Maple leaf cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

150 grams (5.3 ounces) butter, at room temperature
150 grams (5.3 ounces) brown sugar
1 egg
330 grams (11.6 ounces) all-purpose flour
10 grams (0.35 ounces) baking powder
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for blending your ingredients effectively. Make sure it's large enough to contain all your dough without spilling.
Electric Mixer
An electric mixer will save you time and muscle, ensuring your butter, sugar, and egg are whipped to perfection. If you don't have one, a good old-fashioned hand whisk will do the trick, just with a bit more effort.
Sifter
A sifter helps break up any clumps and adds air to your dry ingredients, resulting in a lighter and fluffier dough.
Cling Film
Wrapping the dough in cling film and letting it rest in the fridge helps all the flavors meld together and makes the dough easier to roll out later.
Rolling Pin
A rolling pin is a must for rolling out your dough to the perfect thickness. Flour your rolling pin lightly to prevent sticking.
Cookie Cutter
Use a cookie cutter to shape your cookies. Get creative with different fun shapes!
Baking Sheet
A baking sheet is where the magic happens. Line it with parchment paper to prevent your cookies from sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Whip the butter at room temperature with the brown sugar and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure the butter is truly at room temperature - this will make it easier to mix and ensure a smooth texture.

Step 2

Step 2: Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and cocoa powder together, then add to the butter mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. Sifting helps to aerate the dry ingredients and ensures there are no lumps.

Step 3

Step 3: Wrap the dough in cling film and flatten it into a disc shape. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to cool. Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 4

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm (0.20 inches). Use a cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Flour your rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.

Step 5

Step 5: Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on the cookies in the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.

Servings

Once these cookies are baked to golden perfection, there's a world of ways to serve and enjoy them. Serve them fresh from the oven with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.

✨ Fancy a bit of indulgence? Pair these cookies with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, letting the warm cookie melt into the creamy delight. Top with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for the ultimate dessert experience. 🍦

💁‍♀️ For a delightful twist, stack your cookies into a cookie sandwich. Simply spread some frosting or cream cheese between two cookies and gently press them together. This is perfect for kids' parties or family gatherings. 🎉

☕ Additionally, these cookies make an exceptional accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee. Their rich, cinnamon-cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with a hot beverage, creating a cozy and comforting snack moment. 🫖

Variations

🥳 Looking for gluten-free options? Substitute the flour in the recipe with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour. Ensure all your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also marked as gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

💚 For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Instead of the egg, use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). These substitutions keep your cookies deliciously tender and flavorful. 🌱

Faq

Why is my dough too sticky to handle?
If your dough is too sticky, it's likely that the butter was too warm or not enough flour was added. Chill the dough for a longer period or knead in a bit more flour until the consistency is right.
Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute white sugar, but the cookies will have a different texture and flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight molasses undertone.
Why do my cookies spread too much while baking?
Cookies spreading too much could be due to the dough being too warm. Make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking, or reduce the amount of butter slightly.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to the dough after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Stir in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for a personalized touch.
What's the best way to store these cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
How can I ensure my cookies have a uniform shape and size?
Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon can help you portion the dough evenly. Rolling out the dough to a consistent thickness with a rolling pin and using uniform cookie cutters will also help maintain uniformity.