If you’re looking for a cookie that perfectly balances buttery richness with sweet caramel goodness, look no further than these Dulce de Leche Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies. The delightful combination of shortbread and dulce de leche creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both nostalgic and indulgent. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with your favorite cup of tea, these cookies are a treat that you will cherish. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delectable dessert!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the guarantee of mouthwatering results. Shortbread cookies are notoriously easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients. By incorporating dulce de leche, you add a layer of flavor that elevates the cookie to something truly special. This recipe has been tested and perfected to ensure that each batch comes out buttery, tender, and perfectly sweet.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create these scrumptious cookies, you will need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature: This forms the base of your shortbread, adding richness and flavor.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, balancing the butter’s richness.
- 1 large egg yolk: This helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The classic flavor enhancer that complements the dulce de leche.
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour: The main structure of your cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 6 ounces dulce de leche: The star ingredient, providing a creamy, caramel-like filling.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
Before you start baking, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar easier.
- Baking sheet: To hold your cookies as they bake.
- Parchment paper: For lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: To portion out the dough evenly.
- Thumbprint tool: This can be your thumb or any small round utensil to create the cookie indents.
Dulce de Leche Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies: How It’s Done
Now that you have everything ready, let’s walk through the steps to create these irresistible cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The mixture should appear smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender cookie.
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 6: Create the Thumbprint
Using your thumb or a small round utensil, gently press into the center of each dough ball to create an indentation. This is where the dulce de leche will go!
Step 7: Fill with Dulce de Leche
Spoon about a teaspoon of dulce de leche into each thumbprint. Don’t be shy; a little extra caramel goodness only enhances the flavor!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft when they come out.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, the hardest part is waiting to enjoy them!
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, consider these alternatives:
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg yolk.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to keep these cookies gluten-free while maintaining a similar texture.
- Lower Sugar: You can reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup, though this may slightly affect the texture.
Cook’s Notes
- For a deeper flavor, try browning the butter before adding sugar. Just be sure to let it cool before mixing.
- Don’t skip the resting time; allowing the dough to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes can help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Dulce de leche can be made at home by simmering sweetened condensed milk, but store-bought is perfectly acceptable for convenience.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
To keep your Dulce de Leche Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies fresh:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. When ready to bake, place them directly in the oven without thawing, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Baked cookies can also be frozen. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Ask the Chef
Can I use a different filling instead of dulce de leche?
Absolutely! You could use chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even peanut butter. Just ensure your filling can hold up during baking.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbling, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water to help it come together. Be careful not to add too much, as you want to maintain the shortbread texture.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
What if I don’t have kosher salt?
You can use regular table salt in a pinch, but reduce the amount slightly since table salt is more concentrated than kosher salt.
If you’re looking for other quick and satisfying treats, check out these delightful recipes:
Let’s Eat
These Dulce de Leche Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With their buttery texture and sweet filling, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a festive gathering. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to these delightful cookies that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate! Enjoy every bite!
Dulce de Leche Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the egg yolk and vanilla, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Whisk together flour and salt, then gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 6: Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
- Step 7: Fill each thumbprint with about a teaspoon of dulce de leche.
- Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Step 9: Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, brown the butter and let it cool before mixing.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to maintain shape during baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
