Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

These Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves warm cinnamon sugar flavors paired with creamy caramel richness. Soft, buttery cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar are sandwiched together with a silky dulce de leche filling—creating the perfect bite of sweetness, texture, and cozy fall warmth. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, gifting homemade treats, or just satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm, comforting flavors – cinnamon, sugar, and caramel make the perfect cozy combo.
• Simple ingredients – everything is easy to find and pantry-friendly.
• Soft & chewy texture – tender cookies with a creamy caramel center.
• Quick to make – ready in under 40 minutes!
• Perfect for gifting – they hold up beautifully and travel well.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – creates a rich, soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread perfectly.
• 1 large egg – binds the dough and adds structure.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – enhances sweetness and adds warmth.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of the cookie dough.
• 1 tsp baking soda – helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
• 1/2 tsp salt – balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.

For Rolling

• 1/2 cup sugar – helps create that classic snickerdoodle-like coating.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon – adds warmth and aromatic flavor.

For the Dulce de Leche Filling

• 1 tbsp butter – adds silkiness for a smooth, spreadable filling.
• 1 can (13.4 oz) dulce de leche – the star ingredient; creamy caramel sweetness.

How to Make Easy Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar for about 4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing for another minute to combine.
3. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
4. Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes to make it easier to work with.

Step 2: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

1. In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon.
2. Roll the chilled dough into 16–24 balls, depending on your preferred cookie size.
3. Coat each dough ball fully in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.

Step 3: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
3. Sprinkle any leftover cinnamon sugar over the hot cookies for extra flavor.

Step 4: Make the Dulce de Leche Filling

1. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over low heat.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the dulce de leche until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

1. Once cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the bottom of one cookie.
2. Top with another cookie to make a sandwich.
3. Allow the cookies to rest for about 1 hour for the filling to set—optional, but highly recommended!

Tips for Success

• Chill the dough so the cookies keep their shape and bake evenly.
• Don’t overbake—they should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them.
• Let cookies cool fully before adding the filling.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that sandwich neatly.
• Warm the dulce de leche slightly if it feels too thick to spread.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Sheet pans
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Small saucepan
• Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top of each cookie sandwich.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a Mexican-inspired twist.
• Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle flaky sea salt inside the filling or on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, or warm chai.
• Add to a holiday cookie platter or dessert board.
• Turn them into a frozen treat by chilling them in the fridge or freezer for a firmer texture.

FAQs

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Store the baked cookies (without filling) for up to 3 days at room temperature, then fill when ready.

How do I store the assembled cookie sandwiches?
Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They soften slightly over time—delicious!

Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze the cookies before filling for up to 2 months. Thaw and add dulce de leche when ready.

Can I use homemade dulce de leche?
Absolutely! It works just as well and adds amazing flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—this recipe doubles beautifully for parties or gifting.

Can I use store-bought cinnamon sugar?
Yes, but making your own gives fresher flavor and better coating.

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Final Thoughts

These Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Sandwich Cookies are a fun, delicious upgrade to classic cinnamon cookies—soft, fragrant, buttery, and filled with silky dulce de leche. They’re simple enough for a weekday bake but impressive enough for holidays and gatherings. Give them a try and enjoy every warm, sweet, cinnamon-kissed bite!