Name: Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies for Cozy Indulgence
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 41 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened; use vegan butter for dairy-free option.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Substitutable with coconut sugar for lower glycemic index.); 1 large Egg (Can replace with egg replacer for vegan alternative.); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Almond extract can be used for a nutty twist.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitutable with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; ½ teaspoon Salt; ½ cup Granulated Sugar; 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon; 1 tablespoon Butter (For filling.); 1 can (13.4 oz) Dulce de Leche

There’s a magical aroma that fills the kitchen when cinnamon meets sweetness, and today, I’m inviting you to indulge in that bliss with my Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies. Just imagine biting into a cookie that embodies cozy moments—warm, buttery, and embraced by a rich dulce de leche filling. The best part? These delectable treats come together in just 26 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or a sweet escape on a quiet evening. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—choose your favorite fillings or adapt them for gluten-free friends. Who wouldn’t want to experience such quick and enjoyable baking? Are you ready to capture this delightful moment in your kitchen?

Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try?

Quick and Easy: These Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies come together in just 26 minutes, perfect for whipping up a sweet treat on short notice.

Endless Creativity: With options like Nutella or fruit preserves as fillings, you can easily customize each batch to suit your mood.

Comforting Flavor: The rich dulce de leche and warm cinnamon create a nostalgic sensation that feels like a cozy hug.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a casual coffee date, or a quiet night in, these cookies are sure to impress.

Gluten-Free Friendly: With a simple swap to a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, everyone can enjoy these delightful morsels!

For those looking for more cozy goodness, check out my popular Cinnamon Roll Cookies or indulge in Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting!

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Ingredients

• Dive into the sweet world of Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies with these essential ingredients!

For the Cookies

Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich and creamy base.
Substitution: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and balances flavor perfectly.
Substitution: Coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Large Egg – Binds ingredients for moisture and structure.
Substitution: Egg replacer for a vegan alternative.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor profile beautifully.
Substitution: Almond extract for a nutty twist.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structure of the cookie.
Substitution: 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Baking Soda – Leavens the cookies for a soft chew.
Salt – Amplifies sweetness and flavor complexity.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

Granulated Sugar – Adds a crunchy layer to the cookies.
Ground Cinnamon – Infuses flavor and aroma, making every bite delightful.

For the Filling

Butter (for filling) – Creates a creamy texture for the filling.
Dulce de Leche – Provides the gooey, sweet center that everyone loves.

Embrace the warmth of the kitchen with these ingredients, and get ready to create your very own Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is essential for incorporating air, which will create tender cookies.

Step 2: Add Egg & Vanilla
Next, add 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth, which should take about 1-2 minutes. You’ll notice a lovely, creamy consistency that will enhance the flavor of your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are just incorporated and a soft dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cookie texture.

Step 4: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Chilling will firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar
While the dough chills, mix together ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This fragrant blend will coat the cookies before baking, giving them a delightful sweet crunch and enhancing their warm cinnamon flavor.

Step 6: Form Dough Balls
After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and scoop out portions, rolling them into 16-24 uniform balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated. The contrasting textures between the crunchy sugar coating and soft cookie will add to the irresistible quality of your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.

Step 7: Transfer & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set yet soft.

Step 8: Sprinkle Sugar
As soon as you pull the cookies from the oven, dust them lightly with any leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm. This extra layer of sweetness not only enhances the flavor but also creates a delightful presentation for your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.

Step 9: Make Filling
While the cookies cool, prepare the filling by melting 1 tablespoon of butter and mixing it with 1 can (13.4 oz) of dulce de leche. Stir until you have a smooth, creamy filling, perfect for bringing together the sandwiches.

Step 10: Assemble Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of the dulce de leche mixture onto the bottom side of one cookie. Gently place another cookie on top, pressing down slightly to create a delicious sandwich.

Step 11: Rest
Allow the assembled Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies to sit at room temperature for at least an hour. This resting period lets the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring each bite is filled with the comforting essence of cinnamon and caramel.

What to Serve with Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Elevate your cookie experience with delightful pairings that enhance the warm, cozy flavors of these treats.

Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich notes of coffee perfectly complement the sweet caramel flavors, creating a balanced treat that awakens your senses.
Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a cup of creamy hot cocoa. The chocolatey richness enhances the cinnamon and caramel notes, making each bite feel even more indulgent.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce adds a lovely creamy contrast to the chewy cookies. The cold temperature and smooth texture create a delightful harmony.
Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai highlight the warm cinnamon in the cookies, crafting a comforting duo that feels like a warm hug.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed fruit brings a bright, natural sweetness that cuts through the richness of dulce de leche, making for a delightful contrast.
Milk: Whether it’s classic cow’s milk or a creamy nut milk, the cool, refreshing drink is the ultimate dip for cookies, softening them just enough to enhance every mouthful of flavor.

For a full experience, pair your sweet treats with a cozy gathering of loved ones, and let the delicious memories unfold!

Expert Tips for Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted, which is crucial for achieving that light, fluffy texture in the cookies.
Chill Time: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, allowing them to maintain their shape and stay soft inside.
Baking Watch: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake; they should have golden edges but still look slightly underbaked in the center for the best chewy texture.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Don’t be shy with the cinnamon-sugar coating! Rolling the dough balls generously will create a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor of your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.
Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Nutella, fruit preserves, or even a spiced cream cheese frosting can give your cookies a unique twist while keeping the essence of comfort.

Storage Tips for Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and delightful flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to airtight bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This will refresh the chewy center of your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.

Separation: If you’re stacking cookies for storage, place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking and keep the filling intact.

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor these cookies to your liking with some delicious twists!

Nutella Swap: Replace dulce de leche with Nutella for a rich chocolatey flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!
Gluten-Free Options: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivity; no one will miss the wheat!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a surprising heat that compliments the sweetness beautifully.
Fruity Center: Swap out dulce de leche for raspberry jam or lemon curd for a refreshing, tangy filling that balances the cookie’s sweetness.
Coconut Delight: Mix shredded coconut into the dulce de leche for a tropical flair that adds texture and flavor.
Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the butter filling for a bright, citrusy twist that elevates each bite.
Peanut Butter Option: Use creamy peanut butter in place of dulce de leche to create an indulgent, nutty variation that’s wonderfully delicious.

For more delightful sweet recipes, why not take a look at my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting or try your hand at some Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins? They’ll inspire more baking adventures!

Make Ahead Options

These Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just mix the ingredients, form the balls, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; simply wait to add the dulce de leche filling until just before serving to keep it fresh and gooey. To ensure each bite remains as delightful as the first, avoid stacking the cookies until assembled and enjoy them warm for a cozy treat.

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting ingredients?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, ensure your unsalted butter is softened but not melted—this is key for fluffy cookies. Choose fresh eggs, and look for a can of dulce de leche that has a smooth texture and a rich color, avoiding any that show signs of separation or dark spots.

How should I store these cookies after baking?
To keep your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain their chewy texture and delightful flavor. If you want to keep them longer, they’re freezer-friendly, too! Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze these cookies for later?
Very! To freeze your cookies, first set them on a baking sheet so they’re not touching and freeze them until solid, usually about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer, or you can gently reheat them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If this happens, don’t worry—just remember a few crucial steps for next time! Make sure your butter is fully softened, not melted. Chilling the dough is crucial; it helps the cookies maintain shape during baking. Lastly, be cautious not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to excessive spreading, resulting in flatter cookies instead of soft, pillowy treats.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Certainly! For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make these Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you’re making them vegan, swap out the butter for vegan butter and use an egg replacer. Always check your dulce de leche for allergens if you’re serving to others, as some brands contain milk and may not be suitable for lactose-sensitive individuals or those with dairy allergies.

How do I know if my cookies are perfectly baked?
To achieve the ideal texture, monitor them closely while they bake! These cookies should have golden edges while the centers look a little puffed and soft. If the centers are overly firm, your cookies may end up too dry. If you’re unsure, take them out when just set—they’ll continue to firm up a bit as they cool on the baking sheet. Enjoy your baking adventure!