich maple flavor: Infused with real maple syrup and extract, these cookies are a delightful homage to Canadian cuisine.
• Versatile for occasions: Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just a sweet afternoon snack!
• Simple ingredients: Easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe approachable for all bakers.
• Make-ahead option: These cookies taste even better the next day, making them great for preparing in advance.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delectable Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand-held mixer: Ideal for easily blending ingredients to achieve the right texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the dough evenly, ensuring consistent cookie thickness for even baking.
• Maple leaf cookie cutter: This adds a fun and festive touch to your cookies, perfect for showcasing their theme.

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

1. Use a paddle attachment in a bowl with a stand or hand-held mixer, and beat the 11 tablespoons 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, beating until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Mix in the pure maple syrup and maple extract, beating until fully 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 wet ingredients, beating until the dough comes together.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

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

Step 4: Preheat & Roll Out 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 inch thick. Dust flour on top as needed.

Step 5: Cut Cookies & Bake

1. Using a maple leaf cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the rolled dough. To prevent sticking, dip your cutter in flour before each use.
2. Place cookies on lined sheets; they won’t spread much during baking.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown. Cool completely on wire racks.

Step 6: Make Maple Cream Filling

1. In a mixer bowl, combine the remaining unsalted butter, powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, maple extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

1. Spread a small amount of filling on one cookie; top with another cookie to form a sandwich.
2. Repeat until all cookies are assembled.

Enjoy!

Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week! These cookies soften over time and taste even better after resting overnight!

With their delightful crunchiness complemented by creamy filling, these Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are bound to become a favorite treat!

How to Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few creative ideas. Whether for a festive gathering, a cozy afternoon tea, or simply as a sweet treat, these cookies can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies.
• Tea: A warm cup of herbal or black tea balances the creaminess of the cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a chocolatey drink that pairs perfectly with the maple flavor.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Add different types of cookies for variety and texture.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh apples or pears can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
• Cheese Cubes: Soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese can add richness to your platter.

Use as Toppings

• Ice Cream: Crumble cookies over vanilla or maple ice cream for added crunch and flavor.
• Pancakes or Waffles: Use them as a topping for breakfast dishes, drizzled with syrup.

How to Perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Perfecting your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies involves attention to detail during preparation. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie perfection:

• Boldly chill the dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies’ shape.
• Boldly choose quality ingredients: Use pure maple syrup and fresh butter for the best flavor.
• Boldly avoid overmixing: Mix until just combined to keep the texture light and tender.
• Boldly check oven temperature: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly for even baking results.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

When serving Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some options:

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Bold Cheese Board: Include soft and hard cheeses that create an inviting balance with the cookies’ flavors.
3. Bold Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a light, nutritious accompaniment.
4. Bold Vegetable Crudités: Fresh vegetables offer a crunchy texture that contrasts well with creamy desserts.
5. Bold Trail Mix: A homemade trail mix featuring nuts and dried fruits provides an energizing snack option.
6. Bold Smoothie Bowl: Serve smoothies topped with granola and fruits for a vibrant, healthful treat alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly!

• Overmixing the Dough: Overworking the dough can make your cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Incorrect Measurements: Baking is a science! Use precise measurements for ingredients like flour and sugar to achieve the right consistency.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much. Always chill for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before baking for consistent results.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Allowing cookies to cool on wire racks is essential for proper texture. Don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Maple Leaf Cream Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months. Separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for optimal softness.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds, but watch closely to avoid melting.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes to restore warmth without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are deliciously sweet sandwich cookies filled with creamy maple-flavored icing, perfect for any dessert lover.

How do I customize my Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough or use different extracts in the filling, like almond or hazelnut, for unique flavors.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies will remain fresh for up to one week when stored correctly in an airtight container.

Can I use other fillings besides maple cream?

Absolutely! You can use flavored buttercream or fruit preserves as alternatives, depending on your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different flavors or fillings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; your friends and family will love these sweet treats!