There’s a particular delight in the warm, nostalgic scent of cinnamon that fills my kitchen. It reminds me of childhood baking sessions where every moment felt light and sweet, much like the Cinnamon Sugar Sandwich Cookies I’m excited to share with you today. When life gets busy and fast food starts to feel like a lifeline, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a cozy treat that your taste buds will adore.
These Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies marry soft, pillowy dough dusted in cinnamon sugar with a luscious, gooey dulce de leche filling—creating a combination that could easily steal the show at any gathering. Imagine wrapping your hands around one of these delectable cookies, sinking your teeth into the warm, sweet layers, and savoring that perfect balance of flavor.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to indulge in a comforting dessert after a long day, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these delightful treats that promise to brighten up any day!
Why are Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies special?
Nostalgic flavors will take you back to childhood baking adventures, filling your kitchen with warm, inviting scents. Effortless to whip up, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs. Versatile enough for any occasion, they make a charming addition to gatherings or cozy family nights. Deliciously unique, the combination of cinnamon sugar and dulce de leche is simply irresistible. For more delightful cookie creations, check out my easy holiday cookie recipes!
Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Ingredients
Everything you need for sweet indulgence!
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter – use softened butter for a creamy texture that helps achieve that light, fluffy cookie.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – sweetens effortlessly and promotes browning for beautifully golden cookies.
- 1 large egg – adds richness and helps bind the ingredients well.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – a splash that enhances the flavor profile of your cookies.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – gives structure to these delightful Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.
- 1 tsp baking soda – helps the cookies rise, ensuring a soft, pillowy bite.
- 1/2 tsp salt – balances sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
For Rolling
- 1/2 cup sugar – the extra sweetness that defines the cookie’s exterior.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon – enhances that warm, nostalgic flavor you crave.
For the Filling
- 1 tbsp butter – melting with dulce de leche creates a smooth, delicious filling.
- 1 can (13.4 oz) dulce de leche – the star of the show, providing a rich and gooey center for the sandwiches.
With these ingredients at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to creating a delightful treat that will be cherished by family and friends alike! Happy baking!
How to Make Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon 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 the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the base for your delicious cookies! -
Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix for another minute until everything is well incorporated, ensuring a rich flavor in each bite. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms, resembling a thick and sticky texture. -
Chill Dough
It’s time to chill! Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to handle when rolling into balls. -
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
While the dough chills, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This delightful mix will coat your cookies beautifully! -
Shape the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, roll it into 16 to 24 balls and coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The sweet coating adds a festive touch. -
Bake Cookies
Place the coated balls onto a parchment- or Silpat-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown but the centers remain soft. -
Add Flavors
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle any remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on the cookies right after they come out of the oven. -
Prepare the Filling
While the cookies cool, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the dulce de leche until smooth and well combined. -
Assemble the Sandwiches
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a layer of dulce de leche on the bottom of one cookie, then top it with another cookie to create a delightful sandwich. -
Rest and Enjoy
Repeat the assembly for all the cookies, allowing them to rest for about an hour. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Optional: Dust with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with these fun variations!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar taste and texture.
Using your favorite gluten-free flour can open up this recipe to everyone at the table! -
Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolate twist.
Imagine biting into soft cookie goodness with pockets of melted chocolate—it’s pure bliss! -
Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and richness.
The crunchiness complements the softness of the sandwich, providing a perfectly balanced bite! -
Spiced Up: Replace the ground cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a cozy autumn vibe.
This variation evokes warm memories of fall and adds delightful layers of flavor to each cookie! -
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and coconut or cashew cream for the filling to make these cookies dairy-free.
You won’t miss a beat with this swap—flavor and texture remain irresistibly delicious! -
Maple Twist: Substitute the vanilla extract with maple syrup for a unique flavor that dances on the palate.
This lovely alternative adds warmth and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the dulce de leche! -
Caramel Drizzle: Top the assembled cookies with a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.
This gorgeous addition not only enhances flavor but also creates a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress! -
Extra Sweet: Mix a dash of extra sugar into the dulce de leche filling for those who like their desserts sweet.
This little boost brings a delightful sugary surprise that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by forming the dough balls and chilling them in the refrigerator, which helps maintain the dough’s texture before baking. For even quicker prep, bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, just warm them briefly in the oven to restore their delightful softness, and then assemble with the dulce de leche filling. This method ensures your cookies remain just as delicious while saving precious time on busy days!
How to Store and Freeze Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and softness.
Fridge: If you prefer longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week, wrapped individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, let the frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-baked warmth.
Expert Tips for Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
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Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes makes it easier to roll and helps prevent spreading while baking.
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Perfect Baking Time: Avoid overbaking! The cookies should have lightly golden edges and soft centers. Remove them right when they look set.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Ensure an even coating by rolling the balls thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. It enhances flavor and presentation!
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Filling Consistency: Stir the dulce de leche until smooth for easy spreading. If it’s too thick, add a tad more melted butter to soften it.
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Storage Tips: To keep your Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
What to Serve with Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies?
Pair these delightful cookies with complementary sides and drinks for an unforgettable dessert experience.
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Coffee: The robust flavor of coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies. It’s a warm hug in a mug that enhances your dessert time!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla elevates the indulgence. Imagine the cold contrast against the warm cookies—pure bliss!
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing touch that brightens every bite.
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Milk: A classic pairing, the rich creaminess of milk enhances the cinnamon and dulce de leche flavors, making each cookie feel even more special.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm chocolate sauce over the cookies takes them to the next level of decadence. Who can resist chocolate?
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Caramel Sauce: For those who can’t get enough sweetness, a drizzle of caramel adds an extra layer of indulgence, harmonizing beautifully with dulce de leche.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the cinnamon sugar cookies, creating a cozy pairing that’s perfect for moments of relaxation.
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Nutty Biscotti: This crunchy option offers a delightful contrast to the soft sandwich cookies. Dip them together for a delightful texture experience.
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Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of fruit sorbet offers a refreshing, fruity counterpoint to the cookies, balancing the richness with a burst of flavor.
Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for these cookies?
I recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor. It allows you to control the saltiness of your cookies, giving you the perfect balance of sweetness without any unwanted savory notes.
How should I store these cookies?
To keep your Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For the best texture, make sure they are completely cooled before sealing them in.
Can I freeze the assembled cookies?
Absolutely! For freezing, lay the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months! To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for a quick warm-up.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little extra all-purpose flour onto your hands and the work surface as you roll the dough into balls. Alternatively, refrigerating the dough for an additional 10 minutes can help it firm up.
Can I substitute dulce de leche with another filling?
Of course! If dulce de leche isn’t available, consider using chocolate ganache, creamy peanut butter, or even a fruit jam for a unique twist. Each filling will bring its own delicious flavor to your cinnamon sandwich cookies.
Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies for Sweet Moments
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- Cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing for another minute until well incorporated.
- Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes.
- Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Roll the chilled dough into 16 to 24 balls and coat each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake on a parchment-lined sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes.
- Sprinkle remaining cinnamon-sugar on cookies right after baking.
- Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a saucepan and stir in the dulce de leche until smooth.
- Once cookies are cooled, spread dulce de leche on one cookie and top with another.
- Allow cookies to rest for about an hour to meld flavors.