Name: Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp butter (for melting); 1 can (13.4 oz) dulce de leche (such as Nestlé Dulce de Lechera)

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Introduction

These Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies combine a soft cinnamon-sugar cookie with a luscious dulce de leche filling. Perfectly balanced and delightfully sweet, they’re a wonderful treat for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of a thick sandwich cookie with two crumbly, light brown layers coated in sugar crystals, holding a smooth, glossy caramel filling in the middle. The caramel layer is shiny and slightly dripping, with a rich amber color contrasting the grainy texture of the cookie layers. A woman's hand is gently holding the cookie from the bottom left corner. The background is a white marbled texture that is softly blurred, giving focus to the detailed textures of the cookie and filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp butter
1 can (13.4 oz) dulce de leche (such as Nestlé Dulce de Lechera)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing for another minute until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 4: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 5: While the dough chills, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl to create the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Step 6: Roll the chilled dough into 16 to 24 balls, depending on desired cookie size.
Step 7: Drop each dough ball into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating well, then place on a parchment- or Silpat-lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
Step 9: Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cinnamon-sugar over the warm cookies for extra flavor.
Step 10: While cookies cool, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the dulce de leche until smooth and silky.
Step 11: Once cookies are completely cool, spread dulce de leche on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another. Repeat for all cookies.
Step 12: For best results, let the assembled sandwich cookies rest for an hour to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

Chilling the dough briefly makes it easier to handle and helps cookies keep their shape.
For extra richness, beat a little cream cheese into the dulce de leche filling.
Swap the cinnamon-sugar coating for cocoa powder mixed with powdered sugar for a chocolate twist.
If dulce de leche isn’t available, caramel sauce can work as a substitute, though sweetness and texture may vary.

Storage

Store the sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week. Allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture. Reheating is not necessary.

How to Serve

A close-up view of several round sandwich cookies stacked vertically in a white rectangular tray lined with parchment paper. Each cookie has two light brown, sugar-coated textured layers with a slightly coarse surface. Between these layers is a smooth, glossy caramel-colored filling that looks soft and thick. The cookies are tightly packed together, showing a neat and uniform line of golden sugary edges. The background surface is white marble to add subtle contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cinnamon cookies and store them separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble the sandwiches with dulce de leche shortly before serving to keep the cookies from becoming too soft.

Is dulce de leche difficult to find?

Dulce de leche is available at many supermarkets, especially in the Latin foods section, or online. You can also make your own by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk, but using a store-bought can is the easiest option.