I was whisked away the moment I took my first bite of these Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies. The warmth of cinnamon envelops each decadent cookie, while the luscious filling of creamy dulce de leche creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that whispers comfort with every chew. This quick and easy recipe not only brings a delightful twist to your classic desserts but also makes for an irresistible treat to share at gatherings or savor during quiet afternoons. Imagine serving these charming cookies with a cold glass of milk or alongside your favorite cup of coffee. Ready to dive into the sweetest adventure of cookie-making? Let’s get started!
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is a harmonious blend of cinnamon and creamy dulce de leche, creating a flavor explosion that will have you reaching for seconds!
Quick & Easy: With minimal effort and time, you’ll whip up these stunning cookies that impress without the stress.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties or cozy get-togethers, these cookies are sure to win over your friends and family.
Versatile Treats: Looking to switch it up? Try filling them with chocolate ganache or peanut butter for a fun twist, like in our Chip Snowball Cookies.
Soft & Chewy Texture: The slight crunch from the cinnamon-sugar coating perfectly complements the gooey filling, making every bite a treat for the senses!
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it, ensuring you have a delicious go-to dessert whenever the cravings strike.
Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps create a light texture; can substitute with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Large Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; a flax egg can be used for a vegan version.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor complexity; use pure vanilla for the best taste.
- All-purpose Flour – Gives structure and stability; for gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help cookies rise.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – Provides warmth and spice; the key flavor component in the cookies.
For Coating
- Sugar (for rolling) – Adds sweetness and a slight crunch to the exterior; a cinnamon-sugar mixture is essential for flavor.
For the Filling
- Dulce de Leche – Creamy filling that adds richness; can buy canned or make homemade for deeper flavor options.
- Butter (for filling) – Adds smoothness to the dulce de leche filling; essential for easier spreading.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 4 minutes. This process incorporates air, ensuring your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies will have a delightful texture.
Step 2: Add Egg & Vanilla
Next, crack in 1 large egg and pour in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Blend the ingredients together at medium speed until they are thoroughly combined and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. The moisture from the egg and the fragrant vanilla will create a rich base for your cookie dough.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth, cohesive texture that holds its shape, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Chill Dough
Once your dough is well-formed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill the dough for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to firm up. This step is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they maintain their shape.
Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar
While the dough chills, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon until evenly combined. This mixture will add a deliciously sweet crunch to the outside of your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.
Step 6: Form Cookie Balls
After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 16 to 24 evenly-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them fully before placing them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should be set yet still look slightly underbaked. Once ready, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes.
Step 8: Cool & Fill
After they have cooled slightly, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. In the meantime, mix 1 cup of dulce de leche with 2 tablespoons of softened butter until smooth. Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous amount of the creamy filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another, creating delectable Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.
Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make these cookies your own!
-
Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use coconut milk-based dulce de leche for a delicious dairy-free version.
The cookies will still boast that same warm comfort while catering to dietary preferences. -
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for cookies that everyone can enjoy.
Achieving that perfect chewy texture is easy, making these a hit at potlucks and gatherings! -
Nutty Touch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added crunch and flavor depth.
The nuttiness complements the cinnamon perfectly, creating a delightful surprise in every bite. -
Flavorful Spices: Swap ground cinnamon for a chai spice mix to introduce hints of cardamom and ginger.
This change can bring a whole new aromatic experience, making your cookies uniquely memorable! -
Chocolate Lovers: Replace dulce de leche with chocolate ganache for a rich and indulgent filling.
Imagine the creamy, dreamy chocolate, giving a different but equally satisfying flavor profile! -
Pumpkin Spice: Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist perfect for autumn gatherings.
Your guests will enjoy the cozy fall flavors as they savor each delicious cookie. -
Maple Sweetness: Switch out granulated sugar for pure maple sugar or syrup for a caramel-like sweetness.
This variation adds a lovely depth while still keeping that beloved texture intact! -
Spicy Kick: Infuse a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cinnamon-sugar coating for surprising heat.
The warmth of the spice enhances the sweetness beautifully, perfect for adventurous taste buds.
Feel free to experiment with these options and achieve your perfect version of these delectable cookies. If you’re in the mood for something different, you might also enjoy our Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Skewers or treat yourself with Orange Clove Cookies!
What to Serve with Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
Indulging in these sweet treats opens up a world of delicious pairings that will elevate your entire dessert experience.
- Cold Milk: The classic pairing enhances the cookie’s flavors, washing down the sweetness while offering a delightful contrast.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a fresh, tangy burst that balances the richness of the dulce de leche.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop on the side for an extra creamy texture that beautifully complements the warm cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee bring out the warmth of the cinnamon, creating a comforting afternoon treat.
- Chocolate Ganache: If you’re feeling adventurous, dip half of the cookie sandwiches in chocolate ganache for an indulgent twist.
- Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea pair wonderfully with the cinnamon cookies, bringing a cozy feel to your dessert table.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the chewy cookies.
- Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of additional caramel over the top of each cookie sandwich enhances the sweetness and enriches the texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating it. Additionally, the rolled cookie balls can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure they’re spaced apart on a baking sheet before freezing solid, then transfer to a sealed bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling in cinnamon-sugar and baking. By prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy freshly baked cookies with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
-
Chill the Dough: Always chill the cookie dough for at least 10-15 minutes. This prevents excessive spreading and helps maintain a nice shape during baking.
-
Proper Creaming: Make sure to cream the butter and sugar sufficiently until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a light texture in your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.
-
Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool fully before adding filling. This ensures the dulce de leche doesn’t melt and creates that rich, dreamy center you crave.
-
Even Sizing: Roll your cookie balls to be uniform in size. This aids in even baking, so all your cookies come out perfectly soft and chewy.
-
Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different fillings! Chocolate ganache or flavored cream can bring exciting variations to your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.
Storage Tips for Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their soft texture and flavor.
- Fridge: If you’re in a humid environment, consider refrigerating the cookies for up to two weeks to prevent spoilage. Just be sure they’re well-wrapped!
- Freezer: Freeze unfilled cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and fill them with cream or dulce de leche.
- Reheating: To revive their fresh-baked taste, warm filled cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that melty bliss of the dulce de leche filling.
Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the cookies?
Use unsalted butter for the best results. It provides the richness your cookies need and allows you to control the salt content. Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming, which helps incorporate air and achieve that delightful texture.
How should I store the cookies, and how long do they last?
Store your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re in a humid environment, it’s best to refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks. Make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out!
Can I freeze the cookie dough? How do I do it?
Absolutely! You can freeze unfilled cookie dough for up to 3 months. To do this, follow these steps:
- After chilling the dough, roll it into balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer and freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and bake as directed!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively during baking, don’t worry! This can happen if the dough isn’t chilled long enough. To fix this for your next batch, ensure you chill the dough for at least 10-15 minutes before baking. Additionally, checking that you’re using the right amount of flour is important; measuring accurately using a kitchen scale can help achieve perfect consistency.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can create a vegan version of these delightful cookies! Simply substitute the large egg with a flax egg, which you can make by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water—leave it to thicken for about 5 minutes before using. For the filling, you can use a dairy-free caramel or a vegan dulce de leche alternative.
Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies for Pure Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Cream until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until smooth.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture in a small bowl by mixing 0.5 cup sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 16 to 24 balls and coat each in cinnamon-sugar before baking on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Mix 1 cup of dulce de leche with 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Once cookies are cooled, spread the filling on one flat side and sandwich it with another cookie.
Leave a Reply