Dulce De Leche Thumbprint Cookies

Buttery and tender shortbread-style cookies, stuffed with a generous dollop of dulce de leche. I like to give them a roll in shredded coconut for an alfajores vibe, without the hassle of making roll-out cookies. Makes approximately 20 cookies.

Ingredients:

• For the cookie dough:
  • 110 grams unsalted butter, softened (preferably high-fat european butter)
  • 50 grams granulated white sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • Contents from 1 vanilla pod, or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 120 grams all-purpose flour
  • 20 grams cornstarch (sometimes labeled cornflour)
• For rolling and filling:
  • Dulce de leche
  • Unsweetened shredded or dessicated coconut, optional

Instructions:

1. Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, mix the salt, sugar, and softened butter until combined. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and mix again until combined. Add the flour and cornstarch (sift the cornstarch, if it’s lumpy) to the bowl and fold in until uniform.
2. Divide the dough into small portions, about 15 grams each. Roll each piece of dough into a ball. Optionally, roll the ball in shredded coconut. Place onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Use your thumb or a teaspoon to make an indentation into the center of each ball, creating a divot that will later be filled.
3. While your oven is heating, place the shaped cookies into the fridge for about 10 minutes.
4. Heat your oven to 170 Celsius (335 Fahrenheit).
5. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set. The cookies will still be pale when they come out of the oven. If the cookies have lost their shape while baking, use a spoon to press in the center of the cookie again to re-form the divot. Let cool.
6. Fill each cookie with dulce de leche. This can be done with a simple piping bag or a teaspoon.
7. Enjoy! Dulce de leche thumbprint cookies can be kept in an airtight container for a few days, or frozen for longer storage.

Notes:

• Flavoring the cookie dough: To add a slight citrus flavor, add the finely grated zest of a lemon or an orange into the dough.
• Filling options: This dough is versatile and can be filled with just about anything: nutella, your favorite jam, lemon curd, etc!