Peruvian Caramel Cookies ๐ช
Overview:
These Peruvian Caramel Cookies are not your ordinary treats – they are legendary, hailed by many as the pinnacle of perfection in the cookie world. Legend has it that a bustling Peruvian bakery in New York sends folks into a frenzy every Wednesday morning, with lines forming well before the sun rises just to snag a taste of these delights. And the best part? They only cost a buck each! But fear not, for you can recreate these wonders right in your own kitchen, thanks to this authentic recipe shared by a friend’s Chilean pal. ๐
Total Time: 5 hours
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Yield: 24-26 Cookies
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 1/2 cups |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| For Caramel: | |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 2 cans (14 oz) |
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 296.3
- Total Fat: 15.2g
- Saturated Fat: 9.2g
- Cholesterol: 41.8mg
- Sodium: 68.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 36.2g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 24.1g
- Protein: 4.6g
Recipe Instructions:
-
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter (softened), confectioners’ sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Cream together until light, fluffy, and well incorporated.
-
-
Add Flavor:
- Stir in the salt and vanilla extract, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
-
Incorporate Flour:
- Gradually add the flour into the mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
-
Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- If the dough has been chilled longer and is too firm, allow it to soften slightly at room temperature until it can be easily rolled out.
-
Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
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Cut the Cookies:
- Using a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough.
- Place the circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
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Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Caramel:
- For the caramel filling, pour both cans of sweetened condensed milk into the top of a double boiler.
- Place over simmering water and cook on very low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- The milk will gradually thicken and take on a rich, caramel color.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and allow it to cool. The caramel will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Refrigerate the caramel until needed.
-
Assemble the Cookies:
- Carefully spread a generous layer of caramel onto the bottom side of one cookie.
- Place another cookie on top, creating a sandwich.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies, creating delicious caramel-filled treats.
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Enjoy! ๐
- Dust the tops of the cookies with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
- These cookies are best enjoyed immediately, while they are still crisp and the caramel is gooey.
- However, if you prefer a softer cookie, allow them to sit for a bit, and they will soften over time.
- For a different twist, you can also fill the cookies with the caramel as needed, keeping them fresh and delightful.
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Store and Share:
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Share these delectable treats with friends and family, spreading the joy of Peruvian Caramel Cookies! ๐ชโจ
Notes:
- These cookies are delicate, so handle them with care when assembling.
- The caramel can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Feel free to get creative with the shapes and sizes of the cookies for a fun twist on presentation.
- Serve these cookies alongside a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat or dessert.
Final Thoughts:
With each bite of these Peruvian Caramel Cookies, you’ll taste the rich history and culture of South America, lovingly baked into each crumb. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy weeknight at home or sharing them with loved ones at a gathering, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and embark on a sweet adventure to cookie bliss! ๐๐ช๐ซ
