A Magical Mash-Up of Brown Sugar Spice and Green Vanilla Cookies with Dulce de Leche Buttercream, Inspired by Miguel’s Loyal Sidekick, Dante

These Dulce de Leche Cookie Sandwiches are inspired by Dante the Dog from Coco and bring a playful mix of flavors and colors to your kitchen. With brown sugar spice cookies, green vanilla cake batter cookies, and a swirl of dulce de leche buttercream, they capture the spirit of Dante’s wild, colorful transformation in the Land of the Dead. This sweet sandwich is perfect for celebrating Coco, Día de los Muertos, or any time you want a little Disney magic in cookie form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make using two boxed cake mixes
• Inspired by Dante the Dog from Coco for a fun Disney twist
• Creamy dulce de leche buttercream filling
• Colorful and perfect for themed parties or Día de los Muertos
• A magical cookie sandwich with bold flavor and soft texture

Ingredient Notes

• Spice Cake Mix: Adds warmth and depth to the brown sugar cookie base. You can use any brand, but Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker work great.
• Vanilla or White Cake Mix: Creates a soft and chewy base for the green cookies. White cake mix gives a brighter color when tinted.
• Dulce de Leche: Look for it in a can near the condensed milk or make your own by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk.
• Green Food Coloring & Sprinkles: Use gel food coloring for a vibrant green. Gold or green sprinkles add a festive touch.
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch in the buttercream balances the sweetness and enhances the dulce de leche flavor.

Before You Bake

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the brown sugar spice cookie dough for 15–20 minutes helps prevent spreading and gives the cookies a thicker, chewier texture.

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake both cookie types a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble the sandwiches the day you plan to serve them for the freshest texture.

Does the buttercream need to be refrigerated?
If not serving right away, refrigerate the buttercream in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature and rewhip before piping.

Dulce de Leche Cookie Sandwiches: Inspired by Dante the Dog from Coco

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

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Cookie 1: Brown Sugar Spice Cookies

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Cookie 2: Green Vanilla Cake Batter Cookies

• 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• 1 to 2 tablespoons gold or green sprinkles
• Optional: green, white, or gold sanding sugar for decorating

Dulce de Leche Sea Salt Buttercream

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup dulce de leche
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: 1 to 2 teaspoons heavy cream to adjust consistency

Instructions

Cookie 1: Brown Sugar Spice Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix, brown sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and ginger until fully combined.
3. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes to help with spreading.
4. Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls and space about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look soft but no longer glossy.
6. Let cool completely.

Cookie 2: Green Vanilla Cake Batter Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring until a soft dough forms.
3. Fold in sprinkles, if using.
4. Scoop into 1.5-tablespoon balls and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set.
5. Cool completely before assembling.

Dulce de Leche Sea Salt Buttercream

1. Beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add the dulce de leche and sea salt and beat until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fluffy.
4. If needed, add cream 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pipeable consistency.

To Assemble

1. Lay the brown sugar cookies flat-side up on a cutting board or tray.
2. Pipe or spoon a swirl of buttercream onto each one.
3. Gently press a green vanilla cookie on top of each to create a sandwich.
4. Repeat with the remaining cookies until all sandwiches are assembled.

FAQ

What kind of cake mix works best for the cookies?
Any standard 15.25 oz boxed mix works well. Spice mix adds warmth, and white or vanilla gives a bright green base when dyed.

Can I freeze these cookie sandwiches?
Yes! Freeze unassembled cookies or fully assembled sandwiches (wrapped tightly) for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Is dulce de leche the same as caramel?
They’re similar, but dulce de leche is made from sweetened condensed milk and has a creamier, deeper flavor compared to traditional caramel.

How do I make the green color really pop?
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid—it gives a more vibrant hue without watering down the dough.

Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try using gluten-free cake mix brands, but texture may vary slightly. Make sure your dulce de leche and sprinkles are also gluten-free.

Sprinkle of Fun

Make these Dulce de Leche Cookie Sandwiches as a sweet sendoff before watching Coco! Set the scene with marigold decorations, turn on the soundtrack, and let everyone enjoy one of Dante’s magical cookie sandwiches while the movie plays. Bonus fun: pause during Dante’s transformation and hand out the green cookies as his “alebrije upgrade!”