Salted Dulce de Leche Thumbprint Cookies Recipe for Sweet and Salty Treats

Why You’ll Love This Salted Dulce De Leche Thumbprint Cookies

Picture this: a warm afternoon in the kitchen, the sweet smell of baking cookies filling the air, and a batch of salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies fresh from the oven. This salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies recipe stands out as a favorite because it’s easy to whip up, even if you’re new to baking. You’ll appreciate how the rich, creamy dulce de leche pairs with just the right amount of salt for a treat that feels both indulgent and balanced. For those tight on time, this recipe shines as it’s quick and uses simple ingredients you might already have on hand.

One reason these cookies are a hit is their ease of preparation, perfect for bakers of all skill levels since the steps are straight forward and quick. They offer potential health benefits too, like using ingredients that include natural sugars and healthy fats, making them a smarter choice for snacking. Plus, the recipe’s versatility means you can tweak it for different dietary needs, such as vegan or gluten-free options, so everyone at your table can dig in. What makes these salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies even more special is their distinctive flavor, blending the gooey sweetness of dulce de leche with a touch of salt for a taste that’s anything but ordinary.

If you’re exploring new flavors, this recipe fits right into your routine as it’s adaptable and fun to make. Imagine sharing these with friends at a gathering; their unique taste will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re a busy parent or a baking enthusiast, these cookies bring joy without a lot of fuss, turning any day into a sweet adventure.

Essential Ingredients for Salted Dulce De Leche Thumbprint Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies. This section lists everything you need, based on the exact recipe details provided. I’ll break it down into a clear, structured list so you can easily follow along and measure out each item accurately.

• 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (softened and divided)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dulce de leche
• Flaked sea salt for topping

For special tweaks, consider these options to fit various diets. If you’re going vegan, swap in plant-based butter and a vegan dulce de leche substitute. For gluten-free versions, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. If watching calories, try a low-calorie sweetener instead of brown sugar and opt for light butter alternatives. These adjustments keep your salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies tasty and accessible to all.

How to Prepare the Perfect Salted Dulce De Leche Thumbprint Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you start, ensure you have all the ingredients ready, as this dulce de leche cookies recipe comes together in about 52 minutes total, with 30 minutes for prep and 22 minutes for cooking. It makes around 34 cookies, perfect for sharing or storing for later. Begin by heating 3/4 cup of the unsalted butter in a saucepan until it turns a light amber color, then transfer it to a bowl and let it chill for 10-15 minutes. This step adds a nutty depth to your salted thumbprint cookies.

Mixing the Dough

Once the butter has cooled, combine it with the remaining softened butter to total 1 cup, and beat it together with 3/4 cup light brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add in 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate. Gradually stir in the 2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until a dough forms. This part ensures your salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies have the right texture.

Shaping and Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Shape the dough into 1-tablespoon balls and place them on the sheets, spacing them out. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned but the tops stay soft. Right after removing them from the oven, use a 1-teaspoon measuring spoon to press an indentation in the center of each cookie. Let them cool on a wire rack before filling.

Finishing Touches

After cooling, fill each indentation with 1/2 cup dulce de leche, dividing it evenly among the cookies. Sprinkle flaked sea salt on top for that perfect sweet and salty dulce de leche cookies balance. Remember tips like not overbaking to keep the tops soft and making indentations while the cookies are still warm, which helps them hold shape better. For better results, adding an extra egg yolk can improve the cookie’s form. Each cookie comes in at about 112 calories, with 11 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 7 g fat (4 g saturated), 5 g sugar, 29 mg cholesterol, and 20 mg sodium, making it a treat you can feel good about.

To make your salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies even more enjoyable, try linking to similar treats on our site. For instance, if you love these chewy oatmeal cookie recipes that offer a citrus twist, they pair wonderfully with this one.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Salted Dulce De Leche Thumbprint Cookies – Protein and Main Component Alternatives

When baking salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies, you can easily adjust for protein needs or main ingredients. Plant-based butters make a great swap for the unsalted butter, keeping the recipe dairy-free while adding a boost of protein. Nut butters can enrich the mix, enhancing both flavor and nutrition in your dulce de leche cookies. For the base, chickpea flour or almond flour steps in for all-purpose flour, offering gluten-free options with extra protein and a nice nutty taste.

While veggies aren’t in this recipe, you can use natural enhancers like vanilla bean paste to vary flavors without changing the core. Swapping in sauces such as vegan dulce de leche keeps things creamy and delicious for different diets. Various salts, like a sprinkle of smoked sea salt, add a twist to the seasoning, making your salted thumbprint cookies adaptable and fun. These changes ensure everyone enjoys the dulce de leche dessert vibe.

Remember, for more protein-packed ideas, check out recipes like our blueberry crumb cake, which uses similar substitution techniques.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Salted Dulce De Leche Thumbprint Cookies – Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Playing with seasonings can elevate your salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies experience. Try smoked sea salt or flavored options to complement the dulce de leche filling, giving a smoky depth to the flavor. For sweetness, coconut sugar or maple syrup can replace light brown sugar, adding a natural twist that fits dietary goals. These tweaks keep your cookies exciting and aligned with what you prefer.

When it comes to sauces, vegan dulce de leche from coconut milk or date caramel works as a perfect dairy-free alternative for the filling. This ensures your dulce de leche cookies remain creamy and rich. Overall, these modifications help tailor the recipe to seasonal tastes or restrictions, keeping the balance intact for a stellar dulce de leche dessert.

Experimenting with flavors is what makes baking fun, and these changes let you make salted thumbprint cookies your own.

Mastering Salted Dulce De Leche Thumbprint Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro Techniques and Flavor Ideas

To master your salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies, start by chilling the dough before baking; this helps it hold shape and improves texture for those perfect bites. Use a piping bag to fill the centers evenly with dulce de leche, making your cookies look as good as they taste. For flavor variations, mix in orange zest or cinnamon to the dough for a fresh or spicy kick, turning your dulce de leche cookies into something special.

Presentation and Storage Hacks

Presentation matters, so dust your cookies with powdered sugar or add edible gold flakes for a fancy touch on your salted thumbprint cookies. If you’re planning ahead, prepare the dough and fill the indentations, then freeze the unbaked cookies; just add 2-3 minutes to the bake time when you’re ready. These tips ensure your dulce de leche dessert always impresses, whether for a party or a quick treat.

For more creative baking ideas, explore recipes like our churro cheesecake cookies, which offer similar fun twists.

How to Store Salted Dulce De Leche Thumbprint Cookies: Best Practices

Keeping your salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies fresh is simple with the right methods. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to lock in that great taste. For longer keep, freeze them in a sealed bag or container, and they’ll stay good for months.

If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in a low oven at around 300°F for a few minutes to freshen up the texture without messing with the filling. For meal prep, make a big batch of dough or baked cookies and freeze them, so you always have a dulce de leche cookies option on hand for busy days. This approach keeps your salted thumbprint cookies ready whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

As a useful reference, learn more about traditional cookie styles from thumbprint cookie collections that inspire variations.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Dulce De Leche Thumbprint Cookies

Salted Dulce De Leche Thumbprint Cookies

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: About 34 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

🍪 These salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies perfectly balance sweet caramel flavors with a hint of sea salt.
🥄 Featuring a soft texture and rich brown butter base, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

– 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (softened and divided)

– 3/4 cup light brown sugar

– 2 egg yolks

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup dulce de leche

– Flaked sea salt for topping

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Instructions

1-Gathering Your Supplies: Before you start, ensure you have all the ingredients ready, as this dulce de leche cookies recipe comes together in about 52 minutes total, with 30 minutes for prep and 22 minutes for cooking. It makes around 34 cookies, perfect for sharing or storing for later. Begin by heating 3/4 cup of the unsalted butter in a saucepan until it turns a light amber color, then transfer it to a bowl and let it chill for 10-15 minutes. This step adds a nutty depth to your salted thumbprint cookies.

2-Mixing the Dough: Once the butter has cooled, combine it with the remaining softened butter to total 1 cup, and beat it together with 3/4 cup light brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add in 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate. Gradually stir in the 2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until a dough forms. This part ensures your salted dulce de leche thumbprint cookies have the right texture.

3-Shaping and Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Shape the dough into 1-tablespoon balls and place them on the sheets, spacing them out. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned but the tops stay soft. Right after removing them from the oven, use a 1-teaspoon measuring spoon to press an indentation in the center of each cookie. Let them cool on a wire rack before filling.

4-Finishing Touches: After cooling, fill each indentation with 1/2 cup dulce de leche, dividing it evenly among the cookies. Sprinkle flaked sea salt on top for that perfect sweet and salty dulce de leche cookies balance. Remember tips like not overbaking to keep the tops soft and making indentations while the cookies are still warm, which helps them hold shape better. For better results, adding an extra egg yolk can improve the cookie’s form. Each cookie comes in at about 112 calories, with 11 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 7 g fat (4 g saturated), 5 g sugar, 29 mg cholesterol, and 20 mg sodium, making it a treat you can feel good about.

Notes

⏰ Avoid overbaking to keep cookie tops soft and tender.
🥄 Create indentations while cookies are warm to prevent cracking.
🥚 Add an extra egg yolk to improve cookie shape if desired.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 22 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 112
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 29 mg

Keywords: Salted Dulce de Leche, Thumbprint Cookies, Sweet and Salty Treats, Brown Butter Cookies