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Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookies

Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookies

Enjoy the authentic taste of Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookies with this easy homemade recipe. These cookies combine a buttery crunch with rich maple syrup flavor, capturing the perfect balance of sweetness and crispness. Made with simple pantry staples and pure maple syrup, they bake to golden perfection and showcase the iconic maple leaf shape, making them a delightful treat for the whole family or a charming gift.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming the unsalted butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until you form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  2. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial to firm up the dough, allowing easier rolling and better cookie shape retention during baking.
  3. Roll and Cut the Cookies: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Using a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter, press firmly down to create individual cookies. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut again until all dough is used.
  4. Bake to Crisp Perfection: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
  5. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps the cookies achieve their signature crunch.

Notes

  • Room temperature butter: Soft butter blends more easily, resulting in a smoother dough.
  • Don’t overmix: Stirring the dough too much can develop gluten and make the cookies tough.
  • Chilling matters: Don’t skip the refrigeration step; it improves dough handling and sharpens cookie edges.
  • Precision cutting: Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean shapes that look professional.
  • Watch the oven closely: Slightly underbaking yields chewier cookies, while golden edges ensure crispness.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 65mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: maple leaf cookies, copycat, Trader Joe's, maple syrup cookies, homemade maple cookies, seasonal treat, autumn cookies