There’s a certain joy in the air when sweet aromas fill the kitchen, especially with the comforting scent of cinnamon mingling with the rich sweetness of dulce de leche. I stumbled upon this delightful treat during a casual afternoon baking session, yearning for something beyond the usual cookies. The moment I took my first bite, I knew these Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies would become a staple in my home. They are surprisingly simple to whip up yet boast a flavor that feels indulgent.
Whether you’re trying to impress guests or simply treat yourself and your family, these charming sandwich cookies are sure to please. They effortlessly blend soft, cinnamon-sugar-kissed cookies with a luscious dulce de leche filling, making them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, this recipe has just the right amount of ease to help you reclaim your kitchen from fast food and nourish your loved ones with something homemade and delicious. So, grab your apron, and let’s bring a little joy back with these fabulous cookies!
Why love Easy Dulce de Leche Cookies?
Delightful combination of flavors: The aromatic cinnamon pairs perfectly with the rich dulce de leche, creating a taste sensation that will have your friends begging for the recipe.
Effortless baking: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these cookies even on a busy day, making it a great option for a spontaneous baking session.
Perfect for sharing: These cookies are not just a treat for you but are also ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet gift to brighten someone’s day.
Customizable size: Whether you prefer large, satisfying cookies or bite-sized delights, this recipe gives you the flexibility to create your perfect sandwich cookie.
Quick to bake: With a baking time of just 9 to 11 minutes, you’ll have delicious, warm cookies ready in no time—ideal for satisfying those sudden sweet cravings.
So, if you’re looking for something special to uplift your home cooking, you’ll love making these easy dulce de leche cinnamon sandwich cookies.
Easy Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies
• Discover the magic of creating Easy Dulce de Leche sandwich cookies with these key ingredients!
For the Cookies
- Unsalted butter – necessary for a rich, creamy texture that forms the base of your cookies.
- Granulated sugar – helps achieve that delightful sweetness and golden color.
- Large egg – binds the ingredients together, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
- Vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour – the foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Baking soda – helps the cookies rise and become wonderfully soft.
- Salt – a crucial balance that enhances the sweetness of your cookies.
For the Coating
- Sugar (for rolling) – rolls right onto the dough for an irresistible swirl of sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon – brings aromatic warmth, perfectly complementing the dulce de leche filling.
For the Filling
- Butter (for filling) – a touch of richness that helps your dulce de leche spread smoothly.
- Dulce de leche – the star of the show, providing a sweet, creamy filling that takes your sandwich cookies to the next level.
Get ready to bake something extraordinary with these ingredients, and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen!
How to Make Easy Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies
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Cream Together: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy. This fluffy texture is key for the ultimate cookie softness!
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Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add in the large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Continue mixing for another minute until fully combined, creating a rich and fragrant batter.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined, and a dough begins to form—be careful not to overwork it!
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Chill Dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This helps make it easier to handle while rolling into balls and contributes to a better texture.
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Prepare Coating: While the dough chills, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will be your delightful cinnamon-sugar coating.
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Roll Dough Balls: Once chilled, roll the dough into 16 to 24 balls, depending on your preferred cookie size. The balls should be uniform for even baking.
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Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar: Drop each dough ball into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating well, before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They’ll get a sweet surprise!
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Bake Cookies: Bake the coated cookie dough balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 9 to 11 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges, but keep the centers soft for that perfect texture.
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Sprinkle Extra Sugar: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle any remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over them for an extra burst of flavor.
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Melt Butter: While the cookies cool, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. This will create a smooth base for your filling.
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Mix in Dulce de Leche: Once melted, remove the pan from heat and stir in the can of dulce de leche until smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens!
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Assemble Sandwiches: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a layer of the dulce de leche filling on the bottom of one cookie, then top with another cookie. Repeat until you’ve made all the sandwiches!
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Rest and Set: Let the assembled sandwich cookies rest for an hour. This allows the filling to set up and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Optional: Dust with a touch of powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following these simple steps. First, after mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator as directed, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out. You can also roll the dough balls and coat them in cinnamon-sugar up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to indulge, simply place the chilled dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as instructed, yielding just as delicious cookies with minimal effort. Save time in your busy week by prepping these delightful treats ahead!
What to Serve with Easy Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies?
Indulging in the warm, sweet embrace of these cookies makes every gathering feel extra special.
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Rich Coffee: The bold flavor of coffee enhances the sweet notes of dulce de leche, creating a perfectly balanced pairing that guests will love.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream serves as a delightful contrast to the warm cookies, adding a cool, refreshing element.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries cut through the sweetness, providing a fresh, vibrant touch to your dessert spread.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a rich chocolate sauce over the cookies elevates the experience, creating an irresistible chocolate-caramel delight.
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Milk: The classic pairing of cold milk complements the cookies beautifully, making each bite rich and satisfying—perfect for both kids and adults.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warmth of chai spices pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon-like flavors of the cookies, creating an aromatic experience that enchants the senses.
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Whipped Cream: Offering a dollop of airy whipped cream alongside the cookies introduces a lightness that makes them even more delightful.
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Decadent Brownies: For a dessert platter that wows, serve the cookies alongside fudgy brownies, adding a layer of chocolate richness to your spread.
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Tea: A soothing cup of herbal or spiced tea enhances the overall flavors, making it a comforting option for any gathering.
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Caramel Sauce: For a truly indulgent treat, serve them with a side of warm caramel sauce for dipping, creating a sumptuous experience that’s hard to resist.
Storage Tips for Easy Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store assembled cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft without drying them out.
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Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, place the cookies in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing odors.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months and taken out as needed.
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Reheating: To enjoy these Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies warm, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This gives you that fresh-baked experience again!
Expert Tips for Easy Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Always chill your dough for at least 10-15 minutes. This prevents excessive spreading during baking, ensuring beautifully shaped cookies.
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Perfect Cookie Size: Aim for uniform dough balls to achieve even baking. Use a cookie scoop for consistently sized cookies, which will help with the overall presentation.
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Check Baking Time: Watch for the edges turning lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Overbaking can result in a dry cookie, so set a timer and keep an eye on them!
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Extra Cinnamon-Sugar: Don’t skip sprinkling any leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture on the cookies right out of the oven. It enhances flavor and gives an irresistible sweet crust.
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Assembly Tip: Feel free to experiment with the amount of dulce de leche filling between cookies. Adjust it to suit your sweetness preference—more filling means more indulgence!
Embrace these tips to create the perfect batch of Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies that will delight your friends and family!
Dulce de Leche Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these cookies to suit your taste buds! Let your imagination run wild with these delicious ideas.
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a subtle kick that beautifully contrasts with the sweet filling.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
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Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips into the dough before rolling for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence, making every bite a delightful surprise.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these cookies, retaining their scrumptious flavor.
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Pipeable Filling: Whip the dulce de leche with a little heavy cream to create a light, pipeable frosting. This adds a delightful airy texture to your filling.
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Fruit Infusion: Try incorporating zested citrus, like lemon or orange, into the filling for a bright twist that balances the richness of dulce de leche.
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Maple Caramel: Replace dulce de leche with homemade maple caramel for a delightful fall-inspired flavor that will leave everyone coming back for more.
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Chai Spice: Add chai spice blend to the dough for a warm, aromatic cookie with hints of cardamom, ginger, and clove—a perfect pairing with dulce de leche.
Explore, and enjoy every scrumptious bite of your personalized cookies!
Easy Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, choose unsalted butter that is softened to room temperature. You want it creamy but not melted. For the egg, a large, fresh egg will bind the ingredients beautifully. Make sure to check your vanilla extract—using pure vanilla will elevate the overall flavor of your cookies!
How should I store the cookies, and how long do they last?
For optimal freshness, store assembled Easy Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them chilled, they can also be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just ensure they’re sealed well to avoid absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Can I freeze these sandwich cookies?
Yes! To freeze, first lay the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find your cookies spreading too much, don’t worry! It could be due to not chilling the dough long enough. I recommend chilling your dough for at least 15 minutes, which helps them hold their shape while baking. Additionally, ensure your butter is not too soft—room temperature is ideal!
Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
Oftentimes, cookies made with butter, sugar, and dulce de leche are not suitable for pets, especially dogs, as chocolate, raisins, and other common allergens can be toxic to them. If you or your guests have food allergies, it’s best to review the ingredients and potentially substitute with allergy-friendly alternatives like coconut oil or gluten-free flour, ensuring everyone can enjoy these sweet treats safely!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dulce de leche filling?
Very! If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can mix the dulce de leche with a little cream cheese or unsweetened whipped cream to balance the flavors. Just be sure to blend until smooth and taste as you go to ensure it meets your preference!
Enjoy baking, and happy indulging!
Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies to Wow Your Friends
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add in the large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Continue mixing for another minute until fully combined.
- Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Roll the chilled dough into 16 to 24 balls, coating each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake the coated cookie dough balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 9 to 11 minutes.
- Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cookies after removing them from the oven.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in the can of dulce de leche until smooth and well combined.
- Spread a layer of the dulce de leche filling on one cookie and top with another cookie to assemble.
- Let the assembled sandwich cookies rest for an hour.