CARAMEL COOKIE SANDWICHES

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Caramel Cookie Sandwiches image

I love making these cookies over the holidays because they transport me straight to my childhood. My father would travel frequently to Guadalajara and he would always bring back these amazing cookies my aunt would make for me and my siblings. Just thinking of them makes my mouth water. They are a family favorite during the holidays.

Provided by Marcela Valladolid

Categories     dessert

Time 4h20m

Yield 26 cookie sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups cornstarch
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brandy
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 large egg yolks
Powdered sugar, for dusting
1 quart goat milk (or use regular whole milk; see Cook's Note)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 whole vanilla bean, split and with seeds, optional
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • For the shortbread cookies: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, baking soda and fine salt to combine; set aside.
  • Put the butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed, until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the brandy, vanilla and egg yolks and mix until just combined, about 30 seconds.
  • On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until the flour is fully incorporated. Mix for about 1 minute.
  • Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and place them onto 2 separate pieces of plastic wrap. Shape each piece into a smooth disk and wrap tightly. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
  • Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
  • Unwrap one piece of dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. With a 2-inch round cutter (plain or fluted), cut out about 20 circles and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Bake on the middle rack, in 2 batches if necessary, until golden brownish on top, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes. Repeat the rolling, cutting and baking process with the second dough piece, for an additional 20 cookies. Reroll the scraps once, cutting out 12 more circles, and bake.
  • For the Mexican cajeta: Stir together the milk and sugar in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the vanilla extract, salt and vanilla bean pods and seeds if using. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat while constantly stirring, 6 to 8 minutes.
  • When the milk comes to a boil, remove from the heat and add the baking soda. The milk will become frothy and rise. Keep stirring the mixture. Put the pot back on the stove over medium heat. Cook at a low simmer, stirring frequently to make sure that the sauce does not stick to bottom of the pan. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a low simmer. After 15 minutes, the mixture will be light golden brown. Remove the vanilla pods if using and continue cooking until the mixture is a rich brown and reduced to about 1 1/2 cups (it will resemble a thick caramel sauce at this point), about 30 additional minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool completely, about 20 minutes.
  • After the cookies and cajeta have cooled, flip half of the cookies upside down and gently spread about 2 teaspoons of the cajeta on each one (if the cajeta is too thick to spread easily after cooling, microwave it briefly to warm it up and loosen it enough to spread). Place another cookie bottom-side down on top of the cajeta on each and press to create a sandwich. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!

kamangu silwamba
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These cookies are the perfect way to celebrate any occasion. They are delicious, beautiful, and easy to make.


DON VERNET
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I love the way these cookies smell when they are baking. They fill the house with a warm and inviting aroma.


tongai zinyoni
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These cookies are the perfect way to end a meal. They are sweet and satisfying, but not too heavy.


Tony Alwenje
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I've made these cookies for every occasion, from birthdays to holidays. They are always a hit.


Farjana chowdhury
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These cookies are a great way to show your loved ones how much you care. They are a delicious and thoughtful gift.


Prossie Kibs Tibs
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I've made these cookies with different types of caramel sauce, and they always turn out great. My favorite is to use a salted caramel sauce.


Mariah Trayham
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These cookies are a great way to use up leftover egg whites. I always have a few egg whites left over after making other recipes, and these cookies are a great way to use them up.


Robby Schramm
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I love the way these cookies look. They are so elegant and perfect for any occasion.


Bizatchin
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These cookies are the perfect size for a snack or dessert. They are also great for packing in lunches.


krysha villagracia (kryshaakfjkfnskjd)
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I've never been a big fan of caramel, but these cookies have changed my mind. The caramel filling is so smooth and creamy, and it pairs perfectly with the crispy cookies.


Amir Bacha
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These cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling guilty. They are made with whole wheat flour and oats, so they are relatively healthy.


Sacdiya Xaaji
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I love that these cookies can be made ahead of time. They are perfect for busy weeknights.


Kendra Phillips
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These cookies are so easy to make, even my kids can help. They are a great way to use up leftover caramel sauce.


HASHAMKHAN HASHAMKHAN
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I've made these cookies several times and they always turn out great. They are a favorite of my family and friends.


Gavin Rhyne
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These cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The caramel filling is gooey and delicious, and the cookies are crispy and buttery.


Dionne Meidinger
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I love these cookies! They are so easy to make and they taste amazing. I always get compliments on them when I bring them to parties.


Richronia Myers
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These cookies are so delicious! I made them for a party and they were a huge hit. The caramel filling is perfect.