As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, I often find myself craving the comforting embrace of homemade treats. That’s when I discovered the joy of vegan maple cream cookies—made with love and simplicity, these delightful cookies are like little bites of autumn magic. Picture this: buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies sandwiched with a luscious maple buttercream that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds.
Not only are they decadently delicious, but they are also vegan and surprisingly easy to whip up. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a taste sensation that rivals your favorite café’s offerings. Whether you’re hosting friends for tea or indulging in a quiet afternoon at home, these cookies are the perfect companion by the fireplace. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas of maple and spices—your new favorite autumn treat awaits!
Why Are Vegan Maple Cream Cookies Irresistible?
Deliciously homemade: You’ll love how these cookies bring the warmth of autumn into your kitchen, filling your home with delightful aromas.
Quick and easy: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time—perfect for busy schedules.
Decadently sweet: The rich maple buttercream filling creates a flavor explosion, elevating every bite into pure bliss.
Versatile treat: These cookies can be customized with nuts or spices, ensuring there’s a version for everyone to enjoy.
Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s tea time with friends or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress and delight. Indulge in this scrumptious recipe and experience the cozy flavors of fall, perhaps alongside a warming cup of tea!
Vegan Maple Cream Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Dairy-Free Block Butter (200g) – A primary fat source for a soft cookie texture; substitute with any cold vegan butter alternative.
- Caster Sugar (100g) – Adds just the right sweetness and contributes to a delicate texture; granulated sugar can work in a pinch.
- All-Purpose Flour (300g) – Provides structure to these vegan maple cream cookies; gluten-free flour can be adapted for those with dietary needs.
- Maple Syrup (1 tbsp for cookies, 2 tbsp for cream filling) – Infuses natural sweetness and that signature maple flavor; you can swap it for agave syrup if desired.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Introduces warm, comforting spice notes; feel free to use pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/4 tsp) – Complements cinnamon with an earthy warmth; you can omit it or substitute with allspice.
For the Cream Filling
- Dairy-Free Butter (60g softened) – Creates a rich and creamy filling; select any soft vegan butter for best results.
- Icing Sugar (150g) – Sweetens and stabilizes the maple buttercream frosting; powdered sugar can also be effective if that’s what you have.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp) – Boosts the sweetness and flavor of the filling; opt for pure vanilla if possible.
- Dairy-Free Milk (splash) – Adjusts the buttercream’s consistency to make it pipeable; any plant-based milk will do perfectly.
How to Make Vegan Maple Cream Cookies
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Prepare Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, cream the cold dairy-free butter and caster sugar until fluffy and light in color. Sift in the flour, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until a thick dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 40 minutes to 1 hour.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) fan and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
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Shape Cookies: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2 cm thickness. Use a maple leaf cookie cutter to cut out adorable cookie shapes that celebrate the season.
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Bake: Place the cut cookies on your prepared tray, spacing them out. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden while enjoying the heavenly smell filling your kitchen. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
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Make Cream Filling: In a bowl, whip the softened dairy-free butter until fluffy and creamy. Gradually mix in maple syrup, icing sugar, and vanilla, stirring until you have a thick, pipeable buttercream; adjust with a splash of dairy-free milk if needed.
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Assemble Cookies: Pipe the rich cream filling onto half of the cooled cookies, and gently sandwich with the remaining cookies. Enjoy this delightful experience with every bite!
Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an added touch of warmth and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Vegan Maple Cream Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these delightful cookies your own with a few simple tweaks!
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Fruit Fusion: Stir in 1/3 cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the dough for a burst of sweetness in every bite.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs without compromising flavor!
- Chocolate Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips into the cookie dough for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Spicy Kick: Enhance the flavor by adding 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of ground ginger for a subtle heat and warmth.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap out the ground cinnamon for an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice to capture that quintessential fall flavor.
- Flavored Cream Filling: Try using flavored extracts such as almond or peppermint in the cream filling for a unique spin.
- Miniature Morsels: Shape smaller cookies to create bite-sized treats perfect for sharing or snacking, and adjust baking time accordingly.
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Maple Cream Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their fresh texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge; allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste.
Freezer: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting.
Reheating: If you prefer a warm treat, gently microwave cookies for 10-15 seconds to refresh their delightful softness.
What to Serve with Vegan Maple Cream Cookies?
These delightful vegan treats will elevate your autumn gatherings and cozy afternoons with their warm flavors and inviting textures.
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Warm Spiced Tea: The aromatic spices in a warm cup of tea beautifully enhance the cookie’s maple sweetness and create a comforting experience.
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Creamy Coconut Milk Latte: A rich latte balances the cookie’s sweetness, providing a creamy counterpart that works perfectly for an afternoon pick-me-up.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: The brightness of a vibrant fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet cream cookies, helping to cleanse the palate after each indulgent bite.
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Chai Concentrate: This perfectly spiced drink complements the cookie’s flavors, making for an aromatic duo reminiscent of cozy cafes during the fall.
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Maple Pecan Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy dessert not only echoes the cookies’ maple notes but also adds a cool, satisfying finish to every bite.
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Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Indulging in a rich, chocolaty treat infused with cinnamon makes for a delightful pairing, wrapping you in a cozy embrace.
Embrace the warm, inviting flavors of autumn with these fantastic options by your side!
Expert Tips for Vegan Maple Cream Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Ensure the dairy-free butter is cold when making the cookie dough; this helps achieve a perfectly soft and chewy texture.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center, to maintain their deliciousness.
- Chill the Dough: Remember to chill your dough for better handling and shaping; it makes it much easier to work with and keeps cookies uniform.
- Pipe Carefully: When making the buttercream filling, ensure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when piped, adjusting the consistency with dairy-free milk as needed.
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add chopped nuts or dried fruit into the dough for added texture and flavor—make these vegan maple cream cookies your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Maple Cream Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who appreciate meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first few steps of the recipe. After mixing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The cookies can also be baked and stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For the cream filling, make it ahead of time, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble. Just ensure to let the buttercream come to room temperature before piping it onto the cookies to maintain smooth consistency. When you’re ready to indulge, simply fill and sandwich the cookies together, and you’ll enjoy a fresh, delightful taste with minimal effort!
Vegan Maple Cream Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for the cookie dough?
Absolutely! For the best results, use cold dairy-free block butter as the primary fat source for the cookie dough. You can substitute it with any vegan butter alternative, ensuring it’s kept cold for an ideal texture.
How should I store the cookies once I’ve made them?
To keep your vegan maple cream cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, placing them in the fridge will help, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, indeed! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight, roll it out, and cut your desired shapes.
What should I do if the cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough turns out too sticky to handle, don’t fret! Simply add a little more all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 40 minutes also works wonders for easier shaping and handling.
Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
Definitely! The recipe as is is nut-free unless you decide to add chopped nuts for added texture. Always check your butter alternatives and other ingredients for any nut-based formulations to ensure they’re safe for those with nut allergies.
How can I make the filling thicker?
To thicken your maple buttercream filling if it’s too runny, gradually add more icing sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Start with 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing well until you achieve the perfect thickness for piping. If it gets too thick, a splash of dairy-free milk can help adjust it just right.
Delicious Vegan Maple Cream Cookies for Fall Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, cream the cold dairy-free butter and caster sugar until fluffy and light in color. Sift in the flour, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until a thick dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 40 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) fan and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2 cm thickness. Use a maple leaf cookie cutter to cut out cookie shapes.
- Place the cut cookies on your prepared tray. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- In a bowl, whip the softened dairy-free butter until fluffy and creamy. Gradually mix in maple syrup, icing sugar, and vanilla, stirring until you have a thick, pipeable buttercream.
- Pipe the rich cream filling onto half of the cooled cookies, and gently sandwich with the remaining cookies.