These delightful shortbread cookies, filled with creamy dulce de leche, are the perfect combination of buttery, crumbly texture and rich caramel sweetness. They’re incredibly simple to make with just three ingredients, but the flavor is nothing short of luxurious. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of decadent dulce de leche.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee, serving them at a gathering, or gifting them to a friend. Despite their simplicity, they deliver on flavor, making them an irresistible treat for anyone who loves the classic combination of buttery shortbread and rich caramel.
Full Recipe:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup icing sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 can (397g) dulce de leche
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 160°C/325°F (fan-forced).
- Beat butter and icing sugar together in a large bowl until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about a tablespoon each) and place them on a lined baking tray. Press each ball lightly with a fork to flatten slightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cookies are pale golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, sandwich two cookies together with a spoonful of dulce de leche between them.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 125 kcal | Servings: 12 cookies (24 sandwiched halves)
The Timeless Appeal of Shortbread
Shortbread cookies have been a beloved classic in the world of baking for centuries. Originating from Scotland, these simple yet indulgent treats have transcended cultural boundaries and are now enjoyed around the globe. What makes shortbread stand out is its minimalistic approach to baking: a few basic ingredients that, when combined, create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Shortbread typically consists of just flour, butter, and sugar, but it’s the quality of these ingredients and the technique that makes all the difference. The buttery richness and crumbly texture have earned shortbread its reputation as the ultimate comfort cookie, perfect for pairing with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. Its versatility and simplicity also make it an excellent canvas for creative additions, like the one in this recipe: dulce de leche.
The Magic of Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche, a rich and creamy caramel spread made by slowly simmering sweetened milk, has roots in Latin American cuisine, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay. The phrase “dulce de leche” literally means “sweet milk,” which reflects its origins. It’s a staple in many traditional desserts and has become a global favorite due to its indulgent flavor and versatility.
The process of making dulce de leche involves slowly heating milk and sugar over several hours until it caramelizes, transforming into a thick, sweet sauce with a deep, complex flavor. The result is a smooth, golden mixture that’s slightly thicker than caramel, with a less sticky, more spreadable texture. It’s commonly used in pastries, cakes, and cookies, or simply spread on toast or waffles for a luxurious breakfast treat.
In this particular recipe, dulce de leche is sandwiched between two buttery shortbread cookies, adding a layer of gooey richness that elevates these cookies from a simple tea-time snack to a truly decadent dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: This recipe only requires three main ingredients: butter, flour, and dulce de leche. Despite its simplicity, it packs a punch with rich, buttery shortbread cookies and a decadent dulce de leche filling. It’s a perfect example of how the quality of ingredients and technique can turn a few basic components into something extraordinary.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of total time from start to finish, this is an ideal recipe for busy bakers. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate the straightforwardness of this recipe, which doesn’t require any complex techniques or specialized equipment.
- Perfect for All Occasions: These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed for various occasions. They’re equally suited for a casual afternoon tea or an elegant dessert table at a dinner party. Their simple, rustic appearance contrasts beautifully with their rich flavor, making them both visually appealing and delicious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The buttery shortbread paired with the sweet, creamy dulce de leche filling will appeal to a wide range of tastes. The cookies are not overly sweet, making them the perfect balance between richness and subtlety. They’re ideal for anyone who enjoys classic, comforting flavors with a slight twist.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this shortbread and dulce de leche recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways you can customize the cookies to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Add a Touch of Salt: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the shortbread dough or sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top of the dulce de leche filling before sandwiching the cookies. This creates a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that enhances the caramel notes of the dulce de leche.
- Flavor the Dough: While traditional shortbread is simple, you can infuse the dough with different flavors to make it your own. Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warm, fragrant note, or mix in some finely grated lemon or orange zest for a citrusy brightness that contrasts nicely with the rich dulce de leche.
- Chocolate-Dipped Option: For an even more indulgent treat, consider dipping half of each cookie sandwich in melted chocolate. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference. This not only adds a layer of rich flavor but also creates a striking visual contrast that makes the cookies even more enticing.
- Nutty Variations: If you’re a fan of nuts, consider adding finely chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts to the dough. Alternatively, you can press the edges of the sandwiched cookies into finely chopped nuts for a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Gluten-Free Option: With the increasing demand for gluten-free baked goods, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-intolerant friends or family. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the butter and dulce de leche are also gluten-free, and you’ll have a version of these cookies that everyone can enjoy.
The Appeal of Small-Batch Baking
One of the aspects that make this recipe particularly appealing is that it’s designed to produce a modest batch of cookies. Many bakers are moving away from recipes that make dozens of cookies, preferring instead smaller quantities that can be enjoyed fresh without excess. These 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies with Dulce de Leche yield just 12 cookies (24 sandwiched halves), making them ideal for small gatherings, intimate dinners, or even as a special treat just for yourself.
For those who love to bake but don’t want the temptation of large quantities of sweets lingering in the kitchen, this recipe offers the perfect balance. And if you’re baking for a special occasion, you can easily double or triple the recipe as needed without adding much extra time or effort.
How to Store and Serve
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well, making them a great option for preparing ahead of time. Here are some tips for storing and serving:
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. The dulce de leche filling will set a little more when chilled, providing a slightly different but equally delicious texture.
- Serving: These cookies are perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The buttery shortbread melts in your mouth, while the dulce de leche adds a satisfying richness that pairs beautifully with the warmth of a freshly brewed drink. They also make for a lovely after-dinner treat, served with a glass of dessert wine or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert option.
A Global Favorite: Why This Recipe Resonates
Shortbread cookies and dulce de leche are both timeless classics in their own right, but together, they create something truly special. The simple, buttery crumb of the shortbread perfectly complements the rich, creamy sweetness of the dulce de leche, resulting in a cookie that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.
The popularity of these ingredients speaks to their universal appeal. Shortbread cookies, with their Scottish origins, are a staple of British afternoon tea culture, while dulce de leche brings a touch of Latin American indulgence to the mix. This combination of flavors and textures creates a dessert that is at once familiar and exotic, appealing to a broad audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies with Dulce de Leche are a shining example of how simplicity can be elevated to gourmet status. With minimal effort, you can create a dessert that feels both indulgent and accessible, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
The buttery shortbread provides a tender, crumbly base, while the dulce de leche filling offers a sweet, creamy contrast that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.