Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of pure indulgence with these irresistible Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies! Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey cookie with a luscious caramel center that melts in your mouth, topped with a silky chocolate drizzle that will make your dessert dreams come true. These aren't just cookies - they're a culinary journey that combines the best of Latin American sweet traditions with a modern twist that will have everyone begging for your recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from oven and immediately reinforce the thumbprint indentations while cookies are still warm.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Once completely cooled, fill the centers with dulce de leche.
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler, then drizzle over the filled cookies.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted - this ensures the perfect cookie texture.
- Chill the dough for at least 15 minutes to prevent spreading and make the cookies easier to shape.
- When creating thumbprints, use the back of a small spoon for more uniform indentations.
- Reinforce the cookie centers immediately after baking while they're still warm to maintain a clean, deep well for the dulce de leche.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling to prevent the dulce de leche from running.
- For a professional look, use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to fill the cookie centers neatly.
- Store cookies in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful appearance.
- For extra flavor, try toasting the chocolate chips before drizzling for a more complex taste profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
