Dulce De Leche Shortbread Sandwich: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Dulce De Leche Shortbread Sandwich: Prepare to be transported to a realm of pure, unadulterated bliss with this decadent treat! Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, crumbly shortbread cookie, only to be met with a luscious, creamy center of rich dulce de leche. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

Dulce de leche, meaning “sweet milk,” boasts a rich history deeply rooted in Latin American culture. Legend has it that this caramel-like confection was accidentally discovered in Argentina in the 19th century when a cook left milk and sugar simmering on the stove for too long. What a happy accident! Since then, it has become a beloved staple, used in countless desserts and enjoyed on its own.

What makes the Dulce De Leche Shortbread Sandwich so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, intensely sweet dulce de leche. It’s a sophisticated yet comforting dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping treat for a special occasion or simply craving a little something sweet to brighten your day, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Get ready to experience a taste of heaven with every bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Shortbread Cookies:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk
• For the Dulce de Leche Filling:
• 1 (13.4 ounce) can dulce de leche
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), for coating edges
• Melted chocolate, for drizzling

Preparing the Shortbread Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (or by hand if you’re feeling ambitious!), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. You want a pale and airy mixture, as this will contribute to the shortbread’s tender texture.
2. Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the dough, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor. Don’t overmix at this stage; just incorporate the ingredients until they are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is crucial for balancing the sweetness.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is almost fully incorporated, then stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
5. Form the Dough into a Disc: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together into a smooth disc. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This chilling time is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and for developing the flavors.

Rolling and Cutting the Shortbread Cookies

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. If the dough is too firm to roll easily, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
3. Cut Out the Cookies: Use a cookie cutter of your choice to cut out the cookies. I like to use a round or scalloped cutter for these sandwich cookies, but feel free to get creative! Re-roll any scraps of dough and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.
4. Place Cookies on Baking Sheets: Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about ½ inch of space between each cookie.
5. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies.
6. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Dulce de Leche Filling

1. Soften the Dulce de Leche: In a medium bowl, combine the dulce de leche and heavy cream.
2. Mix the Filling: Stir until the dulce de leche is smooth and creamy. If the dulce de leche is too thick, you can microwave the mixture for a few seconds to soften it further. Be careful not to overheat it.
3. Add Salt (Optional): Add a pinch of sea salt to the filling, if desired. The salt helps to balance the sweetness of the dulce de leche and enhances the overall flavor.

Assembling the Dulce de Leche Shortbread Sandwiches

1. Pair the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, pair them up according to size and shape. This will ensure that the sandwiches look uniform.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread a generous amount of dulce de leche filling on the bottom of one cookie.
3. Top with Another Cookie: Top with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
4. Repeat: Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.

Optional Garnishes

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar for a classic look.
2. Coat Edges with Chopped Nuts: Gently press the edges of the sandwiches into chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
3. Drizzle with Melted Chocolate: Drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.

Tips for Success

• Use High-Quality Butter: The quality of the butter will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the shortbread cookies. Use a good-quality unsalted butter for the best results.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Bake Until Lightly Golden: Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden brown. This will ensure that they are cooked through but still tender.
• Cool Completely Before Filling: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before filling them, or the filling will melt.
• Store Properly: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Add Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the shortbread dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Use Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to add a unique flavor to the cookies.
• Add Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the shortbread dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Use Different Fillings: Try using different fillings, such as Nutella, peanut butter, or jam, instead of dulce de leche.
• Make Mini Sandwiches: Use smaller cookie cutters to make mini shortbread sandwiches, perfect for parties or snacks.

Conclusion:

This Dulce De Leche Shortbread Sandwich recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The buttery, crumbly shortbread, perfectly balanced by the rich, caramel-like sweetness of the dulce de leche, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. It’s a surprisingly simple recipe to execute, yet the results are undeniably impressive, making it a perfect choice for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary journey.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping treat for a special occasion, a comforting indulgence for a cozy night in, or a unique homemade gift, these sandwiches deliver on all fronts. The combination of the delicate shortbread and the decadent dulce de leche is simply irresistible. Plus, the recipe is easily adaptable to your personal preferences.

Looking for serving suggestions? These sandwiches are delightful on their own, paired with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more elaborate presentation, try dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling them with melted chocolate. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert platter, alongside fresh fruit and other sweet treats.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the shortbread dough. If you’re a chocolate lover, incorporate cocoa powder into the shortbread or add chocolate chips to the dulce de leche filling. You could even experiment with different flavored extracts, such as vanilla, almond, or lemon, to create unique and exciting flavor combinations. Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast that elevates the entire experience. Another fun variation is to use different cookie cutters to create festive shapes, perfect for holidays or special events. Imagine heart-shaped sandwiches for Valentine’s Day or star-shaped ones for Christmas!

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making shortbread from scratch. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and foolproof. Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly tender and delicious cookies every time. The key is to use cold butter and to avoid overmixing the dough. And remember, the dulce de leche is the star of the show, so be sure to use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

I truly believe that this Dulce De Leche Shortbread Sandwich recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. So, go ahead, give it a try! I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by the results.

I’m so excited for you to experience the joy of making and enjoying these delightful sandwiches. Once you’ve tried them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #DulceDeLecheShortbreadSandwich or tag me in your posts. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking!