Just imagine walking into a kitchen that’s filled with the inviting scent of autumn spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm maple wafting through the air. That’s exactly what you’ll experience when you whip up these Vegan Maple Cream Cookies. Not only do they capture the cozy essence of fall, but they also take no time at all to create, making them a perfect weekend baking project. The rich, buttery cookie, paired with a luscious maple buttercream filling, promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a comforting gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat with your favorite tea, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Curious about how to bring this autumn delight to your table? Let’s dive in!
Why are Vegan Maple Cream Cookies irresistible?
Heavenly melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, making them the ultimate autumn treat that practically disappears in your mouth.
Decadent maple frosting: The smooth buttercream filling adds a touch of sweetness, perfectly balancing the spices and cookie base.
Quick and easy: You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to impress your guests with these delightful cookies! They come together in just a few straightforward steps.
Perfect for gatherings: Their charming maple leaf shape and inviting aroma make them an eye-catching dessert for seasonal celebrations or cozy afternoons with loved ones. If you’re looking for more sweet options, don’t miss our Nutella Marshmallow Cookies.
Dairy-free delight: Enjoy a treat that caters to vegan diets without compromising on taste or texture—everyone will love them!
Vegan Maple Cream Cookies Ingredients
• For the Cookies:
- Dairy-free block butter (200g) – Adds richness and buttery flavor; substitute with your favorite vegan butter brand like Flora Plant Butter or Naturli Vegan Block.
- Caster sugar (100g) – Provides sweetness and improves texture; feel free to use regular granulated sugar if caster is unavailable.
- All-purpose/plain flour (300g) – Essential for the cookie’s structure; for a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Maple syrup (1 tbsp for cookies, 2 tbsp for frosting) – The star ingredient for sweetness and maple flavor; can be swapped with agave syrup if you prefer.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and festive spice; adjust based on your preference or swap with a pumpkin spice blend for an autumn twist.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp) – Complements the cinnamon beautifully; omit if unavailable or use additional cinnamon.
• For the Cream Filling:
- Dairy-free butter (60g, softened) – Ensures a creamy texture for the frosting; use the same butter recommendations as above.
- Icing/powdered sugar (150g) – Sweetens the buttercream and helps create a light texture; you can make it at home if store-bought isn’t handy.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor; it’s optional but highly recommended for depth.
- Dairy-free milk – Use as needed to achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
Bring the joy of baking into your home with these Vegan Maple Cream Cookies and experience the delightful flavors of fall!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Maple Cream Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a medium bowl, cream together 200g of cold dairy-free block butter and 100g of caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking about 3-5 minutes. Sift in 300g of all-purpose flour along with 1 tbsp of maple syrup, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg, then mix everything until you form a thick, homogenous dough.
Step 2: Chill Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or baking paper to help it retain moisture and chill it in the fridge for 40 minutes to 1 hour. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Vegan Maple Cream Cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while baking.
Step 3: Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Tray
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 170°C (fan). Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper, creating a non-stick surface for your cookies. This preparation sets the stage for baking the cookies evenly and achieving that golden-brown edge.
Step 4: Shape Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a heavily floured surface to about ½ cm thickness. Use a maple leaf cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough and thoughtfully place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Put the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want them to maintain a soft, chewy texture. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare Frosting
In another bowl, whip 60g of softened dairy-free butter until fluffy, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Gradually mix in 2 tbsp of maple syrup and 150g of icing sugar (add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract if desired) until the frosting is light and airy. If the frosting feels too thick, add a splash of dairy-free milk to achieve a pipeable consistency.
Step 7: Assemble Cookies
To create your Vegan Maple Cream Cookies, pipe a dollop of the creamy frosting on half of the cooled cookies. Then, gently top them with the remaining cookies, pressing down lightly to create delightful little sandwiches. Enjoy the heartwarming benefits of your autumn-inspired baking!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Maple Cream Cookies
Airtight Container (Fridge): Store your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Thawing: To enjoy, simply thaw the frozen Vegan Maple Cream Cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They’ll taste just as delightful as the day they were made!
Reheating: If you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, ensuring they don’t get too hot—this will refresh their soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality!
What to Serve with Vegan Maple Cream Cookies
Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with delightful pairings that enhance these spectacular cookies.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: The rich chocolate contrasts beautifully with the maple sweetness, creating a warm, comforting beverage for chilly evenings.
- Spiced Chai Tea: Aromatic spices in chai complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies, making every bite a flavorful adventure.
- Apple Cider: A glass of warm apple cider evokes the essence of fall, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cookies with its tangy notes.
- Roasted Pumpkin Soup: The creamy, savory flavors of pumpkin soup create a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, turning your meal into an autumnal feast.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing crispness that cuts through the richness of the maple cream, making for a vibrant and healthy side.
- Vanilla Almond Milk: This creamy, dairy-free milk brings a nutty flavor that complements the cookies’ fall spices while keeping your pairing light.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: Drizzle warm cookies over a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a luscious dessert that combines hot and cold for a fantastic texture experience.
Tips for the Best Vegan Maple Cream Cookies
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure the dairy-free butter is cold before creaming to achieve that perfect light and fluffy texture.
- Chill for Shape: Don’t skip the chilling step! This is crucial for helping the Vegan Maple Cream Cookies retain their shape during baking, preventing them from spreading too much.
- Use a Floured Surface: Roll out the dough on a heavily floured surface to prevent sticking, which helps maintain clean, beautiful edges on your cookies.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should have golden edges but remain soft in the center. Overbaking will lead to a drier cookie.
- Make-Ahead Frosting: Prepare the frosting in advance and store it in the fridge to save time when assembling your sandwiches. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before piping!
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Maple Cream Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it to maintain freshness. Additionally, the frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—just make sure to bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whip before piping. When you’re ready to bake and assemble, roll out the chilled dough, cut into shapes, bake until golden, and finally, fill with the creamy frosting. You’ll enjoy delicious, homemade cookies with minimal effort!
Vegan Maple Cream Cookies Variations
Feel free to make these cookies your own with a few easy tweaks that enhance flavors and cater to your preferences!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these cookies without worrying about gluten. They’ll remain deliciously soft and chewy!
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor explosion that complements the maple.
- Spice It Up: Explore warmth by mixing in ground ginger or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for a fragrant spice infusion that dances on your palate.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After assembling the cookies, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top adds a rich contrast to the sweet maple cream.
- Coconut Cream Filling: For a tropical vibe, swap out the maple frosting for a coconut cream filling—simply mix dairy-free cream cheese with shredded coconut and a hint of sweetness.
- Chai-Inspired: Incorporate chai spices like cardamom, cloves, and black pepper into the dough instead of just cinnamon and nutmeg for an exotic twist that screams cozy.
- Maple Oat Combo: Fold in rolled oats for added texture and a heartier cookie that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, giving your taste buds something to savor.
- Flavor Variations: Infuse the frosting with different extracts like almond or orange for a unique flavor profile that brightens up your autumn treats.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try out these ideas and let your imagination run wild! And for more scrumptious cookie delights, check out our Soft Pumpkin Cookies and Dirt Cake Cookies. Happy baking!
Vegan Maple Cream Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of dairy-free butter should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using a quality dairy-free block butter like Flora Plant Butter or Naturli Vegan Block, which adds richness and a buttery flavor to the cookies. If you can’t find these, any other well-rated vegan butter brand will work just fine!
How should I store these cookies for optimal freshness?
To keep your Vegan Maple Cream Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before enjoying them again for the best texture!
Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
The more the merrier when it comes to sharing! You can definitely freeze the Vegan Maple Cream Cookies. Place the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes!
What if my dough is too sticky to roll out?
If your dough is sticking to the surface, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface and on the dough itself. You can also refrigerate the dough for another 20-30 minutes to firm it up further. This makes it easier to roll out and cut into those adorable maple leaf shapes.
Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
Yes, these Vegan Maple Cream Cookies do not contain any nuts unless you decide to add them yourself! Just double-check the labels on your dairy-free butter and powdered sugar to ensure they don’t have any nut cross-contamination. Enjoy worry-free!
What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?
To achieve lovely swirls of frosting, use a piping bag with a round or star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a plastic zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off works perfectly as an alternative! Just squeeze gently for even frosting distribution on your cookies.
Vegan Maple Cream Cookies: A Heartwarming Autumn Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, cream together 200g of cold dairy-free block butter and 100g of caster sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Sift in 300g of all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp of maple syrup, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg, and mix until a thick dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 40 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (fan) and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ½ cm thickness and cut out shapes using a maple leaf cookie cutter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Cool slightly on the tray before transferring to a wire rack.
- In another bowl, whip 60g of softened dairy-free butter until fluffy, then gradually mix in 2 tbsp of maple syrup and 150g of icing sugar until light and airy.
- Pipe frosting on half of the cooled cookies, then top with the remaining cookies, pressing gently to create sandwiches.
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