Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies Recipe

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Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies hold a special spot in your heart (and maybe your pantry). They’re the ultimate embodiment of autumn—a delightful balance of maple-kissed cream nestled between two crisp, buttery maple leaf-shaped cookies.

How to make Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies

Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies are maple leaf–shaped sandwich cookies that feature a crisp, golden biscuit exterior filled with a sweet maple-flavored cream.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (use high-quality syrup for the best flavor—look for one labeled Grade A or Dark Amber)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract (optional, for extra maple flavor)

For the maple cream filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the maple syrup, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and (if using) maple extract. Blend until fully incorporated.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until well combined. Mix on low speed until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and moist.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll and Cut: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) to cut out the cookies.
3. Bake: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Maple Cream Filling

1. Cream Butter and Syrup: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing slowly at first to avoid a mess. Then increase the speed and mix until the filling is fluffy and spreadable.
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe a generous layer of the maple cream filling onto the flat side of half the cookies.
2. Place another cookie on top (flat side down) to create a sandwich. Gently press them together.

Tips for Perfect Maple Cookies

• Use Pure Maple Syrup: The quality of the maple syrup you use directly impacts the flavor of the cookies. Avoid artificial syrups—they lack the deep, rich maple flavor.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It prevents the dough from spreading too much while baking and helps you achieve those clean, defined edges.
• Work Quickly with the Dough: When rolling out the dough, work quickly to prevent the butter from softening too much. If the dough becomes sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Pipe the Filling for Precision: For an authentic look and even distribution, use a piping bag to apply the maple cream filling.
• Store in an Airtight Container: These cookies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies (or their homemade version) are a delicious treat on their own, with their buttery texture and bold maple flavor.

• Coffee or Espresso: Enjoy these Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee. A lightly roasted coffee or a maple-flavored latte complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies. You could also stir real maple syrup into your coffee for a double-maple treat.
• Black or Spiced Teas: Black teas, like Earl Grey or English Breakfast, work wonderfully with these Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies, balancing their sweetness. For a fall-inspired pairing, try chai tea with its spicy notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, which meld beautifully with maple.
• Hot Apple Cider: The sweet-tart flavor of warm apple cider is an excellent companion to the rich, buttery Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies. Sprinkle some cinnamon or add a cinnamon stick to your cider for extra indulgence.
• Hot Chocolate: Smooth, creamy hot chocolate highlights the maple flavor of the cookies while offering a rich and decadent pairing. Top the hot chocolate with whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup for added flair.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re making homemade Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies and need to swap an ingredient or two, don’t worry! Here’s a guide to ingredient substitutes you can use without compromising on taste or texture.

1. Unsalted Butter

Original Ingredient: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened).

Substitutes:

• Salted Butter: If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but omit the additional salt called for in the recipe. The flavor will be slightly saltier, but it works well.
• Vegan Butter or Margarine: For a dairy-free or vegan alternative, replace the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or margarine. Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Creamery work well due to their similar fat content.
• Coconut Oil: In a pinch, you can use coconut oil (solid at room temperature) as a substitute, but be aware that it may add a faint coconut flavor to the cookies.

2. Granulated Sugar

Original Ingredient: 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Substitutes:

• Light Brown Sugar: Using light brown sugar will add more moisture to the cookies and a soft caramel undertone that pairs beautifully with maple.
• Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar is less processed and has a mild caramel flavor. It works well in the same ratio as granulated sugar.
• Maple Sugar: For an extra boost of maple flavor, replace granulated sugar with maple sugar. It’s sweeter and has a more intense maple essence.

3. Pure Maple Syrup

Original Ingredient: 1/3 cup pure maple syrup for the cookie dough and 1/4 cup for the cream filling.

Substitutes:

• Honey: If you don’t have maple syrup, honey is a good substitute for its similar texture and sweetness level. However, it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Agave Syrup: Agave syrup also works as a substitute, though it’s milder in flavor and less robust than maple.
• Maple Extract + Neutral Liquid Sweetener: Use a teaspoon of maple extract mixed with light corn syrup or simple syrup to mimic the maple flavor and texture.

4. Egg Yolk

Original Ingredient: 1 large egg yolk.

Substitutes:

• 1 Large Egg: If you don’t want to separate the egg, use one whole egg instead. This may slightly alter the cookie’s texture, making it less crumbly.
• Applesauce: Use 1 tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce as a replacement. It will add moisture, though it might slightly soften the cookies.
• Flaxseed Egg (Vegan Option): Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gelatinous consistency. This works well as an egg-free substitute for a binder.

5. All-Purpose Flour

Original Ingredient: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.

Substitutes:

• Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: Use an equal amount of whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (such as Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for binding.
• Almond Flour: Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a softer texture and nutty flavor. However, you’ll need to chill the dough for a longer period due to the higher moisture content of almond flour.

6. Maple Extract (Optional)

Original Ingredient: 1/2 teaspoon maple extract.

Substitutes:

• Vanilla Extract: If you don’t have maple extract, you can use vanilla extract. While it won’t replicate the maple flavor, it’ll still add sweetness and warmth.
• Imitation Maple Flavoring: If you can’t find pure maple extract, imitation maple flavoring is an acceptable substitute—but use sparingly as it can be overpowering.
• Extra Maple Syrup: A small additional splash of maple syrup can compensate for the loss of the extract, but it may slightly affect the dough’s consistency.

7. Powdered Sugar

Original Ingredient: 2 cups powdered sugar for the maple cream filling.

Substitutes:

• Blended Granulated Sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a high-speed blender to create a fine, powdered consistency. Note that the texture may be slightly coarser.
• Coconut Sugar Powder: Blend coconut sugar into a fine powder for a less processed, caramel-flavored alternative.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Powder: For a low-calorie option, use stevia or monk fruit powdered substitutes designed for baking. Check packaging ratios, as these are often sweeter than powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s Maple Cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your snack or dessert experience.

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Copycat Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake Recipe
• Homemade Trader Joe’s Funnel Cake Fries Recipe