Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich

Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of buttery walnut shortbread with creamy dulce de leche ice cream. Perfect for any occasion, these sandwiches are great for parties, summer gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence on a warm day. The unique combination of textures and flavors makes this dessert stand out in any dessert lineup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The nutty taste of walnuts complements the sweetness of dulce de leche perfectly.
• Easy to Make: This recipe involves straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginners.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 15 servings, it’s an ideal dessert to share with friends and family.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy these sandwiches as a fancy dessert or casual snack.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare and freeze them in advance for last-minute treats!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes all the difference in your baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutter
• Ice cream maker

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool helps achieve the perfect creamy texture for your butter and sugar mixture effortlessly.
• Baking trays: These provide even heat distribution while baking, ensuring your cookies are perfectly cooked.
• Cookie cutter: A floured cookie cutter makes it easy to shape your cookies uniformly.

Ingredients

For the Walnut Shortbread Cookies

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnut
• 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 walnut

How to Make Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

To prepare cookie dough, sift the flour and salt in a large bowl. Mix in walnuts. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Cream butter and powdered sugar in a bowl of a standing mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Reduce the speed to low and beat in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Gather dough and form a dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to chill.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350F. Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch rounds using a floured cookie cutter. Place on prepared baking sheets and place in refrigerator for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Ice Cream Mixture

To prepare ice cream, combine milk, heavy cream, salt, and dulce de leche in a medium saucepan. Bring mixture to simmer until dulce de leche is dissolved. Remove from heat.

Step 8: Cool Ice Cream Mixture

Strain the mixture into another medium bowl. Let cool over a bowl of ice water or chill in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally.

Step 9: Process Ice Cream

Process mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, level the top, cover, and freeze until firm (at least 4 hours).

Step 10: Assemble Sandwiches

To assemble the sandwiches, remove ice cream from freezer; use a cookie cutter to cut out discs of ice cream and place it on top of one cookie. Place another cookie on top of the ice cream and lightly press to adhere.

Step 11: Add Finishing Touches

Roll or sprinkle the sides with chopped walnuts.

Step 12: Serve or Store

Serve immediately or wrap each sandwich with plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for later enjoyment.

How to Serve Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich

These delightful sandwiches are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a sweet treat after dinner, there are plenty of ways to elevate your presentation.

For a Festive Gathering

• Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Serve the sandwiches alongside fresh berries or sliced fruits to add color and a refreshing contrast.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the sandwiches for an indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with dulce de leche.

As an After-Dinner Dessert

• Serve with Coffee: Pair these sandwiches with a hot cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Ice Cream Scoop: Offer a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream on the side for those who want more creamy goodness.

For a Kid-Friendly Treat

• Fun Toppings Station: Set up a toppings bar with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, and whipped cream so kids can customize their sandwiches.
• Make Mini Versions: Use a smaller cookie cutter to create mini sandwiches, perfect for little hands and appetites.

How to Perfect Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich

To ensure your walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough long enough to make it easier to handle when rolling out and cutting shapes.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your butter and heavy cream are fresh for the best flavor and texture in both the cookies and ice cream.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be lightly browned but not overbaked.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent melting the ice cream too quickly.
• Quality Dulce de Leche: Use high-quality dulce de leche for rich flavor. You can also make your own if you prefer!
• Experiment with Nuts: Try different nuts like pecans or almonds if you want to switch up the flavor profile while keeping it nutty.

Best Side Dishes for Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich

Pairing side dishes with your walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that complements the richness of the dessert.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Create an interactive dessert by providing melted chocolate for dipping fruits, marshmallows, or even extra cookie pieces.
3. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a fluffy texture that balances well with the dense sandwich.
4. Coffee Ice Cream: This rich flavor pairs perfectly with dulce de leche, bringing out its caramel notes beautifully.
5. Nutty Granola: Serve granola on the side for added crunch; it’s also great sprinkled over each sandwich for texture.
6. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce can intensify sweetness while adding another layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overmixing the dough – This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate your dough for the recommended time.
• Using warm ingredients – Warm butter may change the texture of your cookies. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted when mixing.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using incorrect measurements can ruin your recipe. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Ignoring cooling time – Removing cookies from the oven too soon can cause them to break. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of sandwiches to prevent sticking.

Freezing Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich

• Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, place in a freezer-safe bag or container after wrapping.

Reheating Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place sandwiches on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds until slightly softened.
• Stovetop – Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches.

How do I make walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwiches ahead of time?

You can prepare both the cookies and ice cream in advance. Store cookies at room temperature and ice cream in the freezer until you’re ready to assemble.

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on your preference.

What is dulce de leche?

Dulce de leche is a sweet caramel-like sauce made from slowly heating sweetened milk until it thickens and turns golden brown.

How long does it take to freeze the ice cream?

It takes at least 4 hours for the ice cream mixture to freeze completely, so plan accordingly when making these sandwiches.

Can I customize the flavors?

Absolutely! Try adding different extracts like almond or hazelnut, or mix in chocolate chips for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Walnut shortbread dulce de leche ice cream sandwich is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite nuts or even swap out flavors of dulce de leche. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, so why not give it a try?