How to Make Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies: Sweet, Buttery, and Perfect for Fall

Have you ever bitten into a cookie so soft and sweet that it felt like autumn wrapped in a bite? Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies are exactly that kind of treat—crisp on the outside, creamy and buttery on the inside, with a warm maple flavor that makes you think of cozy mornings and falling leaves.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make these delicious cookies from scratch, plus a few tips to make them even better. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend, a holiday dessert table, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

What Makes Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies Special

Print

Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies combine two melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a creamy maple filling that tastes like pure comfort. Each bite offers a perfect mix of buttery richness and maple sweetness that isn’t overpowering.

These cookies are:

• Easy to make: No complicated steps or special tools needed.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect for gifting: Their pretty, sandwich-style shape makes them look fancy without extra effort.

Difficulty level: Beginner-friendly.
Total time: About 45 minutes.
Servings: 18 to 20 sandwich cookies.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make both the cookies and the filling.

For the Maple Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Cream Filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Substitutions and Variations:

• Butter: You can use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with maple extract or honey if needed.
• Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Filling: For a twist, mix a bit of cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the cream filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down how to make these sweet sandwich cookies from scratch.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps the cookies get their soft texture. Add the maple syrup, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until everything is smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. It should be thick but not sticky.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter—leaf shapes or circles work great—to cut out the cookies.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just golden brown. Don’t overbake—they should stay soft and tender. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make the Maple Cream Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Pour in maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat for about 2 minutes until the filling is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

If the filling is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the right texture.

Assembling the Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to assemble.

1. Spread about 1 tablespoon of maple cream filling on the flat side of one cookie.
2. Gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich.
3. Repeat until all cookies are filled.

For a pretty finish, dust the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over them.

Presentation Tip: Stack 3 or 4 cookies on a small plate with a drizzle of maple syrup beside them for a cozy fall-inspired dessert display.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored easily.

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 7 days in a sealed container. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: You can freeze the cookies (without filling) for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before adding the filling.

To make ahead, bake the cookies one day before serving and prepare the filling on the same day you plan to assemble them for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

These cookies are great as-is, but if you’re feeling creative, here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Maple-Pecan Sandwich Cookies: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans to the cookie dough for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Maple-Chocolate Twist: Mix a spoonful of cocoa powder into the filling for a maple-chocolate combo.
• Pumpkin Spice Maple Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a fall-inspired upgrade.
• Mini Maple Bites: Use a smaller cookie cutter to make bite-sized versions—perfect for parties or lunchbox treats.

Tips for Perfect Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies

• Always use pure maple syrup for the best flavor—it makes a big difference.
• Chill the dough before baking; it prevents spreading.
• Let cookies cool completely before filling to avoid melting the cream.
• Use a piping bag for neater, bakery-style cookie filling.

---

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• They taste like a mix of buttery shortbread and sweet maple candy.
• Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or gifting.
• Easy enough for beginners and fun for kids to help make.

FAQs About Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies without maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will change slightly. For a similar taste, add a few drops of maple extract.

2. How do I keep the filling from melting?
Make sure the cookies are completely cool before spreading the filling. You can also refrigerate the assembled cookies for 10–15 minutes to help the filling firm up.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling it out.

4. Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! They’re soft, sweet, and not overly sugary—perfect for a family treat.

5. What’s the best way to package them for gifts?
Place a few cookies in a clear bag or small tin, tie with ribbon, and add a small tag with a “Made with love” note. They make great homemade gifts during the holidays.

Conclusion

Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery texture and warm maple flavor, ideal for cozy fall days or anytime you crave something sweet and comforting. They’re simple to make, fun to assemble, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

So grab your mixing bowl, turn on the oven, and fill your kitchen with the smell of maple magic. Once you make these cookies, you’ll understand why they’re a fall favorite that never goes out of style.

Would you try adding nuts, chocolate, or spices to your version? Experiment with your favorite flavors and make this cozy recipe your own.