Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups: A Rich and Decadent Dessert

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups are a heavenly dessert that combines the nutty, rich flavor of brown butter with the creamy sweetness of dulce de leche. These cookie cups are the perfect blend of flavors and textures: a crispy yet chewy cookie shell with a soft, gooey center of dulce de leche. Ideal for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual gatherings, these cookie cups are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Brown Butter Cookies:

• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted, to create a rich and flavorful base.
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup, for sweetness.
• Brown sugar: 3/4 cup, packed, to enhance the caramel flavor of the brown butter.
• Egg: 1 large, for binding the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for added depth of flavor.
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups, to form the cookie dough.
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, to help the cookies rise.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness.

For the Dulce de Leche Filling:

• Dulce de leche: 1/2 cup, for a rich, caramel-like filling.
• Sea salt: A pinch, for a subtle salty contrast.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let the brown butter cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with paper liners.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
5. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
6. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 3: Form the Cookie Cups

7. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough ball into each muffin cup.
8. Using your thumb or a spoon, gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup to form a well for the filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cookie Cups

9. Bake the cookie cups for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should still be soft.
10. Remove from the oven and let the cookie cups cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 5: Add the Dulce de Leche

11. Once the cookie cups have cooled, spoon about 1 teaspoon of dulce de leche into the center of each cookie cup.
12. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the dulce de leche for a balanced, sweet-savory flavor.

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups are a delightful treat that combines rich, toasty flavors with creamy sweetness. The brown butter adds depth and complexity, while the dulce de leche filling provides an indulgent, caramel-like sweetness that everyone will love. These cookie cups are perfect for special occasions or as a fun, decadent treat to enjoy with friends and family.