If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that combines buttery, tender shortbread with a luscious, caramel-like filling, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe. These delightful sandwich cookies feature a lightly spiced dough studded with ground almonds and accented by a hint of lemon zest, creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The real showstopper is, of course, the luscious dulce de leche nestling sweetly between each cookie pair, dusted generously with powdered sugar for that classic look and extra touch of sweetness. They’re as charming as they are delicious, perfect for holiday gifting, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to something magical in your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from the buttery richness giving the cookies their tender crumb to the ground almonds adding a subtle texture and nutty flavor. The hint of cinnamon and lemon zest elevates the dough with warm and fresh notes that perfectly complement the caramel filling.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and subtle spice that pairs beautifully with dulce de leche.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the filling.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and adds a lovely aroma.
- 1/3 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour): Provides a delightful nuttiness and texture contrast.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional): Brightens the dough with fresh citrus notes.
- ½ cup dulce de leche: The luscious, caramel-like filling that makes these cookies truly special.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Adds a pretty finish and an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and clean-up is a breeze. Parchment keeps the cookies from sticking, which means perfect shapes every time.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cinnamon, and salt. Separately, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—that fluffy texture will make your cookies tender. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until you have a smooth dough. Don’t forget to stir in the ground almonds and optional lemon zest, which add delightful texture and freshness to your dough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll out and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one disc of the dough to about a ¼-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out as many cookies as you can, placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Then, cut out smaller circles from half of the cookies—these will be the tops of your cookie sandwiches, showing off the beautiful caramel filling.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake your Linzer cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges turn a gentle golden brown. It’s important not to overbake so they stay tender and buttery. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes and then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.
Step 6: Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches
Spread about a teaspoon of dulce de leche onto the whole cookies, then gently press one of the cutout–center cookies on top to form a sandwich. This luscious filling oozes just a bit around the edges, making for a stunning presentation and a perfect bite every time.
Step 7: Finish with a Dusting
Finally, dust the tops generously with powdered sugar. This not only adds a pretty snowy finish but also balances the rich sweetness of the dulce de leche with a delicate touch of lightness.
How to Serve Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic powdered sugar dusting is beautiful, you can also sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or finely chopped toasted almonds on top for a little extra flair. A light drizzle of melted chocolate over some cookies adds a decadent visual and taste boost, making them perfect for special gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like chai tea, coffee, or a creamy latte, enhancing the cinnamon and caramel flavors. For an indulgent experience, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small cup of hot chocolate for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies on a bright, patterned platter for a festive touch. Layering them between parchment paper in a beautiful box makes a heartfelt homemade gift. You could also add edible flowers or fresh berries to your serving platter for a charming, vibrant display that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies stay fresh and crisp, while the dulce de leche filling remains smooth and creamy without making the cookies soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies (without assembling) in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and assemble the sandwiches fresh for the best texture.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you want to warm them slightly, briefly heat in a low oven (about 275°F / 135°C) for 3–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies too soft and the dulce de leche overly runny.
FAQs
Can I make the dulce de leche from scratch?
Absolutely! While store-bought dulce de leche is convenient, making your own by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk results in a rich, creamy filling with a homemade touch. Just allow plenty of time for simmering and cooling.
What if I’m allergic to nuts? Can I skip the almonds?
You can omit the ground almonds, but know that the texture and subtle nuttiness will be missing. To compensate, consider adding a teaspoon of extra flour or finely ground oats to maintain the dough’s structure.
Why do some Linzer cookies have a lemon zest?
Lemon zest adds a fresh, bright note that balances the sweetness and richness of the cookie dough and dulce de leche filling. It’s optional, but I highly recommend trying it for a delightful twist that lifts the overall flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking when rolling out?
Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin, and if the dough gets too soft or sticky, return it to the fridge to chill for a little longer. Working with cold dough ensures clean cookie edges and easy handling.
Can I use other fillings instead of dulce de leche?
Definitely! Linzer cookies are very versatile. Try raspberry jam, chocolate ganache, or even lemon curd for different flavor profiles. However, this Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe truly shines with its signature caramel filling.
Final Thoughts
Ready to wow your friends and family with a cookie that’s both beautiful and bursting with flavor? This Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe is a charming and indulgent treat that’s surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a go, and watch how these elegant cookies quickly become one of your favorite go-to sweet treats!
Print
Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies, featuring tender, cinnamon-infused almond cookies sandwiched with creamy dulce de leche. A perfect treat dusted with powdered sugar, ideal for parties or a sweet everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
For the Filling and Finishing
- ½ cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form the dough, then fold in ground almonds and lemon zest if using.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This firms the dough, making it easier to roll and cut.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut cookies and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets. For half the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out a center hole—these will serve as the tops of the sandwich cookies.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble the Cookies: Once cooled, spread about one teaspoon of dulce de leche onto the solid cookies (the bottom halves). Gently place the cookies with the center hole on top, forming sandwiches.
- Finish: Lightly dust the assembled cookie sandwiches with powdered sugar for an elegant finish before serving.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dough thoroughly; this prevents spreading during baking and helps maintain cookie shape.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a subtle brightness that complements the cinnamon and dulce de leche.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These cookies can be made ahead and assembled the next day.
- Substitute almond flour with finely ground almonds for texture variation.
