Name: Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies for Cozy Moments
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 41 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 cup Cinnamon Sugar (for rolling); 1/4 cup Butter (melted); 1 cup Dulce de Leche (store-bought or homemade)

As I stood in my kitchen, the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon filled the air, instantly transporting me to my childhood. These Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are my go-to for cozy gatherings or those quiet moments when I simply crave something sweet. Not only do they come together quickly with simple pantry staples, but they also deliver a delightful mix of textures—with a soft, chewy cookie that hugs a rich, creamy dulce de leche filling. You’ll find that they are a family-friendly treat, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Curious how this comforting recipe can bring a touch of nostalgia to your dessert table? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Adore These Cookies

Comforting Indulgence: The Dulce de Leche filling is a sweet hug in every bite, delivering rich, melt-in-your-mouth joy.

Quick & Easy: Made from pantry staples, these cookies come together in no time, perfect for last-minute cravings!

Family-Friendly Fun: Everyone will love lending a hand in making these delightful sandwich cookies, making them a great family activity.

Irresistible Flavor: The warm cinnamon paired with the caramel-like filling creates an unforgettable taste experience that’s sure to delight.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving these at a gathering or enjoying them with your morning coffee, they are versatile enough to fit any moment.

Feeling adventurous? Try them alongside a warm cup of coffee for a delightful experience, or sample with Cinnamon Rolls Homemade for a sweet breakfast treat!

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
Unsalted Butter – This brings richness and moisture to your cookies; use it softened for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar – It adds sweetness and a lovely texture to the cookies.
Large Egg – This binds the ingredients and enhances the cookie structure.
Vanilla Extract – A splash adds depth to the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – It forms the cookie structure; you can swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for that perfect softness.
Salt – Helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Cinnamon Sugar – Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for rolling; it creates a sweet, spiced outer crust.
For the Filling
Butter – Melted into the dulce de leche to add silkiness, making it easier to spread.
Dulce de Leche – This rich, caramel-like filling is key to the recipe; you can go for store-bought for convenience or make it from scratch.

These Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a cozy memory waiting to happen. Happy baking!

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

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture is fluffy and light. Next, beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients—2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt—mixing until a dough forms.

Step 2: Chill Dough
Once your dough is ready, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for helping the dough firm up, thus preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. While waiting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the perfect baking environment for your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.

Step 3: Coat Dough Balls
After chilling, take tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls between your hands. In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated evenly—this adds a delightful sweetness and spice to each cookie!

Step 4: Bake Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. You want a slight puff but not a dry bake. Once done, remove them and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Step 5: Cool
Carefully transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process ensures the cookies harden slightly while retaining their soft, chewy texture. It’s important to wait until they’re cooled before moving to the filling stage, as warm cookies could melt the dulce de leche.

Step 6: Prepare Filling
To create the luscious filling, take 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and melt it in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix in 1 cup of dulce de leche until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This step is key for a silky filling that spreads nicely between the cookies.

Step 7: Assemble Sandwiches
Take one cooled cookie and generously spread a layer of the dulce de leche filling on the flat side. Top it with another cookie, pressing gently to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies. For the best experience, let the assembled sandwiches rest for about 1 hour so the flavors meld beautifully.

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and personalize these cookies to your taste—there’s so much delicious fun to be had!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; it will yield delightful results!
Chocolate Twist: Replace dulce de leche with chocolate ganache for a rich chocolatey filling. It’s a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Peanut Butter Love: Swap dulce de leche for creamy peanut butter to add a nutty flavor and make it a peanut butter sandwich cookie delight.
Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar for a warm, spicy flavor kick that tantalizes your taste buds!
Fruity Filling: Try using fruit preserves, like raspberry or strawberry, instead of dulce de leche for a refreshing fruity surprise in every bite.
Add Some Zing: A dash of orange or lemon zest in the filling brings a bright citrus note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the assembled cookies before serving, elevating them to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Looking for more sweet treat inspiration? Don’t forget to check out these delightful recipes: Cinnamon Rolls Homemade and Cinnamon Sugar Soft. Let your imagination run wild!

Storage Tips for Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Room Temperature: Store uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain their delightful chewiness.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, keep the filled sandwiches in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days—just remember to let them warm up a bit before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sandwich cookies for up to 3 months. Ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating: If you desire a little warmth, pop the filled cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make the dulce de leche filling wonderfully gooey!

What to Serve with Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Dive into a delightful pairing experience that elevates your cookie enjoyment to a whole new level of comfort and flavor!

Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, robust notes of coffee create a perfect balance with the sweetness of the cookies. It’s like a warm hug in your cup!
Chilled Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk complements the creamy dulce de leche perfectly, softening those sweet, spice-kissed flavors. Good old-fashioned comfort!
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully against the warm cookies, creating an indulgent treat that’s simply irresistible. Imagine that creamy goodness mingling with the cookies’ textures!
Cinnamon Spiced Hot Chocolate: For a cozy twist, this rich drink adds even more warmth and comfort. The chocolate notes enhance the cookie’s cinnamon flavors splendidly.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy delights offer a contrasting texture and extra sweetness, making for an exciting cookie combination that will have everyone reaching for more!
Fruity Sorbet: A bright raspberry or mango sorbet cuts through the richness, refreshing your palate and leaving you craving just one more cookie.

Let these pairing ideas enhance your experience with Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies, creating lasting memories around the dessert table!

Expert Tips for Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Chill the Dough Properly: A well-chilled dough maintains its shape while baking, preventing overly flat cookies. Don’t skip this important step!
Roll Evenly: When rolling the dough in cinnamon-sugar, ensure each ball is thoroughly coated. Uneven coating may result in some cookies missing that delightful spice flavor.
Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool fully before adding the dulce de leche filling. Applying the filling to warm cookies can cause it to melt and ooze out.
Adjust for Texture: For a softer, creamier filling, the butter in the dulce de leche mixture is essential. It enhances spreadability while giving that luscious mouthfeel.
Experiment with Spices: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mix for an exciting flavor twist enhancing your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies experience.

Make Ahead Options

These Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Alternatively, roll the cookie balls and coat them in cinnamon-sugar; they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. For even longer prep ahead options, freeze the formed cookie dough balls and bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. When ready to serve, simply fill the cooled cookies with the rich dulce de leche filling and let them sit for about an hour for the flavors to come together beautifully. Enjoy the convenience of quick, homemade desserts whenever the craving strikes!

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for these cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, select soft, unsalted butter at room temperature to ensure it mixes well with sugar. Eggs should be fresh and at room temperature for the best binding results. Using fluffy, good-quality vanilla extract will enhance the taste, making every bite dreamy.

How should I store leftover cookies, and how long do they last?
Very! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you’re storing them in the fridge, they can last up to 5 days, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying! For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Can I freeze Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies?
Yes, you can! Wrap each sandwich cookie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring the filling back to its gooey glory.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
It happens! If you find that your dough is overly sticky, it’s often because the butter wasn’t softened enough, or it’s too warm. Try chilling it for an additional 10 minutes in the refrigerator. If it’s still sticky, you can incorporate a little extra flour, just be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the texture.

Can I make substitutions for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you want a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. For dairy-free options, consider using coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. You can also try different fillings, such as vegan caramel or fruit preserves, to cater to various dietary needs while still keeping the essence of these delightful cookies.

Are there allergens I should be aware of?
Yes, it’s essential to consider allergies! The main allergens in these cookies include butter (dairy), eggs, and gluten from the flour. If serving to guests with specific allergies or dietary preferences, make sure to clarify ingredients used, and feel free to ask about any substitutions to ensure everyone can enjoy the treat!