Every fall, I somehow end up with a box (or three) of Trader Joe's Maple Leaf Cookies in my cart. They're the kind of snack that practically shouts, "Make tea, put on fuzzy socks, and slow down for five minutes." And honestly, that's exactly what I do. These cookies are maple-shaped, maple-filled, and unapologetically maple-flavored - sweet, buttery, and perfect for cozy afternoons.
What makes them special
The first thing you notice when you open the box is the smell. It's like someone just poured warm maple syrup over pancakes in your kitchen. Each cookie is beautifully shaped like a maple leaf with a thick, creamy filling sandwiched between two golden shortbread layers. They're a little bigger than you'd expect, with generous filling that peeks out around the edges - no stingy layers here.
These cookies are crisp on the outside but tender enough to bite through easily. The filling is smooth, sweet, and maple-forward, with that nostalgic candy flavor that instantly feels comforting. It's not a subtle cookie - it's bold and proud about being maple.
The flavor experience
Each bite starts buttery and crisp, then gives way to that creamy center that melts just slightly on your tongue. They're definitely sweet, but in that cozy "this goes with coffee" kind of way, not the cloying kind. If you're a maple fan, it's love at first bite.
I like that the flavor leans more toward maple candy than syrup - it feels richer and less sticky-sweet. And if you close your eyes for a second, it kind of tastes like fall mornings in Vermont.
How I like to eat them
These cookies are great right out of the box, but I love dunking them in coffee or black tea. The heat softens the cookie and makes the filling extra creamy. Sometimes I'll crumble one over vanilla ice cream - it's dangerously good. And if I'm being honest, I've definitely had one for breakfast before. No regrets.
I also like chilling them in the fridge for a few hours. The cookie firms up, the filling thickens, and you get a completely different texture. It's like two cookies in one, depending on how you store them.
Location in store
You'll find Trader Joe's Maple Leaf Cookies in the cookie and snack aisle, usually near other seasonal treats. While they're mostly a fall item, some stores keep them around longer because people keep buying them year-round. They're one of those products that quietly come back every season - no big announcement, just that familiar maple smell returning to the shelves.
Similar Trader Joe's products to try
If you're into these cookies, you'll probably also like
- Trader Joe's Pumpkin Biscotti - crisp, spiced, and another coffee-time favorite
- Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Waffles - buttery and sweet, just right for breakfast
- Trader Joe's Apple Cinnamon Buns - soft, doughy, and perfect on chilly mornings
- Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cheesecake - when you want to skip the cookies and go straight for dessert
- Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter
- Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels review
Final thoughts
Trader Joe's Maple Leaf Cookies are one of those treats that make you pause and appreciate the moment. They're sweet, buttery, and filled with that unmistakable maple flavor that screams cozy weather and coffee breaks. I'll keep buying them as long as Trader Joe's keeps making them - they're simple, nostalgic, and completely addictive.
I'd give them 4.5 out of 5 stars - not because they're fancy, but because they make me happy every single time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐½
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