Dulce De Leche Cookies

Dulce de leche cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche with a soft, chewy cookie base. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack. The combination of ingredients creates a comforting, nostalgic flavor profile that evokes memories of cozy kitchens and warm desserts. If you’re a fan of sweet treats, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why Dulce De Leche Cookies is Worth Your Time

Dulce de leche cookies are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile. The creamy, caramel flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients, making them suitable for different taste preferences. Their soft texture and sweet aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. Additionally, the recipe is simple enough for novice bakers while still offering the depth and richness that experienced bakers crave. Plus, who can resist the allure of a warm cookie fresh out of the oven, filled with gooey, caramel goodness?

Your Shopping Guide

To whip up these delightful dulce de leche cookies, you’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 26 ounces Nestle La Lechera dulce de leche caramel (or a large jar of Nutella)
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Make sure to check your pantry for these ingredients before heading to the store!

Toolbox for This Recipe

Before you start baking, it’s helpful to have the right tools on hand. Here are some essentials you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
• Electric mixer – for creaming the butter and sugar.
• Baking sheets – where you’ll place the cookie dough.
• Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon – for portioning the dough evenly.
• Cooling rack – to cool your cookies after baking.

With these tools, you’ll be ready to create your delicious dulce de leche cookies.

From Start to Finish: Dulce De Leche Cookies

Baking dulce de leche cookies is an enjoyable experience from start to finish. Follow these steps to achieve cookie perfection:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden color.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 4 sticks of unsalted butter and 1 1/3 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt

Next, mix in 1 1/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step adds depth to the flavor of your cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 6: Add the Dulce de Leche

With your thumb, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. Fill the indentation with approximately 1 teaspoon of Nestle La Lechera dulce de leche. You can also use Nutella if you prefer a chocolate twist.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before placing your cookies in the oven, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top of each cookie. This adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows them to firm up slightly before you indulge.

Smart Substitutions

If you need to make some adjustments to the recipe, consider these substitutions:

• For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter.
• Granulated sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
• Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
• All-purpose flour can be substituted with a gluten-free blend if necessary.

Feel free to get creative with these substitutions while keeping the essence of the dulce de leche cookies intact.

Learn from These Mistakes

Baking can sometimes lead to mishaps, but learning from them is all part of the process. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not using room temperature butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, leading to dense cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: This can result in tough cookies instead of the desired soft texture.
• Skipping the sea salt: A little sprinkle enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Not preheating the oven: This can cause uneven baking and affect the texture.

By being mindful of these potential pitfalls, you can enhance your baking experience and enjoy perfect dulce de leche cookies.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Once you’ve made your dulce de leche cookies, you’ll want to know how to store them to maintain their freshness. Here are some tips:

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, freeze the dough before baking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• To reheat, pop cookies in a microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

These storage tips will help you make the most of your delicious dulce de leche cookies.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels overly sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.

Can I use homemade dulce de leche?

Yes! Homemade dulce de leche can add a personal touch and enhance the flavor of your cookies. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold its shape in the cookie.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

If you enjoy dulce de leche cookies, you may also love these recipes:

That’s a Wrap

Dulce de leche cookies are a heavenly treat that combines the richness of caramel with the comforting goodness of freshly baked cookies. They are simple to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, these cookies are truly a delightful indulgence that will leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible dulce de leche cookies!