If you’re craving a buttery, nutty cookie with a luscious caramel-like filling, these Simple Walnut Cookies with Dulce de Leche will steal the show. Perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or as an indulgent everyday treat, they pair the earthy richness of walnuts with the creamy sweetness of dulce de leche.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to bake these irresistible cookies at home with expert tips, variations, and storage advice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Quick & Easy — No fancy equipment needed.
✨ Irresistibly soft with a delightful crunch from walnuts.
✨ The dulce de leche filling adds a luxurious, creamy twist.
✨ Perfect for gifting or special occasions.
✨ Naturally egg-free (optional) & freezer-friendly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- Pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine. Gradually add the flour, chopped walnuts, and a pinch of salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls. Place them on the sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press down to create a small indentation in each cookie for the filling later.
Step 3: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Fill with Dulce de Leche
Once cooled, spoon or pipe about ½ teaspoon of dulce de leche into the center of each cookie.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping them for a deeper flavor.
- If the dough feels too crumbly, add a teaspoon or two of milk to bring it together.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want a neater shape and less spread.
- Use homemade dulce de leche for an even more authentic touch.
Variations & Ideas
🌰 Replace walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts.
🍫 Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top.
🌸 Dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a festive look.
🥥 Mix a bit of shredded coconut into the filling for texture.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm; they’ll last up to 7–10 days.
- You can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw, then fill before serving.
How to Make Dulce de Leche at Home
If you want to make your own:
- Place a sealed can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot of water.
- Simmer gently for 2–3 hours, making sure the can stays fully submerged.
- Let it cool completely before opening — and voilà, homemade dulce de leche!
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a good 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
You can. Brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor and a chewier texture.
Are these cookies very sweet?
They’re perfectly balanced — the nutty cookie offsets the sweetness of the dulce de leche.
Recipe Card (Printable)
📝 Simple Walnut Cookies with Dulce de Leche
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | ~24 cookies |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup dulce de leche
Instructions:
- Cream butter & sugar, add vanilla.
- Mix in flour, walnuts & salt.
- Shape, indent, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Cool, fill with dulce de leche & serve.
Nutrition Information (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 1g
Closing Thoughts
These Simple Walnut Cookies with Dulce de Leche are proof that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, creamy centers, they’ll impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Whether you bake them for a holiday platter or just because this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
