Maple Leaf Cream Cookies with Cinnamon Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Piping bag with star tip (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

4. Stir in maple syrup and cinnamon until evenly distributed.

5. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

7. To make the cream filling, beat together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

8. Once cookies are completely cooled, pipe or spread cream filling onto half of the cookies, then top with remaining cookies to make sandwiches.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- Makes about 24 sandwich cookies

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 280
- Total fat: 14g
- Saturated fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/8 tsp.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Maple extract can be used instead of maple syrup if desired.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- Use different flavored extracts in the cream filling, such as almond or coconut.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cookies for a decadent touch.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature before starting.
- Don't overmix the cookie dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- If using a piping bag, chill the cream filling for 10-15 minutes before piping to make it easier to handle.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Storage instructions:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Cookies can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the cream filling if desired.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange cookies on a platter or cake stand for a pretty display.
- Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon for added visual appeal.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruit over the cream filling for added texture and flavor.

Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Suggested side dishes:
- These cookies are perfect on their own, but can also be served with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If cookies are spreading too much during baking, chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- If cream filling is too runny, add more powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before starting.

Food history:
- Maple syrup has been used as a sweetener in North America for centuries, and is often associated with Canadian cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
- These cookies have a sweet, buttery flavor with a hint of cinnamon and maple.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve these cookies as a sweet treat for afternoon tea or as a dessert after dinner.

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Region: Canadian

Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Maple, Nutty, Cinnamon, Maple-Flavored, Cinnamon-Infused