Caramel Cookies

Peruvian Caramel Cookies Recipe - Delicious Almond and Condensed Milk Treats

Region / culture: Peru | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 24

Introduction

Caramel cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel with a buttery cookie base. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you are looking for a sweet snack or a delicious dessert.

History

The origins of caramel cookies are not entirely clear, but it is believed that they have been enjoyed for many years as a popular sweet treat. The combination of caramel and cookies is a classic pairing that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

Cookies

1.5 cups unsalted butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp almond extract
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
0.33 cup ground almonds
3 cups flour

Caramel

2 cans sweetened condensed milk
sprinkle a little sugar on top

How to prepare

Cream the butter with confectioners' sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Stir in the remaining ingredients.
Wrap the dough and chill it for 30 minutes.
Roll the dough out to a thickness of 0.25 inches, cut it into circles, and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12–14 minutes.
Cool the cookie sheets between batches.
Spread some caramel on one cookie and top it with another cookie.
Dust the tops with confectioners' sugar.
The cookies can be filled with the rewarmed caramel as needed.
Pour both cans of condensed milk into the top of a double boiler and simmer on low heat for 2–3 hours.
Cool it well and it will thicken further.
Refrigerate until needed.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the tops of the cookies for an extra decadent touch.
Use different extracts such as coconut or rum for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.

- Chilling the dough before rolling it out will make it easier to work with and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

- Be sure to cool the cookie sheets between batches to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

- When filling the cookies with caramel, be sure to spread it evenly and not too thick to prevent the cookies from becoming too sweet.

Serving Suggestions

Caramel cookies are best enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful snack or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cookie.

- Rolling the dough out to an even thickness will ensure that the cookies bake evenly.

- Filling the cookies with caramel while it is warm will make it easier to spread.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use salted butter in place of unsalted butter, but be sure to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe.

- If you do not have ground almonds, you can substitute almond flour or omit them altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. The caramel can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the caramel cookies on a platter and dust them with confectioners' sugar for a beautiful presentation. Serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Caramel cookies pair well with a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also go well with ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Caramel cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 minutes to warm them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of caramel cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of caramel cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of caramel cookies contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of caramel cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Caramel cookies do not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Caramel cookies contain dairy (butter) and nuts (almonds).

Summary

Caramel cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively high in calories and fats. They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Caramel cookies are a delicious treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel with a buttery cookie base. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create these delightful cookies to enjoy with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a sunny afternoon in the middle of summer, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed cards and faded scraps of paper, my eyes fell upon a small, handwritten note that simply read: "Caramel Cookies."

I had never heard of caramel cookies before, but the name alone sounded delicious. I knew I had to try making them. The note didn't have any instructions, just a list of ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and of course, caramel. I set to work gathering everything I needed, my excitement growing with each step.

As I mixed the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl, I couldn't help but think back to all the times I had watched my grandmother cook. She was a master in the kitchen, effortlessly whipping up delicious meals and treats for our family. I had always admired her skill and creativity, and I hoped that I could do justice to this new recipe I had stumbled upon.

After adding the flour and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, I turned my attention to the caramel. I had never made caramel from scratch before, but I was determined to give it a try. I carefully melted sugar in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until it turned a rich golden brown. The sweet, buttery aroma filled the kitchen, and I knew I was on the right track.

Once the caramel was ready, I drizzled it into the cookie dough and gently folded it in, creating swirls of golden sweetness throughout. I scooped the dough onto a baking sheet and popped it into the oven, eagerly awaiting the finished product.

As the cookies baked, the smell of caramel and vanilla wafted through the house, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were finally done, I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. The cookies were golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft, gooey center that oozed with caramel goodness. I couldn't wait to take a bite.

I sat down at the kitchen table with a plate of warm caramel cookies and a glass of cold milk. The first bite was pure bliss – the buttery cookie dough melted in my mouth, while the swirls of caramel added a sweet, sticky richness that was utterly irresistible. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment.

From that day on, caramel cookies became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for every family gathering, every special occasion, and sometimes just because. Each time I pulled them out of the oven, the memories of that sunny afternoon and the joy of discovering a new recipe flooded back to me. I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the simple pleasures of good food and the joy of sharing it with those you love.

And so, I continue to pass down the recipe for caramel cookies to my own grandchildren, hoping that they will find as much delight in making and eating them as I have. For me, this recipe is more than just a list of ingredients – it's a connection to my past, a link to my grandmother, and a symbol of the love and care that goes into every batch of homemade treats.