Name: Vegan Maple Cream Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 102 min
Ingredients: 200 g Dairy-Free Block Butter (Substitute with high-quality vegan butter.); 100 g Caster Sugar (Regular granulated sugar can be used.); 300 g All-Purpose Flour (Ensure it is properly measured.); 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (Can be replaced with agave syrup.); 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (Can swap with pumpkin pie spice.); 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg (Use fresh nutmeg for the best flavor.); 60 g Dairy-Free Butter for Filling (Use softened vegan butter.); 2 tbsp Maple Syrup; 150 g Icing/Powdered Sugar (No direct substitutes.); 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract; Dairy-Free Milk (Adjust as needed for consistency.)

As the leaves change color and the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s a comforting magic that comes with baking. While experimenting in my kitchen recently, I stumbled upon a treasure: Vegan Maple Cream Cookies. These delightful sandwich cookies marry a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture with a luscious maple buttercream that evokes cozy evenings and cherished memories. Not only are these cookies a fantastic option for plant-based eaters, but they also make a perfect companion to your favorite warm beverage. With a sprinkling of nutmeg and cinnamon, they fill your home with inviting aromas and seasonal charm. Ready to bring a touch of autumn to your baking repertoire? Let’s dive into this deliciously satisfying recipe together!

Why are Vegan Maple Cream Cookies a must-try?

Subtle Spice: The warm hints of nutmeg and cinnamon create a flavor profile that beautifully complements the richness of the maple buttercream.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip these up without hassle.
Perfect for Sharing: These delightful sandwich cookies are ideal for gatherings, ensuring everyone enjoys a sweet, vegan-friendly treat!
Customizable: Feel free to experiment by adding nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a unique twist. You can also check out my Lemon Pistachio Cookies for more inspiration!
Seasonal Comfort: Just imagine the cozy aromas filling your kitchen this autumn, making your home feel warm and inviting!
Storage Friendly: These cookies keep well in an airtight container and are perfect for making ahead for busy days, or enjoy them with a hot beverage for an exquisite afternoon treat.

Vegan Maple Cream Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
Dairy-Free Block Butter (200g) – Adds a creamy, buttery flavor and texture; substitute with any high-quality vegan butter.
Caster Sugar (100g) – Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie’s tender texture; regular granulated sugar can be used if caster sugar is unavailable.
All-Purpose Flour (300g) – Forms the structure of the cookie; ensure it is properly measured for accuracy.
Maple Syrup (1 tbsp) – Enhances sweetness and adds a rich maple flavor; can be replaced with agave syrup for a different sweetener.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and spice; instant swap with pumpkin pie spice for a different spice profile.
Ground Nutmeg (1/4 tsp) – Complements the cinnamon; use fresh nutmeg for the best flavor.
For the Buttercream Filling
Dairy-Free Butter for Filling (60g) – Provides the base for the buttercream frosting; use softened vegan butter for easy mixing.
Maple Syrup (2 tbsp) – Sweetens the filling while maintaining the maple flavor theme.
Icing/Powdered Sugar (150g) – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a fluffy texture in the filling; no direct substitutes.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp) – Enhances all other flavors in the filling.
Dairy-Free Milk – Adjusts the frosting’s consistency; use as needed to achieve pipe-able thickness.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Maple Cream Cookies

Step 1: Cookie Dough Preparation
Start by creaming together 200g of cold, cubed dairy-free butter and 100g of caster sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually sift in 300g of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, mixing until a thick dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 40 minutes to 1 hour. This chilling period lets the vegan maple cream cookie dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and shape once removed. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hard to the touch but still slightly pliable.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) with the fan setting. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick during baking. This preparation helps create a perfectly crisp exterior for your delicious cookies, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the dough until it reaches about ½ cm in thickness. Use a maple leaf-shaped cutter to cut out your cookies, and add details with a knife if desired. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart.

Step 5: Bake
Carefully transfer the baking tray with the cookie shapes into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. To ensure even baking, rotate the tray halfway through the baking time. The cookies should remain soft but firm up slightly as they cool.

Step 6: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period lets the vegan maple cream cookies set and makes them easier to handle. Let them cool completely before adding the filling to maintain the integrity of the cookie.

Step 7: Frosting Preparation
In your stand mixer, whip 60g of softened dairy-free butter until it’s fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Add in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 150g of icing sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined, adjusting with dairy-free milk as needed to achieve a smooth, pipe-able filling consistency.

Step 8: Assemble
Once the cookies are completely cooled, pipe the maple buttercream filling onto half of the cookies. Gently top with the remaining cookies to create delightful sandwich cookies. Ensure an even distribution of frosting for the best taste experience, making your vegan maple cream cookies look as good as they taste!

Vegan Maple Cream Cookies: Fun Variations

Feel free to explore your creativity with these vegan maple cream cookies; they’re as flexible as they are delicious!

Chocolatey Delight: Add dairy-free chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an indulgent twist. The sweetness pairs perfectly with the maple filling.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for added texture. The crunch complements the softness of the frosting beautifully.
Spiced Up: Swap the ground cinnamon for a dash of ginger or cardamom to give these cookies a unique spicy kick. Each bite will tantalize your taste buds!
Zesty Twist: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the buttercream filling. A hint of citrus brings a refreshing brightness to the rich maple flavor, adding a delightful surprise.
Fancy Frost: Experiment with different flavored syrups in the filling like chocolate or caramel, transforming the taste profile into something extraordinary. The possibilities are endless!
Autumnal Spice: Infuse pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal variation that invokes cozy fall vibes.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour to create a gluten-free delight that everyone can enjoy.
Cooling Treat: Turn these cookies into an ice cream sandwich by adding your favorite vegan ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible frozen treat!

And for more seasonal inspiration, you might love trying out my delightful Coconut Cream Pie or indulge in the sweetness of Meringue Pie Cookies. Happy baking!

What to Serve with Vegan Maple Cream Cookies

Indulge in the complete experience of these cozy cookies by pairing them with complementary sides and beverages that enhance their delightful flavors.

Creamy Coconut Milk Latte: The rich and creamy texture of coconut milk perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding an aromatic touch of warmth.
Fresh Chai Tea: The spiced notes in chai blend beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies, creating a comforting, flavorful experience.
Maple-Glazed Roasted Vegetables: A savory side that resonates with the cookies’ maple flavor, these veggies capture the essence of autumn and add a delicious twist to your meal.
Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings a delightful contrast of temperatures—soft cookies with cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
Apple Cinnamon Salad: A refreshing mix of crunchy apples and a hint of cinnamon echoes the flavors of your cookies, making this a crisp and vibrant side option.
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie: With its creamy texture and warming spices, this smoothie not only complements the cookies but also screams autumn.

Every bite and sip will draw you further into the charming embrace of the season!

Make Ahead Options

These Vegan Maple Cream Cookies are an excellent choice for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they chill. If you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough and cut it into shapes. Additionally, the cookies can be fully baked and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, just whip up the buttery maple cream filling, which can also be made ahead, keeping the consistency paired with dairy-free milk for ease. Enjoy freshly assembled cookies that are just as delicious as when they were first baked!

How to Store and Freeze Vegan Maple Cream Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature to maintain their freshness and soft texture.

Fridge: These vegan maple cream cookies can last up to 1 week in the fridge. Just remember to allow them to reach room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the assembled cookies in a single layer separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating: If you’d like to refresh the cookies, gently warm them in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 5 minutes, but be careful not to overheat!

Expert Tips for Perfect Vegan Maple Cream Cookies

Chill Dough Properly: Ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled to maintain its structure while rolling. This prevents it from becoming sticky and unmanageable.
Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the edges are golden; soft centers are key for that melt-in-the-mouth experience of vegan maple cream cookies!
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality dairy-free butter for a rich flavor and smooth texture in both the cookies and buttercream filling.
Sifting Matters: Sift your flour and icing sugar for a lighter dough and fluffier frosting, avoiding any lumps that might affect texture.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap spices or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to suit your personal taste!
Frosting Consistency: Adjust dairy-free milk to achieve the perfect frosting consistency; it should be thick enough to hold but smooth enough to pipe easily.

Vegan Maple Cream Cookies Recipe FAQs

How should I select ripe ingredients for my Vegan Maple Cream Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose a high-quality dairy-free butter with a rich, creamy texture. When selecting maple syrup, look for pure maple syrup, as it has a deeper flavor compared to imitation. The spices like cinnamon and nutmeg should be fresh for the best taste – check for aromatic qualities and avoid ones that have lost their fragrance.

What’s the best method to store Vegan Maple Cream Cookies?
Very! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining that delicious soft texture. For longer storage, you can place them in the fridge, where they’ll last for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste!

Can you freeze Vegan Maple Cream Cookies? If so, how?
Certainly! To freeze your cookies, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the assembled cookies in a single layer without touching. Freeze them for about 2 hours until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw on the countertop for a few minutes before serving!

What if my Vegan Maple Cream Cookies are too crumbly after baking?
If your dough ends up too crumbly, it’s likely the butter was too cold or not enough moisture was added. For a remedy, try mixing in a teaspoon of non-dairy milk to the dough, which should help bind things together. Also, ensure you’re measuring your flour accurately—too much can result in a less pliable dough!

Are Vegan Maple Cream Cookies safe for people with allergies?
Absolutely! These cookies are dairy-free, making them safe for those with dairy allergies. However, if you have nut allergies, ensure your dairy-free butter is made in a nut-free facility, and choose ingredients that are labeled allergen-free. Always check ingredient labels for specific dietary information.

Can I customize the filling for my Vegan Maple Cream Cookies?
Very much so! If you’re looking to switch things up, consider using different flavored syrups for the filling, such as agave or even dark chocolate syrup for a richer taste. You can also fold in some finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the frosting for a bit of crunch and added flavor. The more the merrier when it comes to creativity!