The aroma of warm cinnamon wafting through the kitchen can spark a memory from childhood—maybe it’s that beloved comfort food your grandmother made on lazy Sunday afternoons. Today, I’m excited to share my take on that nostalgic delight: Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies. These adorable cookies are perfect for indulging when you need a sweet pick-me-up or for sharing with friends over coffee. With their quick prep time and soft, chewy texture, they will quickly become a go-to treat in your home. Just imagine sinking your teeth into the warm, spiced cookies perfectly cradling a luscious layer of creamy dulce de leche. Who can resist that? Ready to whip up some delicious memories? Let’s get started!

Craving Dulce de Leche Goodness?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon and rich dulce de leche creates a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more.
Quick & Easy: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a comforting dessert on your own or serve them at gatherings as a crowd-pleaser. They pair wonderfully with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Memorable Experience: Baking these cookies fills your home with nostalgic scents, offering a moment of connection and warmth. Just like the cherished memories from your childhood!
Perfect for Sharing: These delightful sandwich cookies are ideal for sharing, whether at a tea party or simply with friends, making them a welcomed indulgence.
Try these along with our Chewy Maple Cinnamon or Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls to enhance your baking repertoire!

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Ingredients

• Gather these delightful ingredients to create your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter – Ensures a soft texture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; consider using brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Egg – Acts as a binder, adding moisture; room temperature eggs work best.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; you can swap it out for almond extract for a nutty twist.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the foundation of your cookies; can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend if desired.
Baking Soda – A leavening agent for that perfect rise; check it’s fresh for optimal results.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor; don’t skip this ingredient!

For Coating

Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon – Creates a sweet, spiced exterior; mix well for an even coating.

For the Filling

Dulce de Leche – The star of the show! Adds creamy sweetness that’s irresistible; buy canned or make your own from sweetened condensed milk for a homemade touch. Adding a bit of butter makes it spread easier.

Have fun gathering these ingredients, and get ready to create a cookie that’s not just delicious but truly unforgettable!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the perfect temperature for baking your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich cookies, ensuring they bake evenly and develop a lovely golden hue. While the oven warms up, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. This process incorporates air and creates a soft cookie texture. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture appears pale and has increased in volume, offering a delightful base for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating everything together until fully combined, which should take around 1 minute. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly. This step enhances the flavor profile of your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich cookies, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt to the mixture. Stir on low speed until the ingredients just come together to form a dough. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Avoid overmixing, as you want your cookies to remain soft and tender after baking.

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Chilling is essential as it solidifies the fat in the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This will lead to perfectly shaped Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich cookies that maintain their delightful form.

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
While the dough chills, mix together ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Stir well to combine. This cinnamon sugar will provide a sweet and spiced coating to the cookies, enhancing their overall flavor and giving them a beautiful finish once baked.

Step 7: Shape and Roll the Cookies
After chilling, using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll the dough into 16-24 equal-sized balls. Roll each ball in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated, then place them on the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Ensure they are rolled well for a delicious, flavorful crust on your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich cookies.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them; you’ll want that perfect balance of softness and slight crispiness to achieve the best texture for your cookies. The delightful aroma will soon fill your kitchen!

Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Letting them cool adequately prevents the dulce de leche filling from melting when you assemble your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich cookies, ensuring each bite retains perfect flavor and texture.

Step 10: Assemble the Sandwiches
To finish off your cookies, spread a generous layer of dulce de leche on the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie on top. Repeat with all cookies. Allow the assembled cookies to sit for about an hour. This will enable the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a decadent treat that’s sure to impress everyone!

How to Store and Freeze Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain their soft texture and prevent them from drying out.

Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they are sealed properly to avoid absorbing other flavors.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled cookies separated by layers of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: If you’d like a warm treat, reheat the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

What to Serve with Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Indulging in these cinnamon-kissed treasures invites a warm, cozy gathering, perfect for pairing with delightful accompaniments.

Fresh Brewed Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee beautifully complement the sweetness of dulce de leche, enhancing the overall experience. A warm cup alongside these cookies offers a comforting moment reminiscent of cozy cafés.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, chewy cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience.
Chai Latte: Spiced chai perfectly mirrors the cinnamon notes of the cookies, making each bite even more aromatic and flavorful while providing warmth on a chilly day.
Chocolate Milk: The rich sweetness of chocolate milk pairs wonderfully with the cookies, making for a fun and nostalgic treat, especially for the kids!
Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad brings in vibrant flavors and textures, helping to balance the cookies’ richness while offering a splash of color to the table.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream turns these cookies into an elevated dessert perfect for special occasions or a sweet afternoon treat.

These delightful options will ensure your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich cookies are the star of the show, inviting smiles and heartfelt moments at any gathering!

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are perfect for meal prep savers! You can chill the cookie dough for up to 24 hours in advance, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its quality. If you’d like to prep even further, form the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time when using frozen dough. Additionally, you can bake the cookies unfilled and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days before adding the dulce de leche filling. When it’s time to enjoy, simply spread the dulce de leche between the cooled cookies, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-share treats with minimal fuss!

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Variations

Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on these delightful cookies! The possibilities are endless.

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat that everyone can savor.
Nutty Variation: Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for added crunch and flavor. The nuttiness pairs beautifully with the sweet filling!
Spice It Up: Swap cinnamon for other warm spices like nutmeg or ginger to explore new flavor profiles. Each spice brings its own unique warmth to the cookies!
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cookie sandwiches for an indulgent twist. The chocolate adds richness to the already sweet treat.
Maple Sweetness: Replace dulce de leche with maple syrup for a unique, fluffy filling that surprises and delights. It’s a lovely change for maple enthusiasts.
Creamy and Dreamy: Add a dollop of whipped cream beneath the dulce de leche for a light and airy surprise in each bite. It complements the richness of the filling beautifully.
Peppermint Twist: During the holidays, mix in crushed peppermint candies with the filling for a festive flavor upgrade. It’s a fun way to celebrate!
Mini Cookie Version: Create mini cookies for a bite-sized treat. Adjust baking time and enjoy these sweet morsels with a cup of tea or coffee!

As you explore these variations, consider pairing these cookies with our delightful Chewy Maple Cinnamon or Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls for an exciting dessert spread!

Expert Tips for Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Proper Butter Temperature: Use softened butter, not melted, for the right texture during creaming. This ensures your cookies are soft and chewy.
Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling step. Chilling the dough for at least 15 minutes is crucial to prevent excessive spreading while baking your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich cookies.
Rolling Technique: Coat each dough ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This ensures a deliciously spiced exterior on every cookie.
Cooling Before Filling: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding dulce de leche. This prevents melting and ensures the sandwiched cookies maintain their shape.
Flavor Variations: For an extra twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for added depth in your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich cookies.

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of butter should I use for the cookies?
I recommend using unsalted butter that’s softened to room temperature. This allows for proper creaming with the sugar, resulting in the softest texture for your Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies.

How long can I store the cookies, and what is the best method?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze the assembled cookies with layers of parchment paper for up to 3 months. This keeps them fresh and maintains their delightful texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled dough balls. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a minute or two to the baking time when they’re frozen.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is a bit too sticky to roll, don’t worry! Simply refrigerate it for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to handle. Rolling it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture will also help add texture and flavor.

Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
These Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies contain common allergens like butter, eggs, and flour. Always be cautious if you’re sharing with someone who has allergies, and keep in mind that they should never be given to pets, especially chocolate, which can be toxic.

What can I substitute for dulce de leche?
If you’re looking to try something different, consider using maple syrup as a twist instead of dulce de leche. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version by cooking sweetened condensed milk over low heat until it caramelizes. Just be sure to add a bit of butter for easier spreading!