Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

These delightful Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich maple flavor, these cookies will charm your family and friends. Ideal for gatherings or as a cozy dessert after dinner, they bring a taste of Canada right to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them fresh or allow them to sit overnight for an even richer flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are light and airy, making each bite irresistible.
• Rich maple flavor: The combination of maple syrup and extract gives these cookies a deep, sweet taste that stands out.
• Simple preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile serving options: Serve them at parties, with coffee, or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
• Make ahead option: These cookies can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

To make the baking process smoother, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand-held mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Maple leaf cookie cutter
• Wire racks

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand-held mixer: Essential for achieving a perfectly fluffy dough without much effort.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring easy removal.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly to achieve uniform cookie thickness.

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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 Dough

1. Use a paddle attachment in a bowl with a stand or hand-held mixer to beat the butter with the maple sugar for 60 seconds until combined.
2. Add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Mix in the maple syrup and maple extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture and beat until a cohesive dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. If chilling longer than an hour, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out.

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Roll Out Dough

• 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. Dust both sides of the dough with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cut Out Cookies

• Using a maple leaf cookie cutter that has been dusted with flour, cut out shapes from the rolled dough.
• Place each cut-out cookie on the prepared sheets without worrying about spacing too much since they won’t spread during baking.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

• Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are barely golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks.

Step 6: Make the Cream Filling

1. In a clean bowl using a paddle attachment, beat together butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, maple extract, and salt until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

• Spread a layer of cream filling on one cookie and top it with another cookie to create sandwiches. Repeat until all cookies are filled.

Step 8: Enjoy!

• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week. Note that these cookies soften over time and may taste even better after resting overnight!

How to Serve Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Serving Maple Leaf Cream Cookies is all about enhancing their delightful flavor and creating a memorable experience. These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your cookies with a rich cup of coffee to complement the sweetness of the maple.
• Tea: A warm cup of herbal or black tea provides a soothing contrast to the creamy filling.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Include your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies on a dessert platter with other cookies for variety.
• Fruit Garnish: Add fresh fruits like strawberries or apples for a refreshing touch alongside the cookies.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Treats: These cookies make excellent gifts during celebrations or holidays; package them beautifully for friends and family.
• Dessert Table: Elevate your gathering by featuring these cookies prominently on your dessert table.

How to Perfect Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

To achieve the best Maple Leaf Cream Cookies, follow these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.

• Chill the Dough: Cooling the dough helps maintain its shape while baking, resulting in perfect cookie outlines.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter is at room temperature leads to better mixing and fluffiness in the cookies.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined to maintain a light texture; overworking can make them tough.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurements, avoiding dense cookies.
• Cool Completely Before Filling: Allowing cookies to cool fully prevents melting and ensures neat assembly of cream filling.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies enhances their delightful flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements the cookies beautifully.
3. Cheese Board: Incorporate mild cheeses like brie or gouda to provide savory notes alongside the sweet treats.
4. Ice Cream Sundae: Serve maple ice cream topped with nuts, drizzled with more maple syrup for an indulgent dessert experience.
5. Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft cream-filled cookies.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for a fun and interactive dessert option that everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Maple Leaf Cream Cookies turn out perfectly, be mindful of these common mistakes.

• Bold mixing technique: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Bold incorrect chilling time: Not chilling the dough long enough can make it hard to roll. Chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
• Bold insufficient flour dusting: Failing to flour your rolling surface and cutter can cause sticky situations. Always sprinkle flour liberally to prevent sticking.
• Bold improper baking time: Baking cookies too long can result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are lightly golden on the edges.
• Bold skipping cooling racks: Not letting cookies cool completely before assembling can make them soggy. Always allow cookies to cool fully on wire racks.

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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 the assembled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating Maple Leaf Cream Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, adding a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What are Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are delightful sandwich cookies filled with a smooth maple cream filling, perfect for any dessert table.

Can I customize the filling for Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add different flavor extracts like almond or lemon to create variations of the filling.

How do I store leftover Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze these Maple Leaf Cream Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, add a little more flour while mixing or dust your rolling surface generously before rolling out.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Leaf Cream Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy making these delightful treats!