Dulce De Leche Shortbread Sandwich: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide

Dulce De Leche Shortbread Sandwich: Prepare to be utterly captivated by this decadent treat! Imagine sinking your teeth into buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies, embracing a luscious, creamy heart of dulce de leche. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you to dessert heaven.

Dulce de leche, meaning “sweet milk,” boasts a rich history deeply rooted in Latin American culture. Legend has it that it was accidentally discovered in Argentina in the 19th century when a cook left milk and sugar simmering on the stove for too long. This happy accident resulted in the thick, caramel-like confection we adore today. Paired with the classic Scottish shortbread, this sandwich is a delightful fusion of culinary traditions.

What makes the Dulce De Leche Shortbread Sandwich so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and buttery, rich and delicate. The shortbread offers a satisfying crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, while the dulce de leche provides a smooth, caramel-like sweetness that’s simply divine. These sandwiches are also incredibly versatile – perfect for an afternoon tea, a special occasion, or simply a well-deserved treat. I find that they are always a crowd-pleaser, disappearing quickly at any gathering. So, are you ready to embark on a baking adventure and create these delightful little bites of happiness?

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Shortbread Cookies:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the Dulce de Leche Filling:
• 1 (13.4 ounce) can dulce de leche
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for smoother consistency)
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Melted chocolate, for drizzling
• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), for sprinkling
• Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling

Preparing the Shortbread Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (or by hand with a sturdy spoon), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be pale and airy. Don’t rush this step; properly creaming the butter and sugar is crucial for a tender shortbread.
2. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s fully combined. The vanilla enhances the flavor of the shortbread and complements the dulce de leche beautifully.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Whisking ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for the overall flavor of the shortbread.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (or by hand) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough shortbread. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and a dough starts to form.
5. Form the Dough into a Disc: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together into a smooth disc. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap.
6. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the shortbread from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle and roll out. If chilling for longer than 2 hours, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling.

Rolling and Cutting the Shortbread Cookies

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a rolling pin and apply even pressure to ensure a consistent thickness. If the dough is sticking, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface and the rolling pin.
3. Cut Out the Cookies: Use a cookie cutter of your choice to cut out the shortbread cookies. I like to use round or scalloped cutters, but you can use any shape you prefer. Dip the cookie cutter in flour before each cut to prevent sticking.
4. Place Cookies on Baking Sheets: Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about ½ inch of space between each cookie.
5. Optional: Dock the Cookies: Use a fork to prick the tops of the cookies several times. This helps to prevent them from puffing up too much during baking.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies.
7. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Dulce de Leche Filling

1. Prepare the Dulce de Leche: In a medium bowl, whisk the dulce de leche until smooth. If the dulce de leche is very thick, you can add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to thin it out slightly and make it easier to spread. This step is optional, but it can improve the consistency of the filling.
2. Add a Pinch of Sea Salt (Optional): If desired, add a pinch of sea salt to the dulce de leche. The salt enhances the sweetness of the dulce de leche and adds a nice contrast of flavors.
3. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk the dulce de leche and heavy cream (if using) until smooth and well combined.

Assembling the Dulce de Leche Shortbread Sandwiches

1. Pair the Cookies: Once the shortbread cookies are completely cool, pair them up based on size and shape. This will ensure that the sandwiches look uniform.
2. Spread the Dulce de Leche Filling: Spread a generous amount of dulce de leche filling on the flat side of one cookie.
3. Top with Another Cookie: Top with another cookie, flat side down, to create a sandwich. Gently press the cookies together to secure the filling.
4. Repeat: Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the remaining cookies and filling.

Optional Garnishes

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust the assembled shortbread sandwiches with powdered sugar for a classic and elegant look.
2. Drizzle with Melted Chocolate: Drizzle the sandwiches with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
3. Sprinkle with Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle the edges of the sandwiches with chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, for added texture and flavor.
4. Sprinkle with Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkle the tops of the sandwiches with sea salt flakes for a salty-sweet flavor combination.

Tips for Success

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality butter and vanilla extract will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the shortbread.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will result in a tough shortbread. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the shortbread from spreading too much during baking.
• Bake Until Lightly Golden: Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden brown.
• Let the Cookies Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely before assembling the sandwiches.
• Store Properly: Store the assembled shortbread sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Chocolate Shortbread: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate shortbread cookies.
• Lemon Shortbread: Add the zest of one lemon to the wet ingredients for lemon-flavored shortbread.
• Nutella Filling: Substitute the dulce de leche filling with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
• Peanut Butter Filling: Mix peanut butter with a little powdered sugar and milk for a peanut butter filling.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Lemon Pepper Pork recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The bright, zesty lemon perfectly complements the peppery kick, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I truly believe this will become a staple in your kitchen, not just because it’s incredibly delicious, but also because it’s so simple to prepare. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get this restaurant-quality meal on the table.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The pork stays incredibly juicy and tender, infused with the vibrant citrus and the bold spice of the pepper. It’s a dish that’s satisfying without being heavy, making it perfect for any time of year. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking is simply divine!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Pairing: Serve it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and healthy meal. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also works wonders.
* Grain Bowl Delight: Slice the Lemon Pepper Pork and add it to a grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and a drizzle of tahini dressing. This is a fantastic way to use leftovers and create a satisfying lunch.
* Pasta Perfection: Toss the sliced pork with your favorite pasta, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a quick and easy pasta dish. Add some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
* Sandwich Sensation: Use the Lemon Pepper Pork as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce like aioli or ranch for a delicious and portable meal.
* Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.
* Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to add another layer of flavor to the dish.
* Sweet and Savory: A touch of honey or maple syrup in the marinade can create a delightful sweet and savory balance.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. The beauty of this Lemon Pepper Pork lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor it delivers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own!

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this Lemon Pepper Pork. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried and how you made it your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and I’m excited to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking!