Dulce De Leche Cookies
If you’re in search of a cookie that perfectly balances rich sweetness with a hint of saltiness, look no further than these delectable Dulce De Leche Cookies. With a soft and chewy texture, and a luscious center filled with creamy dulce de leche, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies will impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.
Why It Works Every Time
The magic behind these Dulce De Leche Cookies comes from the combination of quality ingredients and precise techniques. The unsalted butter provides a rich base, while the sugar creates a delightful sweetness. The addition of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, and the generous amount of all-purpose flour ensures a sturdy yet tender cookie. The key ingredient, dulce de leche, adds a creamy, caramel-like center that melts in your mouth. The sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top balances the sweetness, making each bite a delightful experience.
Shopping List
- 4 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons pure 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
Setup & Equipment
- Large mixing bowl – for combining butter and sugar.
- Electric mixer – for easy blending of ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurements.
- Baking sheets – for baking the cookies.
- Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Cookie scooper or spoon – for portioning the cookie dough.
- Cooling rack – for letting the cookies cool properly.
Dulce De Leche Cookies, Made Easy
Step 1: 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. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cookie.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add 1 1/4 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add in the 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that holds its shape.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to scoop and ensuring your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scooper or a spoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
Step 7: Create a Well for the Dulce de Leche
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small well in the center of each cookie dough ball. This is where the dulce de leche will go.
Step 8: Fill with Dulce de Leche
Spoon a small amount of the Nestle La Lechera Dulce de Leche into each well. Be careful not to overfill, as the dulce de leche will spread during baking.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top of each cookie before placing them in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy these warm or store them for later!
Better Choices & Swaps
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
- If you prefer chocolate, feel free to use Nutella instead of dulce de leche.
- For added texture, mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough.
Mistakes That Ruin Dulce De Leche Cookies
Even the most experienced bakers can run into issues when making Dulce De Leche Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Not using room temperature butter can result in a dense cookie.
- Skipping the chilling step can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not measuring the flour correctly can throw off the cookie’s texture.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
These Dulce De Leche Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily store them for future cravings. Here are some tips:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Ask the Chef
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you do use salted butter, omit the additional salt in the recipe.
How can I make these cookies more chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, try reducing the amount of flour slightly or adding an extra egg yolk to the dough. This will give the cookies a softer center and a chewier bite.
Is it possible to make these cookies without dulce de leche?
Absolutely! You can substitute the dulce de leche with chocolate ganache or Nutella for a different flavor profile while keeping the cookie base the same.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or chunks into the dough before scooping it onto the baking sheet for an extra indulgent treat.
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The Takeaway
In conclusion, these Dulce De Leche Cookies are not only a delightful treat but also a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste. With the perfect balance of sweet and salty, they are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or a comforting indulgence for yourself. The next time you’re looking for a cookie recipe that will impress and satisfy, remember these Dulce De Leche Cookies. Happy baking!
Dulce De Leche Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add vanilla and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Create a well in the center of each dough ball using your thumb.
- Fill each well with dulce de leche.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Consider adding chopped nuts for added texture.
