If you have a soft spot for cookies that are both nostalgic and a little bit fancy, then the Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These delightful sandwich cookies are the perfect marriage of buttery, tender dough with a luscious dulce de leche filling, all dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. They offer a charming nod to classic Linzer cookies but with a deliciously creamy twist that will captivate your friends, family, and even your sweet tooth. Ready to embark on a baking adventure that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze because each one plays a star role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. Simplicity is key, but don’t underestimate how these humble staples transform into a showstopper cookie.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich, tender base and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds the ideal sweetness and aids in creaming with the butter for a light dough.
- Large egg yolk (1): Binds the dough while contributing richness without making the dough tough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm, aromatic sweetness that elevates every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy yet soft foundation for your cookies.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of spice that makes these traditional cookies uniquely comforting.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and enhances the sweetness perfectly.
- Dulce de leche (1 cup): The creamy caramel filling that makes these Linzer cookies impossible to resist.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting, lending an elegant, festive finish.
How to Make Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your dough, promising tender cookies that aren’t dense or heavy. The transformation here is magical and satisfying to watch.
Step 2: Adding Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Next, stir in one large egg yolk and the vanilla extract. These ingredients deepen the flavor and help hold your dough together. Be sure to mix just until combined so you keep the dough tender.
Step 3: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the spices and salt are evenly distributed for every bite. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet, folding gently until the dough forms but still remains soft and manageable.
Step 4: Chilling the Dough
Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour. This chilling step is key to firming the dough so it rolls out smoothly without sticking or tearing, making cutting your cookies a joy rather than a challenge.
Step 5: Rolling and Cutting
Once chilled, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about one-eighth inch thick. Using a round or fluted cookie cutter, cut out an even number of cookies. On half of them, cut a smaller shape or window in the center to let the dulce de leche peek through once assembled. This window is part of what makes these cookies so charming!
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Arrange your cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. You want them just turning golden at the edges—this ensures a delicate, slightly crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 7: Assembling the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely. Then, spread about one teaspoon of dulce de leche on the whole cookie bases and top with the matching windowed cookies. Finish by dusting generously with powdered sugar for that snowy, festive look that feels like a warm hug.
How to Serve Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While powdered sugar is the classic choice, consider adding a touch of finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts around the edges for an extra dimension of texture and flavor. A light drizzle of melted chocolate can also elevate their festive appeal, perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a subtly spiced chai tea. The coffee’s bitterness cuts through the caramel’s sweetness, while chai brings out the cinnamon’s warmth. For a truly indulgent experience, try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties or gift-giving, stack the cookies tied with a rustic ribbon in a decorative box. Alternatively, arrange them on a pretty plate with fresh berries and edible flowers for a stunning dessert table centerpiece. There’s something so delightful about the peekaboo window filled with dulce de leche—it makes every presentation feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your assembled Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This allows the cookies to remain soft and the filling to stay creamy without drying out—a perfect balance for enjoying them fresh.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare the cookies ahead of time, freeze the unfilled cookie rounds and the windowed tops separately in freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Thaw fully before assembling with the dulce de leche to ensure the best texture and taste.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly warm treat, gently warm them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the cookies too soft or the filling runny.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works wonderfully and saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure to choose a good-quality brand for the best results.
What if I don’t have ground cinnamon?
If you’re out of cinnamon, you can omit it entirely or substitute with a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to add a different warm spice note. The cookies will still be delicious!
How thick should I roll the dough?
Rolling the dough to about one-eighth inch thickness ensures the cookies bake evenly and have a tender bite without being too fragile. Thicker dough can produce denser cookies, while thinner can lead to crispiness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may vary slightly but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the butter, making the dough easier to roll and cut precisely. It also helps to prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped, tender cookies.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe—it’s a beautiful balance of tradition, flavor, and that irresistible caramel charm. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to brighten a regular day, these cookies promise smiles all around. Give them a try, and soon they’ll be a cherished part of your baking repertoire too!
Print
Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies are buttery, tender sandwich cookies filled with rich, caramel-like dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar. A delightful treat perfect for holidays or special occasions, combining the classic Linzer cookie concept with a creamy dulce de leche filling for an irresistible flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Finishing
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract thoroughly until well combined, which adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure the spices and salt are evenly distributed.
- Combine Ingredients to Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each portion into discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier rolling.
- Prep Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc at a time to about 1/8-inch thickness, making sure the dough is neither too thick nor too thin for perfect cookies.
- Cut Cookies: Use a round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out an even number of cookies. For half of them, cut a small window shape in the center to create the classic Linzer look.
- Bake Cookies: Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly, and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely, preventing melting of the filling.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread about 1 teaspoon of dulce de leche on the bottom halves of the cookies. Then gently top each with a windowed cookie to form a sandwich.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the assembled cookie sandwiches with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and a festive finish before serving.
Notes
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.
- Refrigerate to extend their freshness if keeping longer than 3 days.
- You can use either store-bought or homemade dulce de leche depending on your preference and availability.
- Rolling the dough to consistent thickness is key for even baking, so use rolling pin guides if available.
- For an extra festive touch, try cutting the windows in different shapes like hearts or stars.
