These Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Linzer cookie, filled with the rich, creamy goodness of dulce de leche. With their tender, buttery texture and sweet caramel filling, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. They’re perfect for the holidays, a special occasion, or just whenever you need a little indulgence. If you’re a fan of buttery cookies and caramel, then this treat is definitely for you!
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Why You’ll Love Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies
- Buttery and Melt-in-Your-Mouth: The shortbread-like dough is rich and crumbly, with just the right amount of sweetness. It melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with the smooth, luscious dulce de leche.
- Simple Yet Elegant: These cookies have a homemade charm, with their cut-out shapes and sweet filling. They’re fancy enough for holiday cookie platters or a tea party, but easy enough to make at home.
- Dulce de Leche Goodness: The dulce de leche filling is the star here—smooth, creamy, and a little bit caramelized. It adds the perfect contrast to the delicate cookies.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make a lovely gift for loved ones. Pack them in a cute box or jar, and you’ve got a sweet treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice flavor)
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough hold its shape while baking.
Roll and Cut the Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut Out Shapes: Use a cookie cutter to cut out rounds (about 2-3 inches in diameter). For half of the cookies, use a cutter to cut out a small circle in the center (this will create the “window” for the dulce de leche filling).
- Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before assembling.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Fill with Dulce de Leche: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a spoonful of dulce de leche on the flat side of the whole cookies. Place the cookies with the cut-out centers on top, pressing gently to sandwich the filling.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are assembled, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are best served with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. They also store well, so you can make them ahead and keep them in an airtight container.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Tips for the Perfect Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Customize the Filling: While dulce de leche is a classic choice, you can experiment with other fillings like raspberry jam or Nutella for a fun twist.
- Store Properly: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well—just layer them with parchment paper and keep them in a sealed bag or container.
- Cut Out Shapes: If you don’t have a traditional Linzer cookie cutter, use any round or heart-shaped cutter. Just make sure to have one with a center cut-out for the top cookie.
How to Serve
These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a festive holiday celebration, a sweet treat to share with friends, or a gift for someone special. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or a glass of milk.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, chill it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies ahead and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
Q: Can I use homemade dulce de leche?
A: Yes, homemade dulce de leche will work beautifully. Just make sure it’s smooth and spreadable before using it as a filling.
Q: Can I make the dough without a mixer?
A: Yes! You can mix the dough by hand using a spoon or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter and sugar until the dough comes together.
Q: Can I freeze the cookies?
A: Yes! You can freeze the assembled cookies or freeze the baked cookies without the filling, then fill them with dulce de leche once thawed. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from getting freezer burn.
These Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies are the perfect balance of buttery, crispy cookies and creamy, sweet filling. I hope you give them a try and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to these delicious treats! Enjoy!
Print
Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Elevate your holiday baking with these Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies! These lightly spiced, buttery cookies are filled with rich dulce de leche, making them the ultimate Christmas treat. Perfect for gifting or serving at festive gatherings!
Ingredients
-
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup (110g) granulated sugar
-
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 large egg yolk
-
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1 cup (147g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup (100g) almond flour
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/3 cup dulce de leche
-
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
-
Make the cookie dough:
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter, sugar, and cinnamon on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides occasionally.
Add egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined, about 1 minute.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix briefly until just incorporated. -
Chill the dough:
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 5 days. -
Roll the dough:
Roll out one disc between two pieces of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thick.
Using a Linzer cutter or a 2-inch round cutter, cut 12 rounds for the bottoms.
Transfer the bottom cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Gather the dough scraps, roll out, and cut more cookies. -
Cut the tops:
Roll out the second disc and use the Linzer cutter with the insert or a 2-inch round cutter with a 1-inch cutter for the center.
Place these top cookies on another lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes. -
Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for at least 15 minutes. -
Bake the cookies:
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. -
Dust the cookies:
Dust the top cookies with confectioners’ sugar. -
Fill with dulce de leche:
Turn the bottom cookies flat side up and spread about 1 teaspoon of dulce de leche in the center.
Top with the dusted top cookies and serve!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg