As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the scent of maple fills the kitchen, wrapping me in an embrace of nostalgia and warmth. I can’t help but think of these Vegan Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies, where each bite is like a hug from autumn itself. Not only are these cookies incredibly easy to make, but they also bring that oh-so-cozy feeling right to your table, featuring a luscious maple buttercream filling that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea, they offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies—without any animal products! Ready to fall in love with these deliciously soft and buttery treats? Let’s dive in and create something special together!
Why Are Vegan Maple Cookies So Irresistible?
Autumn-inspired flavors shine through these vegan maple cream cookies, making them a seasonal favorite. Effortless to make, you’ll find that even novice bakers can whip these up. Melt-in-your-mouth texture leaves you wanting more after every bite. Versatile enough for gatherings or a cozy evening at home, they pair perfectly with your favorite hot beverage. Plus, with their dairy-free ingredients, they’re a guilt-free treat everyone can enjoy!
Maple Cream Cookies Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Vegan Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies.
For the Cookies
- Dairy-free block butter (200g) – Provides richness and structure to cookies. Substitution: Use any vegan butter option.
- Caster sugar (100g) – Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture. Note: Can substitute with granulated sugar.
- All-purpose flour (300g) – Forms the base structure of the cookies.
- Maple syrup (1 tablespoon) – Enhances flavor and adds moisture. Alternative: Agave syrup can be used in a pinch.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon) – Provides warm, spiced notes for autumn.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon) – Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor.
For the Buttercream Filling
- Dairy-free butter for filling (60g) – Acts as the base for creamy frosting. Substitution: Use a similar vegan butter option.
- Maple syrup for filling (2 tablespoons) – Sweetens and flavors the cream filling while reinforcing that wonderful maple flavor.
- Icing (powdered) sugar (150g) – Creates a sweet, smooth texture for frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavor profile of the filling.
- Dairy-free milk – Adjust consistency of frosting.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together 200g of cold, cubed dairy-free block butter and 100g of caster sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. Gradually sift in 300g of all-purpose flour, along with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix until a thick dough forms, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 40 minutes to 1 hour for easy handling.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking, ensuring that the tray is ready for the maple cream cookies once the dough has been rolled out. This step is crucial for achieving perfectly baked cookies with a golden edge.
Step 3: Shape Cookies
After the dough has chilled, lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough to about ½ cm thickness. Use a maple leaf cookie cutter to cut out shapes and carefully place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. This technique will create lovely shapes that reflect the charming essence of fall.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the shaped cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary based on your oven. Once ready, allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling stage is essential for maintaining their structure and softness.
Step 5: Make Buttercream Filling
For the maple buttercream filling, beat 60g of softened dairy-free butter in a medium bowl until fluffy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 150g of icing sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency, adjusting with a splash of dairy-free milk if necessary to achieve the ideal pipeable texture. This delicious filling will perfectly complement your vegan maple cream cookies.
Step 6: Assemble Cookies
Once the cookies have completely cooled, take half of them and pipe the smooth maple buttercream filling onto the flat side of each cookie. Carefully place the remaining cookies on top, creating delightful sandwiches. Press gently to secure them, ensuring the luscious filling stays between the cookies. This final touch brings together the flavors and texture of your Vegan Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies for a delightful autumn treat.
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first step, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can make the maple buttercream filling 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough, cut out your shapes, and bake as directed. After cooling, pipe the prepared filling onto half of the cookies to complete your delightful sandwiches. This way, you can enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies without the fuss on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Vegan Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies
Indulging in these creamy, delightful cookies creates the perfect opportunity to craft a cozy autumn meal.
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Warm Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai beautifully complement the maple flavor, creating a cozy pairing for your sweet treats.
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Creamy Pumpkin Soup: The richness of pumpkin soup adds a comforting savory bite that balances the sweetness of the cookies, setting a perfect contrast.
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Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes: The maple glaze echoes the cookies’ flavor, enveloping your palate in a delightful autumn experience.
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Fall Harvest Salad: A salad featuring crisp apples, candied pecans, and a maple vinaigrette adds fresh, crunchy elements that brighten your meal.
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Maple Pecan Latte: This warm and frothy drink enhances the maple experience, making your afternoon snack feel like a cozy café treat.
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Cinnamon Roasted Nuts: These crunchy bites are perfect for snacking; their spiced warmth ties in beautifully with the cookies’ nutty flavors.
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Butternut Squash Risotto: Rich, creamy risotto balances the sweetness of the maple cookies and offers a comforting, warm dish for a delightful dinner.
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Hot Apple Cider: Sip on a warm, spiced apple cider to transport your taste buds directly to an autumn orchard while enjoying your cookies.
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Chocolate Stout Brownies: For dessert lovers, the richness of fudgy brownies makes an excellent contrasting flavor that rounds out the meal deliciously.
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Cinnamon Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy delight offers a perfect cool contrast to the warm cookies, making every bite a delightful experience.
Variations of Maple Cream Cookies
Feel free to explore these delightful variations and make the recipe your own with some imaginative twists!
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Chocolate Chips:
Add a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a luscious melty surprise inside each bite. -
Nutty Delight:
Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a warm, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of maple beautifully. -
Spiced Maple:
Introduce a touch of ground ginger or allspice to the mix, giving your cookies an extra layer of autumn warmth with every bite. -
Frosting Flair:
Swap the maple buttercream with a vanilla or chocolate frosting for a different flavor experience while keeping that delightful creaminess. -
Lemon Zest:
Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest to the buttercream for a zesty brightness that will contrast perfectly with the rich maple notes. -
Pumpkin Spice Twist:
Mix in a dash of pumpkin spice for a festive flair that embraces the full essence of fall. These cookies will resonate with the cozy feelings of the season. -
Vegan Royal Icing:
Decorate the cooled cookies with a vegan royal icing for a show-stopping look. This can add elegance and enhance the seasonal charm. -
Maple Pecan Sandwich:
Use crushed maple pecans as part of the filling for added texture and flavor, creating a delightful blend of nutty, sweet, and creamy goodness.
Whichever way you choose to personalize your cookies, they are sure to spread warmth and joy throughout your home! If you’re looking for other delightful treats, check out these Blueberry Breakfast Cookies or consider a warm bowl of Mexican Soup Flavorful for a cozy meal.
Expert Tips for Vegan Maple Cream Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for easier handling. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps maintain a thick texture.
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Cutting Shapes: Use flour on your cookie cutter to prevent sticking. A little dusting goes a long way in ensuring clean, beautiful edges for your maple cream cookies.
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Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different! Keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect golden edge without over-baking.
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Filling Consistency: For a perfect maple buttercream filling, ensure your dairy-free butter is softened and fluffy before adding other ingredients. It keeps the frosting thick and pipeable!
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Storing Secrets: Store your cookies in an airtight container to retain their delicious softness. Enjoy them within 3 days for the freshest taste of maple goodness!
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Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Adding nutmeg or even a dash of ginger can elevate the warm autumn flavors in your maple cream cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Maple Cream Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your vegan maple cream cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cookies in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: If desired, gently warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5 minutes to revive their freshness before serving. Enjoy every bite of your maple cream cookies!
Vegan Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using a dairy-free block butter for the best results, as it provides the richness needed for buttery cookies. Any vegan butter option will work well in this recipe, so feel free to choose your favorite!
How do I store my vegan maple cream cookies?
For optimum freshness, keep your vegan maple cream cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to extend their shelf life, they can be refrigerated for about a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy their delightful texture!
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them! To do this, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature. If you’d like, gently warm them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5 minutes to revive their freshness.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is stickier than expected, don’t worry! You can add a little more all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a workable consistency. Just make sure not to overdo it, as too much flour can affect the texture of your cookies. Also, remember to chill the dough, as this will help firm it up for easier handling.
Are there any common allergies associated with this recipe?
This vegan maple cream cookies recipe is free from dairy, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. However, always check that your ingredients, like the vegan butter and icing sugar, are free from cross-contamination if you’re serving those with allergies. Additionally, if you’re concerned about gluten, you can opt for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies safe for everyone.
Can I modify the flavors in the filling?
Very much so! Experimentation is part of the fun. You can add spices such as ginger or even a splash of almond extract for a unique twist on the classic maple flavor. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly, and you’ll have a deliciously customized filling that suits your taste!
Cozy Up with Delightful Vegan Maple Cream Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, cream together 200g of cold, cubed dairy-free block butter and 100g of caster sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. Gradually sift in 300g of all-purpose flour, along with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix until a thick dough forms, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 40 minutes to 1 hour for easy handling.
- While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- After the dough has chilled, lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough to about ½ cm thickness. Use a maple leaf cookie cutter to cut out shapes and carefully place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake the shaped cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- For the maple buttercream filling, beat 60g of softened dairy-free butter in a medium bowl until fluffy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 150g of icing sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency, adjusting with a splash of dairy-free milk if necessary.
- Once the cookies have completely cooled, take half of them and pipe the smooth maple buttercream filling onto the flat side of each cookie. Carefully place the remaining cookies on top, creating delightful sandwiches.