If you’re looking for a deliciously unique and seasonal cookie, these Maple Leaf Cream Sandwiches are about to become your new favorite treat! With crisp, buttery cookies shaped like maple leaves and a sweet, creamy maple filling, these sandwich cookies are not only beautiful but also bursting with rich, maple flavor. They’re a perfect match for a cozy afternoon with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
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Why You’ll Love These Maple Leaf Cream Sandwiches
- Authentic Maple Flavor: Made with real maple syrup and extract, these cookies have an irresistible maple sweetness.
- Perfectly Crisp and Buttery: The cookies have a wonderful, crisp texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Fun and Festive: Shaped like maple leaves, they’re a delightful addition to any fall celebration or holiday gathering.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time.
What Do Maple Leaf Cream Sandwiches Taste Like?
These cookies are a sweet, buttery delight with a rich, caramel-like maple flavor. The cookies themselves have a subtle maple taste and a delicate crunch, while the creamy filling is smooth, sweet, and bursting with maple goodness. Each bite offers the perfect balance of crispness and creamy sweetness.
Health Benefits of Maple Leaf Cream Sandwiches
- Natural Sweetness: Real maple syrup is used instead of refined sugar, providing minerals like zinc and manganese.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Maple syrup contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Maple Leaf Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Maple Cream Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (as needed for consistency)
Tools You’ll Need
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Maple leaf-shaped cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Maple Syrup: Use Grade A or B maple syrup for the most authentic flavor. Avoid artificial syrups for this recipe.
- Butter: Swap out with margarine or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
- Extracts: If you don’t have maple extract, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup, though the flavor will be subtler.
- Additions: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for an extra hint of warm spice.
How to Make Maple Leaf Cream Sandwiches: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the maple syrup, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and maple extract, beating until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just incorporated. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Re-roll scraps as needed and repeat with the second disc of dough.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Maple Cream Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and maple extract until smooth and creamy.
- If the filling is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until you reach a spreadable consistency.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread a generous layer of maple cream filling on the flat side of one cookie.
- Place another cookie on top, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
What to Serve with Maple Leaf Cream Sandwiches
- Hot Tea or Coffee: The perfect pairing to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Milk: A classic combo – these cookies are great for dipping!
- Warm Apple Cider: A cozy fall drink that complements the maple flavor beautifully.
Tips for the Best Maple Leaf Cream Sandwiches
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them easier to roll out.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies, as they can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone.
- Use Real Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, always use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
Storing and Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the unassembled cookies and filling separately for up to 3 months. Assemble just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Can I use a different shape for the cookies?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a maple leaf-shaped cutter, use any cookie cutter you like.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Use dairy-free butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg yolk. Make sure your other ingredients are vegan-friendly as well.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie Sandwich)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 2% DV
In Conclusion
Maple Leaf Cream Sandwiches are the ultimate fall cookie, combining a crisp, buttery texture with a rich, sweet maple filling. They’re fun to make, impressive to serve, and oh-so-delicious! Perfect for cozying up with a cup of tea or sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.
More Maple Treats You’ll Love:
- Maple Pecan Bars
- Maple Glazed Donuts
- Maple Walnut Scones
I’d love to see how your Maple Leaf Cream Sandwiches turn out! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest – happy baking! 🍁🍪
