Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to dessert heaven? Forget everything you thought you knew about Tres Leches cake. We're taking this beloved Latin American dessert and giving it a fun, unexpected twist with a Crumbl Cookies inspired recipe! This recipe delivers all the creamy, milky goodness of Tres Leches in a bite-sized, incredibly satisfying cookie form. It's the perfect blend of easy recipes and delicious dishes, ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth quickly. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this surprisingly simple yet elegant homemade cooking creation.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Tres Leches Soak:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Tres Leches Soak:
While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a shallow dish.
Step 4: Soak the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, gently dip each cookie into the Tres Leches mixture, ensuring they are evenly soaked. Don't soak them for too long, or they'll become soggy. A quick dip is all you need.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve (Optional):
For an extra touch of decadence, top the soaked cookies with a dollop of whipped cream and a few slices of fresh strawberries. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful treat!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Tres Leches Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened for optimal creaming and a light and fluffy cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the cookie dough will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Even Soaking: Dip the cookies quickly and evenly to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are completely cool before soaking them in the Tres Leches mixture.
Variations:
- Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a delicious chocolate Tres Leches cookie.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the Tres Leches soak for a refreshing twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your cookies. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutrition calculator based on your specific ingredients and serving size.
This Crumbl Cookies inspired Tres Leches recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's perfect for quick dinner ideas, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sudden craving for something sweet. The combination of soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and the rich Tres Leches soak creates a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Enjoy!