If you’re looking for a delightful treat that is as simple as it is indulgent, then this 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookie Sandwich with Dulce De Leche Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies hugging a rich, caramel-spiced Dulce De Leche filling. This recipe pairs minimal ingredients with maximum flavor to create an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create something so wonderfully rich and satisfying. Each item in this 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookie Sandwich with Dulce De Leche Recipe plays a key role in delivering perfect texture, sweetness, and that iconic buttery shortbread flavor.
- Unsalted butter (225g / 8 oz, softened): The foundation for tender, crumbly cookies, butter adds rich flavor and keeps everything moist.
- Icing sugar (1/2 cup, plus extra for dusting): This powdered sugar ensures a delicate sweetness and helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Plain flour (2 cups): The structure of the cookies, plain flour keeps the shortbread sturdy yet tender.
- Dulce De Leche: This luscious caramel sauce adds a creamy, indulgent filling that elevates the cookie sandwiches to something truly special.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookie Sandwich with Dulce De Leche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) so it’s perfectly hot once your dough is ready. Line your baking trays with parchment paper; depending on the size of your trays, you may need two to fit all your cookies comfortably.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the icing sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this creates the luxurious base for your shortbread. It’s so satisfying to see these two simple ingredients transform into a velvety blend!
Step 3: Add the Flour and Form Dough
Gently fold in the plain flour with your butter and sugar mixture. At first, it might look crumbly, but keep mixing and then use your hands to bring it together into a rough ball of dough. This step is key to achieving that crumbly yet tender texture shortbread is famous for.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Sprinkle some icing sugar on your work surface to prevent sticking, then turn the dough out onto it. Flatten the dough to about 1cm (half an inch) thick by pressing gently with your hands, then cover with a sheet of baking parchment and use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly to about 0.5cm (a quarter inch) thickness. Use a 6.5cm (2.5 inch) round cookie cutter to cut out your cookies and transfer them carefully to your lined baking tray. Don’t forget to gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut more cookies until you get a total of 16 rounds.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a pale golden color and the slightest browning at the edges. Resist the urge to overbake; the cookies may seem soft, but they will firm up as they cool on the baking tray. Cooling the cookies on the tray ensures they set up with just the right texture.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cookie Sandwiches
Once your shortbread rounds have completely cooled, spread a generous dollop of Dulce De Leche on half of them. Then carefully sandwich the remaining cookies on top to create these heavenly 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookie Sandwich with Dulce De Leche Recipe treats that are truly irresistible. The combination of buttery cookies and creamy Dulce De Leche is simply perfection.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookie Sandwich with Dulce De Leche Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, dust your finished cookie sandwiches lightly with icing sugar. You can also drizzle a bit more Dulce De Leche on top or sprinkle with sea salt flakes to highlight the caramel’s sweetness. These little details make your dessert look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These cookie sandwiches pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy chai latte. If you’re serving them as part of an afternoon tea, offer some fresh berries or lightly whipped cream on the side for a fresh contrast to the buttery sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookie sandwiches in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment paper as a charming gift. For a party, arrange them on a tiered cake stand to make a lovely centerpiece. You can also package them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with twine for a beautiful homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookie Sandwich with Dulce De Leche Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies might soften a little with time thanks to the Dulce De Leche, but they’ll still be deliciously tender and rich.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your cookie sandwiches, it’s best to freeze the shortbread cookies and the Dulce De Leche filling separately. Freeze cookies flat in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw and assemble fresh to keep that perfect texture.
Reheating
Shortbread cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so if you like a bit of warmth, just let your assembled cookie sandwiches sit out for 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cookies overly soft or the filling runny.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter in this recipe?
While salted butter can be used, I recommend sticking to unsalted butter to better control the sweetness and salt balance in your shortbread cookies. If you do use salted butter, consider reducing any additional salt in your fillings or toppings.
How long do these cookie sandwiches stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookie sandwiches stay fresh and delicious for about three days. Beyond that, the cookies may lose their crispness but still taste tasty!
Is it possible to make Dulce De Leche at home?
Absolutely! Dulce De Leche is wonderfully easy to make in a slow cooker or on the stovetop by caramelizing sweetened condensed milk. There are plenty of one-ingredient recipes that specialize in making it, perfect for using in this cookie sandwich.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try substituting plain flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but be aware that the texture might change slightly. Use a blend designed for baking shortbread or cookies to get closer to the original crumbly texture.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Present these delightful cookie sandwiches on a decorative platter with a dusting of icing sugar or paired with small bowls of extra Dulce De Leche for dipping. They’re perfect finger foods that guests will love.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookie Sandwich with Dulce De Leche Recipe is one of those magical treats where simplicity meets indulgence. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you create show-stopping, tender cookies bursting with luscious caramel flavor. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making these at home—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they become a treasured favorite!
