Heart Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’ll make your heart skip a beat, you’re in the right place. These Heart Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies Recipe are simply irresistible—a tender, buttery cookie sandwich filled with luscious, caramel-like dulce de leche, all wrapped up in a pretty heart shape. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them for every special occasion (or just because!). Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through the secrets to perfect, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that’ll have everyone asking for more.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Heart Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies Recipe lies in keeping ingredients simple and quality-driven. Every ingredient plays a role in creating that soft, tender crumb with a luxuriously sweet filling. Here’s the lowdown on each.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cookies, but combined with cornstarch to lighten the texture.
• Cornstarch: This is my secret weapon for making the cookies extra tender and delicate.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough without making them cakey.
• Salt: Enhances flavor, balances sweetness, and rounds out the taste.
• Unsalted butter: Use softened butter for easy creaming; it adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping with texture during creaming.
• Egg yolks: Give the cookies their tender crumb and a slightly richer flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a touch so the flavor sings, balancing the dulce de leche.
• Dulce de leche: The caramel-hued star filling—grab store-bought for convenience or make your own if you want a little kitchen project.
• Desiccated coconut: A fun, traditional coating that adds texture and a bit of tropical flair.

Variations

I love giving this Heart Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies Recipe a little twist depending on the mood or occasion. It’s a great base to get creative!

• Chocolate Alfajores: Try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey variation—my kids go nuts for the chocolate and caramel combo.
• Nut-Coated Edges: Instead of coconut, roll the edges in finely chopped toasted nuts like pistachios or almonds for a nutty crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for friends with dietary needs—I had great results using a 1:1 baking flour mix.
• Seasonal Touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the dough to warm up your cookies during holiday seasons.

How to Make Heart Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

First, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. I like using a fine mesh strainer here to avoid any lumps—it makes for a smoother dough and those tender cookies we’re after.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and almost pale in color. This can take around 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Here’s what I learned: don’t rush this step—proper creaming traps air and gives a delicate texture.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition so everything emulsifies perfectly. Stir in the vanilla extract last for that subtle aroma.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet. I usually start with a spatula, then lightly knead with my hands until the dough comes together smoothly. Be gentle here; overworking can toughen the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour. This step is golden—you’ll find the dough easier to roll out and it helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Roll Out and Cut Hearts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll each chilled dough portion between two sheets of parchment to about ¼ inch thick. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out your cookies and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, giving them a bit of breathing room.

Step 7: Bake to Tender Perfection

Bake for about 8-10 minutes until the edges just start turning golden. Keep a close eye because you want the cookies pale and tender, not browned and crisp.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully. This is key—you don’t want warm cookies when you’re trying to sandwich them; otherwise, the dulce de leche will melt out.

Step 9: Assemble with Dulce de Leche

Spread a generous layer of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie and gently sandwich with another. Trust me, don’t be shy with the filling—it’s the best part!

Step 10: Finish with Coconut Coating

Roll the edges of each sandwich cookie in desiccated coconut to coat evenly. This adds a lovely texture contrast and looks super cute.

Step 11: Let the Cookies Set

Place your alfajores on a tray and let them rest for at least an hour before serving. This little wait lets the flavors mingle and the coconut stick firmly in place—definitely worth the patience.

How to Serve Heart Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with the desiccated coconut coating around the edges, but sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a pretty, snowy touch. For extra sparkle, you could even drizzle melted dark chocolate over the assembled cookies—fancy yet easy!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea—especially a rich espresso or a floral jasmine tea. For something indulgent, I serve them alongside a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a balanced sweet treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the cookies on a pretty platter lined with doilies, alternating heart cookies faced up and down for a cute pattern. Wrapping each cookie sandwich in a little parchment square or tying with a ribbon makes for perfect edible gifts! Trust me, they’ll get all the compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between cookie sandwiches. They keep perfectly soft and fresh for up to 3 days, although they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend assembling the sandwiches after thawing. Freeze the plain baked cookies in a single layer, then pop them in a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready, thaw completely, fill with dulce de leche, and roll edges in coconut.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you want that fresh-baked vibe, pop a cookie (unfilled) in the oven at low heat (about 300°F) for 5 minutes before filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or too soft.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Heart Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings a little bit of love to every bite. I remember making these for the first time and how my family instantly went crazy for the tender cookies paired with rich caramel filling. Whether you’re baking for someone special or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver on looks, taste, and that cozy homemade feeling. Give this recipe a try—once you do, I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your cookie rotation, just like it is in mine.

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