These indulgent cookies are inspired by the bakery favorite—but made smarter for everyday enjoyment. With a soft, cake-like base and a rich swirl of caramel on top, they’re everything you want in a treat: chewy, sweet, and completely satisfying. Best of all? They’re lightened up for balance and portion control, without sacrificing taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft & Chewy Texture: Each cookie is thick, tender, and bakery-worthy.
Caramel Goodness: A gooey dulce de leche topping makes them irresistible.
Lighter Ingredients: Smart swaps like Greek yogurt and almond flour keep things in check.
Perfect for Sharing: Big cookies, small batches—ideal for get-togethers or portion-friendly snacking.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup oat flour (or ground oats)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp light butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar substitute (like Swerve or erythritol)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup light dulce de leche or sugar-free caramel sauce
- Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, applesauce, Greek yogurt, and sweetener until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract, then add almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape & Bake
- Scoop 8 equal mounds of dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Add the Dulce de Leche
- While cookies are still slightly warm, spoon about 1½ teaspoons of dulce de leche on top of each cookie.
- Swirl lightly with a spoon and sprinkle with sea salt if using. Let set before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)
Calories: 130 | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
- Dulce de Leche Options: Use store-bought light versions or make your own using sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- Store Smart: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Indulgence: Sweet but not overpowering—perfect for a light dessert or coffee pairing.
- Bakery Style, Home Made: Thick, chewy, and photogenic—without the bakery price or calorie count.
- Adaptable: Add crushed pecans, a drizzle of chocolate, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for variations.
These Dulce de Leche Crumbl Cookies are your next favorite homemade indulgence—easy to make, heavenly to eat, and kind to your goals. Whip up a batch for the perfect dessert that satisfies every sweet craving with just the right touch of decadence.
Thick & Chewy Dulce de Leche Crumbl Cookies You’ll Love
8
servings15
minutes12
minutes130
kcal30
minutesThese indulgent cookies are inspired by the bakery favorite—but made smarter for everyday enjoyment. With a soft, cake-like base and a rich swirl of caramel on top, they’re everything you want in a treat: chewy, sweet, and completely satisfying. Best of all? They’re lightened up for balance and portion control, without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup oat flour (or ground oats)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 tbsp light butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar substitute (like Swerve or erythritol)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
For the Topping
1/4 cup light dulce de leche or sugar-free caramel sauce
Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, applesauce, Greek yogurt, and sweetener until smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract, then add almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix until a soft dough forms. - Shape & Bake
Scoop 8 equal mounds of dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are set.
Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. - Add the Dulce de Leche
While cookies are still slightly warm, spoon about 1½ teaspoons of dulce de leche on top of each cookie.
Swirl lightly with a spoon and sprinkle with sea salt if using. Let set before serving.
Notes
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking.
Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
Dulce de Leche Options: Use store-bought light versions or make your own using sweetened condensed coconut milk.
Store Smart: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—or refrigerate for a firmer texture.