Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. With their irresistible maple flavor and creamy filling, these cookies quickly become a favorite among both kids and adults. What sets them apart is their melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes of total time, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and cornstarch creates a soft cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Flavor: The rich maple taste makes these cookies perfect for any season or event, especially during fall.
• Perfect for Sharing: With three dozen sandwich cookies, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply sharing with friends and family.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite fillings or toppings to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the 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
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand-held mixer: Makes it easy to achieve fluffy cookie dough with minimal effort.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking without cleanup hassle.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness for even baking of your cookies.

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: Make 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 will still see the maple sugar crystals because it takes longer to break them down. Add the powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the maple syrup and maple extract into the mixture and beat together until combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the mixing bowl and beat until the dough comes together.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 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 5: Preheat Oven & Prepare Cookie Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Sprinkle flour on top if necessary to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Cut Out Cookies

Using a maple leaf cookie cutter, press into the dough to cut out shapes. Dusting with flour helps prevent sticking. Place cut-outs onto prepared cookie sheets.

Step 8: Bake

Bake your Maple Leaf Cookies for 8-10 minutes until they are barely golden brown on edges. Remove from the oven and cool completely on wire racks.

Step 9: Make Maple Cream Filling

In a clean bowl with a paddle attachment or using a hand-held mixer, beat together butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, maple extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Assemble Cookies

Spread a small portion of filling on one Maple Leaf Cookie and cover with another cookie. Repeat this until you’ve used all cookies.

Step 11: Enjoy!

You can enjoy these cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to one week. These cookies actually taste better the next day as they soften!

With these simple steps, you’ll have an impressive batch of Maple Leaf Cream Cookies ready to delight everyone!

How to Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your cookie experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair these cookies with your favorite herbal or black tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a large platter with other sweet treats like fruit tarts and chocolate truffles for a beautiful dessert spread.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Serve these cookies at holiday parties as part of a festive dessert table. Their maple flavor fits perfectly with seasonal themes.

With Ice Cream

• Top vanilla or maple ice cream with crumbled Maple Leaf Cream Cookies for an indulgent dessert.

For Breakfast Treats

• Enjoy them alongside your morning coffee or as a sweet addition to breakfast. They make for a delicious start to your day!

How to Perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

To achieve the best Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, follow these helpful tips to make sure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugars.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off; this prevents dense cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps maintain its shape during baking and enhances the flavors.
• Avoid Overworking the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and flaky.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Since they bake quickly, keep an eye on them. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Serving side dishes alongside your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies can create an even more enjoyable dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a creamy contrast to the crisp cookies.

3. Cheese Plate
   Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese that pair well with sweet treats, enhancing flavors beautifully.

4. Chocolate Fondue
   Melted chocolate served with fruit slices and cookie pieces makes for an interactive dessert experience.

5. Coconut Macaroons
   These chewy, coconut-flavored delights complement the maple flavor wonderfully, providing different textures.

6. Coffee or Espresso
   A strong cup of coffee or espresso balances out the sweetness of the cookies while enhancing their maple notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not using room temperature butter: Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always let your butter sit out until it reaches room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender bite.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie shape. Don’t skip this step to ensure your cookies hold their form while baking.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot can cause cookies to brown too quickly. Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.

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 before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Enjoy them within three months for the best quality.

Reheating Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, then warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I make Maple Leaf Cream Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for proper texture.

How do I enhance the maple flavor in my Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Consider adding more pure maple syrup or using dark maple extract for a richer taste.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is manageable but still soft.

How long will Maple Leaf Cream Cookies last?

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to one week but taste even better after a day!

Final Thoughts

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are a delightful treat that marries rich flavors with melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re perfect for any occasion and can be customized with different extracts or fillings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction they bring!