If you’re a busy student craving something sweet, comforting, cheap, and ridiculously easy to make, you’re about to fall in love with quick dulce de leche cookies. I first discovered these little caramel-filled beauties during a late-night study session when my roommate from Argentina opened a box of alfajores—soft sandwich cookies stuffed with dulce de leche.
And let me tell you… after one bite, my brain chemistry changed.
The best part? You don’t need to hunt down a specialty bakery. These quick dulce de leche cookies are student-budget friendly, can be made with just a few ingredients, and take less than 20 minutes. Yes, really.
Whether you’re craving something sweet, want to impress friends, or need a potluck dessert that doesn’t scream “I bought this at Walmart at 1 a.m.,” this recipe has your back.
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Why Students Love These Quick Dulce de Leche Cookies
There’s something magical about caramel—especially when you’re tired, stressed, or running on iced coffee and vibes. These quick dulce de leche cookies give you:
- Zero baking skills required
- Just 3 main ingredients
- Cheap pantry staples
- Fast cooking time (10–15 minutes)
- Aesthetic enough for TikTok
Plus, dulce de leche is basically the classier cousin of caramel—creamier, richer, and more satisfying.
Ingredients You Need (and Cheap Swaps)
Here’s everything required to make these quick dulce de leche cookies, even in a tiny college dorm kitchen.
Core Ingredients
- 1 can dulce de leche (found in the baking aisle or international foods section)
- 1 box cake mix (yellow or vanilla works best)
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup butter or oil
That’s it — seriously.
Budget-Friendly Swaps
Because your wallet probably cries between semesters:
- Use store-brand cake mix (saves $1–2)
- Substitute dulce de leche with boiled condensed milk (DIY for 50 cents less; safety tip: use the slow cooker method)
- Use oil instead of butter when prices are brutal
These quick dulce de leche cookies use just a few ingredients, just like my easy sweets milk balls that are perfect when you’re low on time and cash.
How to Make Quick Dulce de Leche Cookies (Step-by-Step)
This is the easiest way to make quick dulce de leche cookies without turning your dorm into a disaster zone.
Step 1 — Make the Cookie Dough
Mix together:
- Cake mix
- Eggs
- Melted butter or oil
Stir until thick and slightly sticky.
Step 2 — Scoop and Bake
Roll into small balls and bake on a lined tray at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until slightly golden.
Tip: Don’t overbake. Soft cookies = heaven.
Step 3 — Fill With Dulce de Leche
Once cooled, spread a spoonful of dulce de leche on one cookie and gently press another on top to make a sandwich.
Step 4 — Decorate (Optional)
Dust with powdered sugar, roll edges in coconut, or drizzle with melted chocolate.
3 Variations of These Quick Dulce de Leche Cookies
Because you want options — and because your roommates will beg you to make these over and over again.
1. Chocolate-Dipped Dulce de Leche Cookies
Dip half the sandwich cookie in melted chocolate and let it set.
Perfect for fancy-looking potluck desserts.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Dulce de Leche Cookies
Roll cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Think snickerdoodle with caramel vibes.
3. Coconut Dulce de Leche Cookies
Roll the sides of the filled cookies in shredded coconut.
This version tastes closest to traditional Latin American alfajores.
If you love simple bakes like these quick dulce de leche cookies, you’ll also enjoy this easy shortbread cookies recipe that’s perfect for beginners.
Storage Tips for Students
- Room temp: 3–4 days
- Fridge: 1 week
- Freezer: up to 2 months (freeze before filling for best texture)
Pro tip: Wrap them in small meal-prep containers so your roommates don’t steal them.
FAQ: Quick Dulce de Leche Cookies
1. What is dulce de leche made of?
It’s caramelized sweetened milk, cooked slowly until thick and creamy.
2. Can I make dulce de leche from condensed milk?
Yes — simmer a sealed can in water for 2–3 hours or use the slow cooker method (safer).
(Don’t boil a can in a dorm, though. Your RA will hunt you down.)
3. Can I make quick dulce de leche cookies without cake mix?
Yes — use 1 cup flour + ½ cup sugar + butter + eggs. But cake mix is the easiest student-friendly method.
4. Are these cookies similar to alfajores?
Yes, this is the faster, cheaper student version of classic Argentine alfajores.
5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix — works perfectly with the same steps.
Conclusion
If you’re hunting for a cheap, easy, delicious, and dorm-friendly treat, these quick dulce de leche cookies are your new best friend. They come together fast, require barely any ingredients, and taste like something you’d buy from a trendy bakery — without the trendy price tag.
Try them once, and watch how quickly they become your go-to dessert for study breaks, movie nights, potlucks, and late-night cravings.
Craving a classic? After you try these quick dulce de leche cookies, bake a batch of the Nestle Toll House cookie recipe for the ultimate chocolate chip fix.
Quick Dulce de Leche Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup melted butter or oil, 1 can dulce de leche (for filling)
Equipment
- Baking sheet Use a parchment-lined baking sheet or reusable silicone baking mat for easy cleanup in a small student kitchen.
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, and melted butter or oil until a thick dough forms. Roll into small balls and place on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly set and just turning golden at the edges. Cool completely on a rack. Spread a spoonful of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie, then gently press a second cookie on top to form a sandwich. Optional: dust with powdered sugar, dip in melted chocolate, or roll the edges in shredded coconut.