![A plate of crunch maple cookies on a white ceramic plate on an embroidered napkin with a latte in a glass cup in the background.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 2048 1365"></svg>)
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Hi Bold Bakers!
WHAT YOU GET: Crunchy shortbread-like, maple cookies. My Crunchy Maple Cookies recipe is a great one to have around the holidays. Eat a few for dessert or pack them as a snack – either way, you’re in for a treat!
Need a quick cookie platter for a holiday get-together? My Crunchy Maple Cookies should do the trick. While the fall season may remind you of a gooier, warm dessert, it doesn’t hurt to balance those out with a crunchier treat.
These cookies are similar to shortbread cookies, but with a maple-flavored twist. They are perfectly festive with their adorable maple leaf shape and are packed with delicious maple flavor. It’s time to get your maple on.
Shortbread cookies are always so simple – which is one of the main reasons I love them! Gather 6 ingredients and 8 tools, and you’ll have some showstopping Maple Cookies in 45 minutes.
![A plate of crunch maple cookies in maple-leaf shapes on a white ceramic plate on an embroidered tablecloth.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1365 2048"></svg> "Maple cookies2")
What Kind Of Maple Syrup Should I Use?
I recommend using dark maple syrup for this recipe because it has a stronger flavor than light maple syrup.
The biggest difference in the maple syrup grades (Golden to Very Dark) is when the maple syrup was made. The lighter the syrup, the earlier it was made in the season. The darker syrups are made from older sap with a stronger maple flavor.
Why Chill Cookie Dough Before Rolling It Out?
Chilling your cookie dough before rolling it out makes it easier to work with. The butter in the dough cools, which prevents the cookies from expanding too quickly. Additionally, once baked, they hold their texture and shape. You won’t be left with sad, flat cookies!
Tools You Need To Make Crunchy Maple Cookies
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer with a paddle attachment (alternatively, a large bowl and a handheld electric mixer)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cling wrap
- 2 Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Optional: Maple leaf cookie cutter
Vegan Crunchy Maple Cookies
Good news – you can make a vegan version of my Crunchy Maple Cookies! There are already no eggs in this recipe, so all you have to do is substitute the butter. Swap out your butter for hard-baking margarine, but make sure it’s not the spreadable tub version.
The difference between butter and margarine is the flavor. Butter has a richer flavor because it comes from milk. Margarine has a milder flavor because of the lack of dairy.
How To Store Crunchy Maple Cookies
These Crunchy Maple Cookies are so delicious that it’ll be hard to keep friends and family away from them. However, if you end up with leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making The Best Crunchy Maple Cookies:
- This dough is very soft. If it’s too hard to handle, roll the dough out onto pieces of parchment paper and freeze for 10 minutes before cutting.
- Too much maple extract can make the cookies taste bitter. If you want to increase the maple flavor, try reducing 1 cup (10 oz/284 g) of maple syrup down to ½ cup (5 oz/142 g) on the stovetop. Let cool before using the dough.
- Another way to increase the maple flavor is to dip these cookies in a maple glaze: Mix ¾ cup (3 oz/85 g) powdered sugar with 1/3 cup maple syrup. If the glaze is too thin, add a touch more powdered sugar until you get the consistency that you want.
- If you don’t have leaf cutters, use any shape you wish.
- Serve this along with Crispy Gingersnaps and Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies for a lovely fall cookie platter.
Want More Maple-Flavored Treats? Try These: