Picture this: two delicate, buttery cookies sandwiched together with rich, creamy dulce de leche. Sounds like heaven, right? That’s exactly what these Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies are—a bite-sized piece of bliss that’ll make you feel like you’re indulging in something fancy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are the perfect treat. Trust me, they’re a game-changer. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about baking cookies—it’s about creating something that feels special. These delicate cookies are filled with luscious dulce de leche, making them a perfect indulgence for any sweet tooth. Here’s why you’re going to love them:
Versatile: These cookies make the perfect treat for any occasion—from holiday parties to afternoon tea. You can even swap the dulce de leche for raspberry jam or Nutella if you’re feeling adventurous.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients for these cookies. A few pantry staples, like butter, sugar, and flour, and you’ve got yourself a batch of these irresistible cookies.
Quick and Easy: Once you’ve made the dough, it’s all about rolling, cutting, and baking. These cookies are easy to make, yet they look like they came straight from a bakery.
Customizable: You can get creative with the filling—try using fruit preserves or even chocolate ganache for a different twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are a guaranteed hit. They’re buttery, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in minutes.
Ingredients in Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these deliciously sweet cookies:
Butter: The base for these cookies. It gives them that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and a little crunch to the cookie dough.
Flour: The main structure of the cookies. You’ll want to use all-purpose flour for the perfect texture.
Almond Flour (Optional): This adds a nutty flavor and makes the cookies extra tender.
Egg Yolk: This helps bind the dough and adds richness to the flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A little splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the dough.
Dulce de Leche: The star of the show! This creamy caramel-like filling is what makes these cookies irresistible.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get baking and create these buttery, dulce de leche-filled cookies:
Prepare Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour (and almond flour if using) and stir until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes in the fridge.
Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles, then use a smaller cutter to cut a hole in the center of half of the circles. These will be the tops of your cookies.
Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie dough circles on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will be delicate, so handle them carefully once they cool.
Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the flat side of each whole cookie. Then, gently place the cookies with holes on top, pressing down slightly to sandwich them together.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: For that final touch, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these sweet, buttery cookies at your next gathering or enjoy them with a cup of coffee for a sweet treat any time of day.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
How to Serve Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies
These cookies are perfect for any occasion! Here are a few ideas for serving them:
Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate afternoon treat.
Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Bring them to your next holiday party or gathering—these cookies will be the star of the show!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
If you find the dough too soft to roll, chill it for 20-30 minutes in the fridge to firm it up.
For a fun twist, you can replace the dulce de leche with raspberry jam or strawberry preserves.
Make sure to bake the cookies until they’re golden around the edges, but don’t let them brown too much.
Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of flour?
You can substitute almond flour for a nutty flavor, but all-purpose flour is best for the dough’s texture.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking or freeze the assembled cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!
4. How do I make my cookies more buttery?
Use a good quality unsalted butter for the best flavor, and let it soften before mixing to ensure even blending.
5. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and freeze it, or bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for a few days.
6. Can I use something other than dulce de leche for the filling?
Of course! Try using fruit preserves, chocolate ganache, or Nutella for a fun variation.
7. Do I need to chill the dough?
If the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes will make it easier to handle.
8. How can I make the cookies more festive?
You can decorate the tops with colorful sprinkles or drizzle them with melted chocolate for a more festive look.
9. Are these cookies gluten-free?
These cookies are not gluten-free as they contain all-purpose flour, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
10. Can I use powdered sugar in the dough instead of granulated sugar?
Powdered sugar won’t work as well in the dough, so stick with granulated sugar for the right texture.
Conclusion
Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery goodness and sweet, caramel-filled indulgence. These cookies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite—and trust me, once they try them, they won’t be able to stop at just one. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself (and your friends) to this delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookie recipe. Enjoy!
Print
Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies
- Prep Time: 25min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Total Time: 2hr20min
- Yield: 12cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Austrian treat. Featuring buttery, lightly spiced cookies filled with rich, caramel-like dulce de leche, they make an irresistible addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
– 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup (110g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (147g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (100g) almond flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/3 cup (80g) dulce de leche
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out cookies. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to remove the center, creating a window.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and refrigerate for 15 minutes to prevent spreading.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the top (window) cookies with confectioners’ sugar. Spread about 1 teaspoon of dulce de leche onto the bottom cookies, then sandwich with the sugared tops.
Notes
– If almond flour is unavailable, substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
– Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
– For a festive touch, use cookie cutters in various shapes like hearts or stars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg