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Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dulce de Leche Filling
Before you begin making the cookies, it’s a good idea to make the dulce de leche filling first, as it needs time to cool before you use it.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a small saucepan and add the butter.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir constantly. As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken and turn a golden caramel color. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Be patient, and continue to stir to prevent it from burning.
- Once the mixture is thickened and has a caramel consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract (if using).
- Allow the dulce de leche to cool to room temperature while you make the cookie dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You can use an electric mixer for this step to make it quicker and easier.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, and beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients in two or three additions, mixing after each until just incorporated. Add the milk and mix again until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not too sticky.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon of dough each. You can use a cookie scoop to make this process easier and ensure even-sized cookies.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass or your hands to slightly flatten the dough balls into discs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, turn half of them upside down (these will be the bottom of your sandwich cookies).
- Spoon or pipe a generous amount of dulce de leche onto the center of each of the flipped cookies. Use about 1 teaspoon of filling for each cookie.
- Gently press the remaining cookies on top, creating a sandwich. You can gently squeeze them together to help the filling spread evenly, but be careful not to press too hard and break the cookies.
- Optional: Dust the tops of the cookies with a little extra cinnamon sugar for a finishing touch, or add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft or sticky to work with, chill it for 30 minutes before baking. This will make it easier to handle and result in better-shaped cookies.
- Don’t Overbake the Cookies: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. If they bake too long, they can become too crunchy and lose the soft texture that makes them so irresistible.
- Customize the Filling: While dulce de leche is the star of this recipe, you can also experiment with other fillings like chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even raspberry jam for a twist on the classic.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough and dulce de leche filling ahead of time. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Similarly, you can make the dulce de leche ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Why These Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Are So Special
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The warm cinnamon cookies combined with the sweet, creamy caramel filling make these cookies a perfect balance of flavors. The spice from the cinnamon is the ideal counterpart to the rich, gooey dulce de leche.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a soft, chewy interior that pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy filling, creating an irresistible bite every time.
- Great for Any Occasion: These cookies are perfect for holidays, special celebrations, or just as an everyday treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Their combination of flavors makes them a crowd-pleasing favorite at parties and gatherings.
- Fun to Make and Share: Not only are these cookies a treat to eat, but they’re also a fun baking project to do with friends or family. And, of course, they make a fantastic homemade gift for loved ones!
Conclusion
Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are a perfect combination of sweet, spiced, and creamy. The cinnamon cookies are soft and flavorful, while the luscious dulce de leche filling brings everything together in the most delicious way. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to these irresistible cookies—you won’t be able to stop at just one!
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