Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that will impress your friends and family, look no further than the walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich. This recipe is a beautiful blend of crunchy walnut shortbread and creamy dulce de leche ice cream, making it a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fancy gathering, these sandwiches are sure to please everyone.

What makes this recipe even more special is its nostalgic appeal. I remember the first time I made these with my grandmother. The warm smell of fresh-baked cookies filled the kitchen while we crafted these sweet treats together. Now, I love sharing them with my loved ones as a way to create new memories. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and devouring these delicious sandwiches!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cookies and ice cream in advance, making it easy to serve when you’re ready.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of nutty walnuts and rich dulce de leche creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that delightful flavor and texture we all crave!

For the Walnut Shortbread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Dulce de Leche Ice Cream:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 2/3 cups dulce de leche
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add chocolate chips: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough for an extra sweet surprise!
• Use different nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if you’re looking for different nutty flavors.
• Flavor the ice cream: Try adding a splash of almond extract or cinnamon to the ice cream mixture for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

To start off, sift together the flour and salt in a large bowl. Mixing in the chopped walnuts at this stage ensures that their lovely flavor is evenly distributed throughout your cookies. Set this mixture aside as you prepare to whip up your buttery goodness!

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In your standing mixer (or mixing bowl), cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your butter, resulting in tender cookies that melt in your mouth! Don’t forget to beat in that splash of vanilla afterwards—it adds such a wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Now reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually beat in your flour mixture until just incorporated. It’s important not to overmix here; we want our dough tender! Once combined, gather your dough into a disc shape, wrap it in plastic wrap, and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a floured cookie cutter to cut out 3-inch rounds—this will give us our cookie shape! Place them on lined baking trays and refrigerate again briefly before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking.

Step 5: Cool Down

Bake those lovely cookies for about 8-10 minutes until they’re lightly browned around the edges. Once done, allow them cooling on the baking sheet for just a few minutes before moving them onto a wire rack. Letting them cool completely will ensure they are ready for assembling!

Step 6: Make Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

For that creamy filling, combine milk, heavy cream, salt, and dulce de leche over medium heat until warm enough for everything to dissolve beautifully together. Straining this mixture helps remove any lumps or bits that may have formed during cooking—trust me; it’s worth it! Chill this mixture until cool before processing in an ice cream maker following manufacturer instructions.

Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwiches

Once your ice cream is firm enough after freezing (about four hours), it’s time for assembly! Use a cookie cutter to cut out discs from your frozen ice cream and place one on top of each cookie. Top with another cookie and gently press down—voilà! Your sandwiches are taking shape!

Step 8: Final Touches

For some added crunch, roll or sprinkle chopped walnuts along the sides of each sandwich before serving or wrapping them up for later!

Enjoy these delightful walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches right away or save them in the freezer for whenever those sweet cravings hit!

Pro Tips for Making Walnut Shortbread Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Sandwich

Creating these delightful ice cream sandwiches is a rewarding experience that anyone can master! Here are some pro tips to ensure your treats turn out perfectly.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter is softened and eggs (if used in other recipes) are at room temperature helps create a smooth, well-blended dough, leading to better texture in your cookies.
• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the dough to rest helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping them thick and chewy.
• Monitor baking time closely: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them lightly browned but not overcooked, as this will affect their overall texture.
• Customize with mix-ins: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or dried fruit along with walnuts for added flavor and texture. Personalizing your ice cream sandwiches makes them even more special!
• Let ice cream soften slightly before assembly: Allowing your ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting will make it easier to scoop and assemble into sandwiches without breaking the cookies.

How to Serve Walnut Shortbread Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Sandwich

These walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them beautifully can enhance the experience for you and your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top of the ice cream layer before sealing the sandwich. This adds a lovely crunch and emphasizes the nutty flavor.
• Caramel drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the top adds a sweet touch that complements the dulce de leche beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the richness of the ice cream sandwiches, balancing out flavors.
• Chocolate sauce: Serve with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping. The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with both the shortbread and dulce de leche.
• Mint tea or iced tea: A cool drink like mint tea or iced tea refreshes the palate after indulging in these sweet treats, making for a delightful dessert experience.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll elevate your walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches into a true dessert masterpiece! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich is a fantastic make-ahead treat, perfect for gatherings or simply to enjoy throughout the week. You can prepare the components in advance and assemble them when you’re ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container or wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap.
• Keep them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
• If you have leftover ice cream, transfer it to a container and cover it tightly before freezing.

Freezing

• To freeze the assembled sandwiches, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the sandwiches to a freezer-safe bag or container to save space.
• They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer for a deliciously cold treat.

Reheating

• Since these sandwiches are best served frozen, there’s no need to reheat them.
• If you prefer a slightly softened texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful treat!

Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts in the walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a unique flavor twist while still enjoying the same texture.

How do I store leftover walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches?

Store your leftover walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks!

Can I make the dulce de leche at home for the walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich?

Yes! You can easily make homemade dulce de leche by simmering sweetened condensed milk on low heat. Just ensure it’s cooled before mixing it into your ice cream base.

How long does it take to freeze the walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich?

After assembling your sandwiches, they should be placed in the freezer for at least 4 hours to become firm and deliciously cold.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to create something truly special! The combination of buttery walnut shortbread and creamy dulce de leche ice cream is sure to delight both family and friends. Enjoy making these treats, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and toppings. Happy baking!