Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies

If you’ve never had Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies, get ready for a treat that will sweep you off your feet. These cookies are a delicious twist on the classic Linzer cookie, with a rich and velvety dulce de leche filling that takes them to the next level. Picture it: two delicate, buttery cookies sandwiched together with a smooth, caramel-like filling, dusted with powdered sugar to give them that perfect touch of sweetness. Trust me, once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop!

Perfect for the holidays, as a gift, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. With their irresistible combination of buttery, almond-flavored cookies and creamy dulce de leche, they’re an indulgence you’ll want to enjoy time and time again.

Why You’ll Love Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies

Irresistibly Sweet: The combination of buttery, slightly nutty cookies with the caramel-like dulce de leche filling is nothing short of heavenly.

Fun to Make: If you’ve never made Linzer cookies before, it’s a fun and satisfying process. The way the cookies come together, with the dough being rolled out, cut into shapes, and filled with dulce de leche, is just as enjoyable as eating them!

Perfect for Special Occasions: These cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray, a gift for a friend, or a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee or tea.

Customizable: Want to add a little twist? You can experiment with different jams or fillings if you’re feeling adventurous. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam can also be used for a fruity spin.

Make Ahead: These cookies hold up wonderfully, so you can prepare them in advance for parties or gatherings, and they’ll stay fresh for several days.

Ingredients in Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

All-Purpose Flour

The base of the cookie dough, giving it structure and the perfect crumbly texture.

Ground Almonds

Almonds add a subtle nuttiness and help make these cookies wonderfully tender. They also give them that classic Linzer cookie flavor.

Butter

Because what’s a cookie without butter? It makes these cookies rich, tender, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth.

Sugar

The sweetness in these cookies comes from regular granulated sugar, which pairs perfectly with the caramel notes of the dulce de leche filling.

Egg Yolk

Egg yolk brings richness and helps bind the dough together for a smooth, workable consistency.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and adds warmth to the dough.

Powdered Sugar

For dusting the finished cookies, powdered sugar gives them that soft, snowy finish and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the richness of the filling.

Dulce de Leche

The star of the show! This rich, caramel-flavored milk spread adds a creamy, gooey center that makes these cookies truly special.

Instructions

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and sugar. Add the cold butter, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, then mix until the dough just comes together.

Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

Roll Out and Cut Shapes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a Linzer cookie cutter or two round cookie cutters (one with a small hole in the center) to cut out the cookies.

Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the flat side of half the cookies. Place the other half of the cookies on top, pressing gently to sandwich them together. Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the sweet, buttery, and creamy goodness of every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 18g
Protein: 3g

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

How to Serve Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies

With Tea or Coffee: These cookies are the perfect companion to your afternoon tea or coffee. The buttery cookies and rich dulce de leche filling pair beautifully with both.

As a Gift: Pack them up in a cute tin or box and give them as a gift for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

On a Cookie Tray: Add these cookies to your holiday or special occasion cookie tray for a beautiful and delicious addition.

As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a sweet treat any time of day.

Additional Tips

Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best dough consistency, make sure your butter is soft but not melted. Room temperature butter mixes more easily into the dry ingredients.

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It makes the dough much easier to handle and ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Make Ahead: You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. This makes it a great option for preparing ahead of time.

Dulce de Leche Substitution: If you can’t find dulce de leche, caramel sauce can be used as an alternative, though it won’t have the same smooth texture.

Cutting Out the Cookies: If you don’t have a Linzer cookie cutter, you can use any round cutters and simply cut out a small hole in the center of half of them for that classic “window” effect.

Store the Cookies: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies without almonds?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the ground almonds with additional flour for a nut-free version.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can chill the dough up to 2 days in advance, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge before rolling it out.

Q3: Can I use a different filling besides dulce de leche?
A3: Yes! You can swap in jam, chocolate ganache, or even Nutella if you prefer.

Q4: How do I store leftover cookies?
A4: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Q5: Can I freeze these cookies?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies (without the filling) for up to 1 month. Just thaw them before assembling with the dulce de leche.

Q6: Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
A6: Yes, store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s smooth and spreadable.

Q7: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Q8: How do I make the cookies extra crisp?
A8: Roll the dough thinner (about 1/8 inch) and bake for a minute or two longer to achieve a crispier texture.

Q9: Can I add icing or decoration on top?
A9: Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate on top or add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flair.

Q10: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A10: The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them as they can dry out quickly.

Conclusion

These Dulce de Leche Linzer Cookies are a buttery, caramel-filled dream come true. With their delicate, crumbly texture and sweet, creamy filling, they’re perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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