As the scent of cinnamon wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia—these Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies remind me of cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones. Imagine soft, chewy cookies enveloped around a luscious dulce de leche filling that practically melts in your mouth. This recipe not only delivers comfort food in no time but also invites creativity with simple pantry staples. Whether you need a quick sweet treat for a gathering or a delightful indulgence for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, are you ready to turn your kitchen into a warm, fragrant haven that will have everyone asking for seconds?
Why are these cookies irresistible?
Comforting yet sophisticated, these Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Quick to make, they transform simple ingredients into a delightful treat, pleasing both friends and family. Versatile at heart, you can easily swap out the filling or add spices for a personalized touch. Crowd-pleasing goodness invites everyone to indulge, making them the highlight of gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, they store beautifully, so you can savor their comfort for days. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Enjoy them with a warm drink or alongside a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate experience!
Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• Unsalted Butter – adds moisture and richness; for a dairy-free version, use margarine.
• Granulated Sugar – sweetens the cookies and helps maintain their structure; coconut sugar can be used for deeper flavor.
• Egg – binds the ingredients together; replace with a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
• Vanilla Extract – enhances flavor; almond extract can be a delightful twist.
• All-Purpose Flour – provides structure for the cookies; swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Baking Soda – acts as a leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Salt – balances sweetness and elevates flavors; try sea salt for complexity.
• Sugar and Ground Cinnamon (for rolling) – gives a sweet and spicy coating; adjust the cinnamon to fit your taste.
For the Filling
• Butter – adds smoothness to the dulce de leche; use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Dulce de Leche – offers a creamy, luscious filling; store-bought is convenient, but homemade is delightful. Create a thicker filling by adding powdered sugar to taste.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your delightful journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your baking environment is ready to produce perfectly golden cookies. As the oven heats, gather your baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring everything is set for assembly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 4 minutes. The texture should be airy, indicating the sugar has begun to dissolve, giving your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies a tender bite.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add one large egg and a splash of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute, ensuring everything is fully combined. You’ll notice a smooth consistency forming, helping to create the lovely flavor depth in your cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, gradually incorporating until a soft dough forms. Take care not to over-mix; just combine until there are no visible flour streaks. The dough should be cohesive and soft, perfect for rolling into cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and prevents excessive spreading during baking, ensuring your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies maintain their shape while being irresistibly chewy.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar
While the dough chills, prepare your cinnamon-sugar mixture by combining granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This mixture will give your cookies a sweet, spiced exterior that complements the creamy filling beautifully. Set it aside for later.
Step 7: Shape Cookies
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it into 16 to 24 balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Coat each ball generously in your prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure they are well-covered, then place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving space in between to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should become golden while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. This technique allows for that signature chewy texture in your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.
Step 9: Make Filling
While the cookies are baking, prepare the filling by melting a tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the dulce de leche until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly, ensuring it’s spreadable by the time your cookies are ready.
Step 10: Assemble Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, match them into pairs by size. Spread a generous layer of the dulce de leche filling between the flat sides of the cookies, creating delightful sandwiches. Let them rest for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for an irresistible treat.
How to Store and Freeze Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
Airtight Container: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Dough Freezing: Roll the cookie dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: If you enjoy warm cookies, reheating in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will bring back that fresh-baked feel, enhancing the dulce de leche filling!
Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these cookies; they’re a wonderful blank canvas for your flavor inspirations!
- Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter for a delicious plant-based version.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Swap the dulce de leche with rich chocolate ganache or even a creamy peanut butter blend for a decadent twist.
- Spicy Cinnamon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising kick that enhances the warmth of cinnamon.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for gluten-intolerant friends without sacrificing taste.
- Fruity Filling: Consider a raspberry or strawberry jam instead of dulce de leche for a fruity contrast that lightens up each bite.
- Almond Extract: For a flavor change, substitute vanilla extract with almond extract; it brings a nutty sweetness to the cookies.
- Layered Flavors: Create a sandwich with a layer of dulce de leche and a layer of your favorite jam for a flavor-packed experience.
Remember, these variations are not just for the fun of it; they open up a world of unique indulgences that can join your favorite classic recipes like these chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter cookies! Enjoy experimenting!
Tips for the Best Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
• Cinnamon Sugar Mix: Make sure to mix your sugar and cinnamon thoroughly before rolling the cookie dough. This ensures even flavor throughout your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.
• Chill for Shape: Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
• Cool Completely: Let your cookies cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents the dulce de leche from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.
• Variations Matter: Feel free to experiment! Replace dulce de leche with chocolate ganache or create a nutty filling for a refreshing twist on classic flavors.
• Proper Storage: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, offering you the sweet comfort of home-baked goodness!
What to Serve with Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
Delightful treats need the perfect companions to create a memorable meal or snack experience.
-
Tall Glass of Milk: The classic pairing, milk complements the cookies’ sweetness while balancing the richness of the dulce de leche.
-
Rich Coffee: The deep flavors of coffee enhance the warm cinnamon notes in the cookies, offering a delightful contrast that’s perfect for afternoons.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy richness, creating a dreamy dessert experience when sandwiched between cookie halves.
-
Herbal Tea: Choose a soothing herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, for a light, refreshing contrast to the cookies’ sweetness.
-
Fresh Berries: A handful of berries adds a burst of freshness; their natural tartness cuts through the richness, keeping every bite balanced and delightful.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: A quick drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top of the cookies creates an indulgent treat, enhancing both texture and flavor.
-
Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider to evoke fall vibes, with sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the cinnamon cookies.
-
Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade brings a zesty brightness to the table, providing a fun, light-hearted contrast with the rich filling.
-
Buttercream Frosting: For extra sweetness, a dollop of buttercream or cream cheese frosting on each cookie will elevate the treat to a whole new level of decadence.
-
Chocolate Milkshake: For those extra indulgent days, a chocolate milkshake will make for an unforgettable dessert experience, perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in a delightful treat any time. You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by rolling it into balls, coating them in cinnamon-sugar, and refrigerating. Additionally, the assembled cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture, just make sure they are completely cooled before layering with dulce de leche. When ready to serve, simply allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes, ensuring they remain just as delicious and fresh as the day they were baked!
Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best dulce de leche for filling?
When selecting dulce de leche, look for a creamy texture and rich caramel flavor. If possible, try homemade for a fresher taste, but high-quality store-bought brands can work wonders too. Check the ingredients; opt for ones with no artificial additives for the best flavor experience.
How should I store my cookies for optimal freshness?
For the best results, store your Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is an excellent option—you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly freshly baked cookies anytime you crave them.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much during baking, it likely means the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Ensure you chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking, as this helps maintain their shape. Also, always use fresh baking soda, as old leavening agents can affect the final texture—keep a little “test jar” on hand to check freshness!
Are these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! You can modify the Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies to meet various dietary needs. Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version, substitute the egg with a flax egg, or swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be mindful of the dulce de leche, as some brands may contain allergens.
What can I do if I don’t have dulce de leche?
No problem at all! If you can’t find dulce de leche, consider making a simple chocolate ganache as an alternative filling. Just melt equal parts of chocolate and heavy cream, stir until smooth, and let it cool to thicken before using. It creates a rich, delicious contrast that complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies to Delight Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture by combining granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.
- Roll the chilled dough into balls, coat with the cinnamon-sugar, and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, keeping an eye on them until the edges are golden.
- Prepare the filling by melting butter and mixing in the dulce de leche until smooth.
- Once the cookies are cooled, match them into pairs and spread a layer of dulce de leche filling between them.
Leave a Reply