Maple Leaf Sandwich Cookie
Leaves make the most appealing shapes for cutout cookies. And dark chocolate is an autumn-kind of flavor so leaf-shaped chocolate sandwich cookies is a brilliant idea. I filled the sandwich with a simple chocolate ganache and, voilà! ... a beautiful and irresistible cookie. But I warn you: it’s not possible to eat only one.
“Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.” Chad Sugg
I made these sandwich cookies for my church's fall festival and they didn’t last very long. I completely understand because these cookies make you forget that summer is over and fall has begun. No complaints here!
Cookie specifics
Ultimate Chocolate Cutout Cookies. A chocolate-lover’s dream, these cutout cookies are rich and, well, chocolatey. For the leaf sandwich cookies, I use a mini leaf-shaped cookie cutter for the cutouts on the top cookie. The cutout lets the filling pop up through the opening for a peek at what’s inside. I also use this recipe as the cookie base for my Mummy Pops and Snowman Pops. They taste like brownies...and look like cookies. What’s not to love?
FALL SHAPES
The leaves are big and small maple leaves, oak leaves, sweetgum leaves, rose leaves, acorns, pumpkins, and squirrels (sometimes). If I make squirrel sandwich cookies, I use a small heart as the “window” in the top cookie.
Sizes
The “windows” in the top part of the sandwich are mini (2-inch) versions of the larger bottom cookie (3-4 inches).
Cookie Recipe from This Talented Cookie Artist
Ultimate Chocolate Cutout Cookies. Original recipe from Lila Loa.
Cookies
Chocolate Cookies: flour, cocoa, butter, sugar, vegetable shortening, egg, baking powder, pure vanilla extract, salt
Icing & Decorative Embellishments
No icing or frosting for these sandwich cookies. The dark chocolate ganache filling is all they need.
Fillings
Ganache: rich bittersweet chocolate; either water, cream or coconut milk; sometimes I add vanilla extract, but not always.
Plate, Box or Bag?
Bags. Since I made these for the Church to sell, I wrapped each cookie individually in clear, food-safe bags, secured with a twist tie. This makes the cookies stackable without causing damage to the decorations. When packaged this way, they look like little presents. I added a little tag to let people know what kind of cookie it was.
Mailing. I made a second batch and mailed the bagged cookies to my family throughout the U.S. When mailing cookies, I always send them Priority Mail through the U.S. Post Office. I use the boxes provided by the Post Office and lots of bubble wrap! In almost all cases, the cookies arrive undamaged. I know the packages are appreciated when they arrive because of the texts I get with all those smiling faces.
What I’ve learned...
These cookies were made with the best ingredients I could find and baked in a small batch of two dozen. I’ve experimented with less expensive ingredients, but have come to the conclusion that flavor is best when I use the best. Why spend all this time baking and decorating if taste and texture are just so-so? Decorating the cookies takes time, but it’s an enjoyable process for me and I know that those who receive them appreciate that. Life is just better when you can share something you love with someone you love. Don’t you agree?
Leave a comment