Name: Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup dulce de leche

There’s something truly irresistible about Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies – a perfect marriage of sweet meets spice that leaves your taste buds dancing. These homemade treats combine soft, cinnamon-infused cookies with a luscious, creamy dulce de leche filling, creating a cozy and comforting flavor experience. Whether you’re looking for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up or a charming gift for loved ones, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your cookie collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A perfect balance of flavors: The warmth of cinnamon complements the rich sweetness of dulce de leche beautifully, creating an unforgettable taste harmony.
Simple ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples that come together to create something truly special without any fuss.
Great for gifting: These cookies look as good as they taste, making them the perfect homemade gift for holidays or special occasions.
Soft yet sturdy texture: The cookies hold up well to sandwiching with dulce de leche, offering a pleasant bite every time.
Customizable: This recipe invites creativity, letting you tweak the filling or add mix-ins for your ideal cookie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that blend together to achieve perfect flavor, texture, and color. Each plays an important role, from the cozy cinnamon in the dough to the creamy dulce de leche filling.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for tender but sturdy cookies.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm aromatic spice that defines the cookie’s character.
Baking powder: Gives the dough a light, gentle rise for softness.
Unsalted butter: Creates rich flavor and tender crumb when creamed with sugar.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with texture.
Egg yolk: Contributes richness and binds the ingredients smoothly.
Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth, rounding out the spices perfectly.
Dulce de leche: The star filling—sweet, creamy, and caramel-like, it adds the perfect finishing touch.

Variations

Feel free to personalize these Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies to your heart’s content. This recipe adapts easily based on dietary needs or personal preferences, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Chocolate twist: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate-cinnamon combo.
Nutty surprise: Mix finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the dough for added crunch.
Vegan version: Use coconut oil and maple syrup as substitutes, and opt for store-bought vegan dulce de leche or make your own.
Spiced up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
Fruit-filled: Swap half the dulce de leche filling with a layer of raspberry jam for a fruity balance.

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Recipe

How to Make Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Prepare your dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground cinnamon, and baking powder to ensure even spice distribution. In a separate large bowl, cream the unsalted butter with granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, then add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well.

Step 2: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth, soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it to keep the cookies tender.

Step 3: Chill the dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier and help cookies retain their shape during baking.

Step 4: Roll and cut

Once chilled, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out uniform circles, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the cookies

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent the filling from melting later.

Step 6: Assemble the sandwich cookies

Spread a generous spoonful of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with a second cookie. Gently press together to spread the filling evenly without breaking the cookies.

Pro Tips for Making Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Chill properly: Chilling dough is essential to prevent spreading and preserve cookie shape.
Use room temperature butter: For the creamiest dough texture and even mixing.
Don’t overbake: Remove cookies from the oven as soon as edges lighten for the softest bite.
Uniform cookie size: Cutting cookies the same size helps them sandwich perfectly without excess filling or bare edges.
Soft dulce de leche: Warm the dulce de leche slightly if too thick; it spreads more easily and creates a smoother filling.

How to Serve Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle the assembled cookies lightly with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for a charming, sweet finish that enhances the cinnamon flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these cookies alongside a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or spiced milk for a cozy treat. They’re also fantastic with fresh fruit on the side to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies in a decorative tin tied with a ribbon for gifting, or serve them stacked on a cute cake stand dusted with a little extra cinnamon for a festive look at parties and family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper to keep them from sticking, and enjoy within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Freeze the dulce de leche separately or sandwich after thawing to prevent sogginess.

Reheating

Warm sandwich cookies briefly at room temperature before serving if refrigerated or frozen; avoid microwaving to preserve texture and prevent melting the dulce de leche unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dulce de leche for the filling?

Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly and saves time—you can even warm it slightly to make spreading easier.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures easy removal and prevents burning on the bottom.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup, you can enjoy a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How long do Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature and up to a month frozen.

Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?

Definitely! Use dairy-free butter alternatives and a vegan dulce de leche option or homemade coconut milk caramel to keep it dairy-free and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a cookie that offers warmth, sweetness, and a bit of loving nostalgia, Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are exactly what you need. This recipe is straightforward, adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift. So grab your mixing bowl and give these cozy cookies a try – it’s a bite of comfort you won’t want to miss!

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies offer a delightful combination of soft, cinnamon-infused cookies paired with a creamy, luscious dulce de leche filling. Perfectly balancing warm spices and rich sweetness, these homemade sandwich cookies are ideal for a cozy treat, gifting, or any occasion that calls for comforting flavors and a tender yet sturdy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling

1 cup dulce de leche

Instructions

Prepare your dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and baking powder to evenly distribute the spices. In a separate large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a smooth, soft dough forms. Take care not to overwork the dough to ensure tender cookies.
Chill the dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier and to help maintain the cookies’ shape during baking.
Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut uniform circles and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the cookies: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent the filling from melting.
Assemble the sandwich cookies: Spread a generous spoonful of dulce de leche onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with a second cookie. Gently press together to evenly distribute the filling without breaking the cookies.

Notes

Chill properly: Chilling the dough prevents spreading and helps cookies keep their shape.
Use room temperature butter: For a creamy dough and even mixing.
Don’t overbake: Remove cookies as soon as edges lighten to keep them soft.
Uniform cookie size: Ensures the sandwiches are balanced with just the right amount of filling.
Soft dulce de leche: Warm slightly if thick to spread smoothly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Latin American