Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookies

Growing up in Canada, I saw maple sandwich cookies in the grocery store aisle every time we shopped. They were called Maple Sandwich Crème Cookies, consisting of two leaf-shaped cookies with a maple filling. Trader Joe’s has its own version called Maple Leaf Cookies, which are just as tasty. But instead of picking up a box at the store, I whip up a copycat recipe of the autumnal sandwich cookies at home every fall.

These copycat Trader Joe’s maple leaf cookies are packed with maple flavor, thanks to the buttery maple shortbread cookies and the maple cream filling. Any maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter will make them look just as good as they taste—but a leaf-shaped cookie cutter plus a maple leaf cookie stamp makes them look just like the TJ’s treat.

Ingredients for Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookies

• Butter: The buttery maple cookies start with a base of unsalted butter. Use softened butter for proper incorporation and aeration with the sugar.
• Granulated sugar: This type of sugar adds a lot of sweetness to the dough. Plus, creaming the butter and sugar creates the ideal cookie texture.
• Brown sugar: Incorporate a small amount of brown sugar for a depth of flavor and a slightly chewy texture. You can use light brown or dark brown sugar, depending on what you have on hand.
• Egg: Just one egg is needed for these cookies. It helps bind the ingredients and causes the cookies to rise while baking.
• Vanilla extract: Enhance the flavor of these cookies by adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
• Maple syrup: The maple flavor in the shortbread cookies comes from maple syrup in both the cookie dough and the maple cream filling. For this recipe, pure maple syrup is the best pick for the most concentrated flavor.
• All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour provides structure for the dough. It’s also key to holding the shape of the leaf cookies and preventing them from spreading.
• Baking powder: A small amount of baking powder is added to the dough to make the cookies rise while baking.
• Salt: A touch of salt goes a long way in balancing flavor and sweetness in both the cookie dough and the maple cream filling.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Use confectioners’ sugar to thicken the maple filling.

Directions

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, two to three minutes. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract and maple syrup, and beat until smooth.

Step 2: Finish the dough with the dry ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until the dough comes together. Then, cover the mixing bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: The dough mixture will look crumbly at first, but continue mixing until it comes together and is smooth.

Step 3: Cut the dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a well-floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a leaf-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment, spacing them 1 inch apart. Chill for an additional 10 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: We used these fall pie punches from William Sonoma because they cut a maple leaf shape and provide the option to stamp leaf veins into the cookie dough with just one tool. While the punches are technically meant for pie dough on the top of your favorite fall pie, they work just as well for cutout cookies. The stamp with the veining on top is not crucial—but it’s definitely what makes these cookies look like a perfect copycat dessert.

Step 4: Bake the cookies

Bake the cookies until the edges are just lightly golden brown, 9 to 11 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the maple cream filling

To make the filling, beat together the butter, half the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup and salt. Beat in the remaining confectioners’ sugar until well-combined and smooth.

Step 6: Fill the cookies

Divide the cooled cookies in half, flipping half of them over so that the leaf print side is down. Spread about 2 teaspoons of maple filling on each cookie and place a second cookie on top, sandwiching them together.

Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookie Variations

• Sprinkle with sugar: Dress up the exterior of these maple leaf cookies with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar or even colored sanding sugar before baking.
• Use another filling: Maple cream filling complements these maple leaf cookies, but you can also choose an alternative filling. Try the cookies sandwiched with caramel frosting or chocolate frosting for a flavorful twist.
• Spice it up: Add a touch of warm baking spices in the cookie dough or filling by incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom.

How to Store Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookies

Preserve the flavor and texture of these maple leaf cookies by storing them in an airtight container or zip-top storage bag.

How long do maple leaf cookies last?

Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can you freeze maple leaf cookies?

You can freeze cookies to store them for longer. Keep these cookies in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying again.

Can you make copycat Trader Joe’s maple leaf cookies ahead of time?

If you’re hoping to prep the cookies ahead of time, make the dough and store it wrapped in the fridge for up to three days before cutting and baking. You can also bake all the cookies up to two days ahead of time before sandwiching them with the maple cream filling on the day you plan to serve them.

Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookie Tips

Why are my cookies spreading in the oven?

Cutout cookies with intricate designs require plenty of flour for structure, along with some necessary chilling time in the fridge. This helps the butter in the dough retain its shape, preventing it from spreading. In other words, don’t skip chilling the dough!

Can I use any cookie cutter for maple leaf cookies?

Any maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter can be used for maple leaf cookies. If you don’t have a maple leaf, use another leaf-shaped cookie cutter, or skip the leaf shape altogether and use a circle-shaped cookie cutter. They’ll still taste like a fall cookie!

How do I cut out maple leaf cookies?

Cutting out shaped cookies requires patience and a bit of extra flour. Flour your countertop, and then lightly dip your cookie cutter in flour before cutting. This will prevent the cutter from sticking to the dough, resulting in a cleaner cut.