Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups

Oh, where do I even begin with these delightful Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups? They are essentially a hug in a muffin tin! There’s something about that rich, nutty aroma of browned butter that just transports me straight back to my grandma’s kitchen. She was a whiz at making sweets, and I remember the blissful chaos of baking together—flour everywhere, laughter echoing, and these sweet little surprises always popping out of the oven. You can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia with each bite!

What makes these cookie cups truly special is the luscious, gooey filling of dulce de leche. Every bite is like a little treasure with a sweet, caramel surprise. So, if you’re looking to impress friends or just treat yourself (no judgment here!), these cookie cups are the perfect way to do it. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

What’s in Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups?

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks): My preferred choice here for the best rich flavor. Grab a good-quality brand, it really makes a difference!
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This gives our cookie cups sweetness without overdoing it.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: The brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, complementing the dulce de leche perfectly.
• 1 large egg: This binds everything together. Be sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing!
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of good-quality vanilla elevates the entire flavor experience.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone for our cookie cups. Regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour works great here.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: This helps our cookies rise perfectly without being too cakey.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Always essential to balance the sweetness.
• 1 cup dulce de leche: You can use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s the star of the show!
• Flaky sea salt for garnish: It adds a touch of sophistication and elevates the flavors!

Is Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups Good for You?

Let’s be honest—these cookie cups are indulgent, but they also have a few redeeming qualities! The browning of butter not only creates a fantastic flavor profile, but it also adds a bit of nutty goodness. The sugars work together to create that melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the dulce de leche contributes a nice hit of sweetness alongside that creamy texture.

On the flip side, these treats are definitely a dessert, so moderation is key. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you might consider using a low-sugar version of dulce de leche or even swapping it out for other fillings like dark chocolate or fruit preserves. Remember, the goal is to enjoy and treat yourself every now and then!

Ingredients List

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup dulce de leche
• Flaky sea salt for garnish

How to Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups?

1. Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Keep stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (around 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Mix Sugars and Egg: In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well with a whisk. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until you have a smooth batter.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—don’t overmix!
4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining with paper liners.
5. Shape the Cookie Cups: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, take portions of dough and press them into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup, forming small wells for the dulce de leche filling.
6. Add Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of dulce de leche into each cookie cup, allowing it to fill the center and slightly overflow—yum!
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for around 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie cups are golden brown and the tops look set.
8. Cool and Garnish: Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that gourmet touch!
9. Serve: These cookie cups are best served warm when the dulce de leche is still gooey. Gather your friends and family and watch them disappear!

Sweet Tips & Tricks!

• If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the cookie dough for a unique flavor twist!
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These heavenly bites stay pretty good even as leftovers!
• Feel free to customize your cookie cups by swapping the dulce de leche for chocolate ganache, fruit fillings, or even Nutella if you’re in the mood for something different!

So, why not surprise your taste buds with these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups? I can promise you, each bite is worth it! Don’t forget to share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Happy baking!