Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are a sweet treat that everyone will adore. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich maple flavor make them perfect for special occasions or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their charming maple leaf shape. They are sure to impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and maple extract creates a unique taste that is both sweet and comforting.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, picnics, or just a cozy evening at home. They also make fantastic gifts!
• Fun to Decorate: You can get creative with how you assemble and decorate these cookies, making them even more special.

Tools and Preparation

To create these Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools for the best results.

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: Ensures a smooth mixture for both the cookie dough and cream filling without much effort.
• Mixing bowls: Provide adequate space for combining ingredients efficiently.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, allowing for easy transfer.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies:

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 butter with the maple sugar for 60 seconds. The crystals will remain visible as they take longer to break down.
2. Add in the powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Mix in the maple syrup and maple extract until well 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 a dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

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

Step 4: Roll Out & Cut Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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 as needed to prevent sticking.
3. Using a maple leaf cookie cutter dusted with flour, cut out cookies and place them on the prepared sheets.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

1. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are barely golden brown.
2. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks.

Step 6: Prepare Maple Cream Filling

1. In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, maple extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

1. Spread a small amount of filling onto one cookie, then top it with another cookie to form a sandwich.
2. Continue assembling until all cookies are filled.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Enjoy your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to one week. These cookies actually taste better after sitting overnight!

How to Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a festive dessert, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair your cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea for a comforting afternoon snack. The sweetness of the cookies complements the soothing flavors of the tea.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other sweets like fruit tarts and chocolate truffles. This makes for an impressive display at gatherings or parties.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies with a side of fresh berries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

Dipped in Milk

• For a classic treat, enjoy these cookies dipped in cold milk. The creamy texture enhances the cookie’s flavor and provides a nostalgic feeling.

As Favors for Guests

• Wrap individual cookies in decorative bags as party favors. Your guests will love taking home these delicious Maple Leaf Cream Cookies as a sweet reminder of their visit.

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: Softened butter allows for better mixing and results in a lighter cookie texture.
• Chill the dough: Chilling helps maintain the shape of the cookies during baking, preventing them from spreading too much.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the texture tender and flaky.
• Invest in quality maple syrup: A good quality syrup enhances flavor, making your cookies truly stand out.
• Check doneness carefully: Remove cookies from the oven when they are barely golden on the edges; they will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet.
• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

These Maple Leaf Cream Cookies pair well with several side dishes that enhance their delightful flavor. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a wholesome side that complements the indulgent cookies.
3. Cheese Platter – Offer mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside crackers for a savory contrast that balances sweetness.
4. Chocolate Mousse – A rich chocolate mousse can create an elegant pairing, perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
5. Spiced Nuts – Provide spiced or candied nuts as a crunchy counterpoint that adds texture and flavor diversity.
6. Scones with Jam – Serve scones topped with fruit jam as another sweet option that resonates well with maple flavors.
7. Ice Cream Floats – Create ice cream floats using flavored soda and vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert pairing.
8. Coffee or Espresso – A strong cup of coffee or espresso works beautifully against the sweet notes of maple in your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes will ensure your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the dough can result in cookies that spread too much. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Not using enough flour: If you don’t measure flour accurately, your cookies may be too sticky. Use a kitchen scale or fluff the flour before measuring.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking for too long can result in dry cookies. Watch them closely; they should be barely golden on the edges.
• Improperly storing cookies: Storing cookies in a non-airtight container can make them stale. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to keep them fresh.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making these delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, check out the answers below.

What makes Maple Leaf Cream Cookies special?

The unique combination of maple sugar and syrup gives these cookies their distinct flavor, making them irresistible.

Can I customize my Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough for added flavor and texture.

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

Look for lightly golden edges; they should still be soft in the middle when you take them out of the oven.

How should I store my Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different fillings or toppings based on your taste preferences. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth treats!