Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups

Name: Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened); 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar; 0.75 cup Brown Sugar (Packed); 2 Large Eggs; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 3 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 tsp Baking Soda; 0.5 tsp Salt; 1 can Dulce de Leche (13.4 oz)

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What are some of the best Dulce De Leche Cups? Imagine a little bite of pure happiness – chewy, soft cookie base cradling spoonfuls of creamy, crunchy cookies. Dreamy dulce de leche. Is this a miniature version of my all-time favorite caramel swirl? What are brownies? I think these might be even better. They’re just…perfect. What is the best part about the salty caramel? I’m a beginner baker and they’re surprisingly easy to make. What are some of the best caramel treats that will become a staple for you?

What is Dulce de Leche Cup?

Think of these Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups as miniature masterpieces! What is Cookie Dough? Baked in a muffin tin to create 1-2 cups. What is dulce de leche? The name “dulce de leche” literally translates to “sweet milk,” which gives you a good idea of what it is. Why is caramel bliss so good? What’s the best combination of the comforting goodness of a cookie and the decadent sweetness of caramel? Is it a total winner in my book, and I’m betting it will be in yours, too.

Why do I love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? What I love most about these Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups is the pure, unadulterated joy they bring. First off, the flavor is incredible. You’ve got that comforting, buttery cookie base that melts in your mouth, followed by the intense, caramel-y sweetness of the dulce de leche. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! It’s like if Chocolate Chip Cookies and a caramel sundae decided to have a baby – the result is pure magic. And then there’s the simplicity! Don’t let the fancy name fool you, these are ridiculously easy to make. I always do this when I need a quick dessert for a party or a last-minute treat for the family. No fancy equipment needed, just a bowl, a spoon, and a muffin tin! What really makes me excited is cost-efficiency! Let’s be real, baking can get expensive, but not this recipe! The ingredients are super budget-friendly and you probably already have most of them in your pantry. Finally, I appreciate the versality! You can totally customize these to your liking – add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel vibe, drizzle with chocolate, or top with chopped nuts. The possibilities are endless! These cookies are so much more exciting than your average cookie! They have a special depth of flavor that you can’t get anywhere else.

How do you make Dulce de Leche cookie cups?

Quick Overview

How do I make Dulce de Leche Cups? How do you make cookie dough? How do you shape muffin cups? Bake until golden brown, then let them cool slightly before filling each cup with a generous amount of water. What is dulce de leche? A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top takes them over the top. Is it worth it to do a hair removal in less than an hour? I promise, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create these little pockets of deliciousness.

Ingredients

For the cookie dough:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: How do you make sure your butter is softened? I usually leave it out on the counter for about an hour before I start baking. * 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie texture. * 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor and keeps the cookies soft and chewy. * 1 large egg: What are some of the best vanilla extracts? Why use pure vanilla extract? * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: 1 tablespoon flour: 2 tablespoons baking powder: 1/2 tablespoon baking sugar: 1/4 teaspoon flour. * Spoon and level your flour to avoid adding too much. What is the best way to make a cookie light and fluffy? Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.

For the Filling:
* 1 (13.4 ounce) can Dulce De Leche: Can you find this at most grocery stores in the Hispanic food aisle? Can you make your own sweetened condensed milk? What is a whole other project? * Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional): This is my secret weapon! What is the flavor of sea salt?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin really well. I like to use baking spray with flour in it – it’s a lifesaver! If you don’t have that, just grease with butter or shortening and dust with flour. Do you want these babies to stick?

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. I usually do this for about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. You want the mixture to be pale and creamy. This step is important because it aerates the butter, which helps create tender cookie.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. How do you make sure everything is evenly mixed in a bowl? I always do this when I see that there is a chunk of flour stuck on the side!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cookies rise evenly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Form the Cups

Do not overwork the muffin tin. Drop rounded tablespoons of Cookie Dough into the prepared muffin pan, pressing the dough evenly. How do you make a bowl? Fill the bottom and up the sides of each cup. I usually use my fingers for this – it’s the easiest way to get them nice and even.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should still be slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them, as oven times can vary!

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Let the cookie cups cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart when you try to remove them.

Step 8: Fill with Dulce de Leche

Once the cookie cups are completely cool, fill each one with a generous spoonful of dulce de leche. I like to use a small cookie scoop for this – it makes it super easy and mess-free.

Step 9: Sprinkle and Serve

If desired, sprinkle dulce de leche with flaky sea salt. Serve immediately and watch them disappear! Can you store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days?

What should I serve it with?

Why are these Dulce de Leche Cups so good? What are some ideas to take to the next level?For a special breakfast:Pair these with a steaming cup of coffee or latte. The rich, caramel flavor of the dulce de leche is a perfect complement to the bitterness of this dessert.What are the best brunches?Add a side of fresh berries and whipped cream. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness of these cookies, while the creamy whipped cream adds a subtle sweetness to them. Add a touch of indulgence.As a satisfying dessert:Serve them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or drizzle of chocolate sauce. The warm cookies and cold ice cream are a classic combination, and the chocolate sauce adds another flavor. Layer of decadence.What is a cozy snack?Enjoy them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. Cookies are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for curling up on the couch with a good book. I love salted caramel ice cream. I serve it warm. What is the best combination of warm, gooey cookie, creamy ice cream, and that hint of salt?

How do you make a Dulce de Leche cookie cup?

How do I make sure my Dulce de Leche Cups turn out perfectly every time? What are some of my top tips?Butter is Key:Use softened butter for cookie dough. Do not eat melted butter. How do I make cookies soft and chewy? I’ve accidentally melted butter before and it really does make a difference!Don’t Overmix:Do not overmix cookie dough. If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, which can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.Press Evenly:When pressing the cookie dough into a muffin tin, make sure to press it evenly into the bottom and sides. How do you put up the sides of a cup? Do cookies bake evenly?Don’t overbak Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking and don’t overbake them. They should be golden brown around the edges and still slightly soft in the center.
Salt It Up:Don’t skip the flaky sea salt on top! What is the perfect combination of salty and sweet?Vanilla Twist:What are some creative ways to use cookie dough? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to accentuate the spiced flavor, or try using different extracts like cumin or clove. What is the difference between almond and lemonNutty Option:Add chopped nuts to cookie dough for added texture and flavor.Chocolate Boost: Drizzle the filled cookie cups with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.
Citrus Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the cookie dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Experiment with Fillings: Get creative with the fillings! Try using Nutella, Peanut Butter, or even jam instead of dulce de leche.

I’ve learned these tips through many batches of these cookies, and they really do make a difference in the final result!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups (which is a big “if” in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy. I’ve found that the flavor actually intensifies a bit after a day or two!
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Glaze Timing Advice: When ready to serve, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

To reheat, you can simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat them, as the dulce de leche can get very hot!

I usually prefer to eat them at room temperature or slightly warmed. They’re just so perfectly soft and gooey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and create a similar texture to regular cookies. You may need to experiment with the amount of gluten-free flour, as it can sometimes absorb more moisture than regular flour. Start with the same amount and add more if the dough seems too wet.

Do I need to refrigerate these?

No, you don’t need to refrigerate them unless you want to store them for longer than 3 days. Storing them at room temperature will keep them soft and chewy. Refrigerating them can make them a bit harder, but they’ll still taste delicious!

Can I use a different kind of caramel?

While I highly recommend using dulce de leche for its unique flavor and texture, you can certainly experiment with other types of caramel. Just make sure it’s a thick, smooth caramel that won’t run all over the place when you bake the cookies.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can definitely freeze the cookie dough! Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with the recipe as directed.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can still make these cookies! Simply drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake as directed. They won’t be shaped like cups, but they’ll still taste amazing!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. And the best part? You can customize them to your liking with different extracts, nuts, or toppings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know how they turn out. And hey, if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes – you might just find your new favorite! Happy baking!

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