Maple Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

1 1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 cup oatmeal

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup butter (softened)

1 cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs

4 tablespoons pure maple syrup

(darker grade preferred)

Preheat the oven to 350 deg. F. Line cookie sheets with baking mats or parchment paper.

In a medium bowl combine flour, oatmeal, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer and a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Add the eggs - one at a time and beat well after each one. Beat in maple syrup. Gradually add in the dry ingredients.

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, place the dough on cookie sheets, spacing about 1 1/2 inches apart.

Bake in preheated oven for 7-9 minutes-just until the edges start to brown. Cool completely on wire racks.

Maple Cream Cheese Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 tablespoons maple syrup (darker grade is best)

3 cups powdered sugar

To make the filling, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the maple syrup and then add the powdered sugar a litte at a time until you have a good spreading consistency.

To assemble the cookies: Match up two cookies of similiar size---spread the filling on the bottom side of one cookie and then top it with the other cookie,

Makes about 2 dozen sandwich cookies.

Source: Our 2014 Maple Dessert contest winner, Sue Record of Bristol, VT.