Homemade Christmas Treats with a Touch of Maple Syrup

The holiday season is a time of togetherness, joy, and indulgence in delicious treats. This Christmas, why not infuse your homemade goodies with the rich and natural sweetness of maple syrup? In this blog post, we'll explore a selection of delightful Christmas treats that will have your taste buds singing with the flavors of pure maple syrup.

1. Maple Syrup Cookies:

Start your festive baking with a twist by making Maple Syrup Cookies. These cookies offer a delightful departure from traditional sugar cookies. By substituting some of the sugar with pure maple syrup, you'll introduce a lovely caramel-like undertone to your cookies. Finish them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze for a touch of holiday magic.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Tips:

• Use real, pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for better texture.

Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll the chilled dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet.
8. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

Check out our Maple Cream Cookies here.

2. Maple-Kissed Pecan Pie:

Pecan pie is a cherished holiday dessert, and you can elevate it with the sweet embrace of maple syrup. Swap some of the usual sugar in your pecan pie recipe with pure maple syrup to create a harmonious blend of nutty richness and maple sweetness. Your guests will be begging for seconds of this maple-infused masterpiece.

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared pie crust
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Tips:

• Pre-bake your pie crust for 10 minutes before filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
• Toast the pecans in the oven for a few minutes for enhanced flavor.

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Arrange the pecan halves in the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
4. Pour the maple syrup mixture over the pecans.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set.
6. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.

3. Maple-Glazed Cinnamon Rolls:

Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked Maple-Glazed Cinnamon Rolls on Christmas morning. These rolls are a step above the rest, thanks to the incorporation of maple syrup into the dough. The sweet and warm embrace of cinnamon pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of maple. A drizzle of maple icing completes the heavenly experience.

Ingredients:

• For the dough:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Tips:

• Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic.
• A warm, draft-free place is essential for the dough to rise properly.

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
2. Stir in melted butter, eggs, and salt.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle.
7. Spread the softened butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and brown sugar evenly over the dough.
8. Roll the dough into a log and cut it into rolls.
9. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Drizzle with additional maple syrup before serving.

Incorporating maple syrup into your Christmas treats adds a touch of natural sweetness and a unique flavor that embodies the warmth and nostalgia of the holidays. Whether it's in cookies, pies, cinnamon rolls, maple syrup can infuse your homemade delights with a touch of enchantment.

This Christmas, share the joy of homemade treats enhanced by the delightful essence of pure maple syrup. Your friends and family will cherish the effort you put into creating these special holiday delicacies, and your taste buds will revel in the delightful flavors of the season. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let the sweet aroma of maple syrup fill your kitchen as you craft these enchanting Christmas treats. Merry baking and happy holidays!