Maria Cookie and Dulce de Leche Layered Dessert

#### For the Garnish (optional):
– **Shaved chocolate** or **chocolate chips**
– **Cinnamon** or a light dusting of cocoa powder
– **Whipped cream**
– **Chopped nuts** (e.g., almonds or walnuts)
– **Fresh fruit** like strawberries or bananas

### How to Make Maria Cookie and Dulce de Leche Layered Dessert

The beauty of this dessert lies in how simple it is to assemble. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be indulging in a sweet treat in no time!

#### Step 1: Prepare the Dulce de Leche Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the **dulce de leche** with the **heavy cream**, **sweetened condensed milk** (if using), and **vanilla extract**. Using a whisk or electric mixer, blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. The heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk help to thin out the dulce de leche and make it more spreadable, giving it the perfect texture for layering.

#### Step 2: Assemble the First Layer of Cookies
Choose a rectangular or square baking dish (about 9×9 or 8×8 inches works well). Start by arranging a layer of **Maria cookies** at the bottom of the dish. You can break or cut the cookies to fit the shape of the dish, but don’t worry if the cookies aren’t perfectly aligned—they’ll still form a great base layer.

#### Step 3: Layer with the Dulce de Leche Mixture
Once your first layer of cookies is in place, spread a generous portion of the **dulce de leche mixture** over the cookies. Use a spatula to smooth it evenly, making sure to cover every cookie with the creamy mixture.

#### Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Continue layering: place another layer of **Maria cookies** over the dulce de leche mixture, followed by another layer of the dulce de leche mixture on top. You can repeat this process to form as many layers as you like, but typically, two or three layers of each component work well.

#### Step 5: Chill in the Refrigerator
Once you’ve built your layers, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dessert for at least **3-4 hours**, or preferably overnight. The chilling process helps the layers to set, and the cookies soften just enough to create a cake-like texture. It also allows the flavors to meld together for a more intense and satisfying taste.

#### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, feel free to add your choice of **toppings**. For a touch of indulgence, sprinkle some **shaved chocolate**, a light dusting of **cocoa powder**, or even a bit of **cinnamon** on top. You can also serve it with a dollop of **whipped cream**, a few **chopped nuts**, or fresh fruit like **sliced bananas** or **strawberries** for added flavor and texture.

Once garnished, slice the dessert into squares and serve chilled. The layers should hold their shape, offering a perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and sweet textures.

### Tips for Making the Perfect Maria Cookie and Dulce de Leche Layered Dessert

– **Use Quality Dulce de Leche**: The richness of dulce de leche is key to this dessert, so try to use a high-quality brand. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own dulce de leche at home by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk, but store-bought works just fine.

– **Add More Layers for Extra Richness**: If you love a more indulgent dessert, feel free to add more layers of cookies and dulce de leche mixture. Just be mindful that the dessert may become a little more difficult to slice if the layers are too thick.

– **Make It Dairy-Free**: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and use dairy-free dulce de leche.

– **Add More Flavor**: For a twist on this classic recipe, you can add a touch of **citrus zest** (like lemon or orange) to the dulce de leche mixture for a refreshing contrast. You could also incorporate a few tablespoons of **coffee** or **espresso** to the mixture for a coffee-flavored variation.

– **Individual Servings**: If you want to serve individual portions, you can assemble the dessert in small cups or jars. This is perfect for parties or if you’re planning to serve it as a part of a buffet.

### Variations to Try

– **Chocolate Maria Cookie Layered Dessert**: Swap out the plain Maria cookies for **chocolate Maria cookies** for a richer, chocolaty version of this dessert. You can even drizzle some melted chocolate between layers for extra decadence.

– **Fruit Layered Dessert**: For a refreshing contrast, add layers of fresh fruit, like **strawberries**, **blueberries**, or **bananas**, between the layers of dulce de leche and cookies. This adds a fruity burst to balance the richness of the dessert.

– **Nutty Crunch**: Add a layer of crushed **nuts** such as **almonds**, **pecans**, or **walnuts** between the layers for a bit of crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the smooth dulce de leche.

### Conclusion: A Sweet and Satisfying Treat

The **Maria Cookie and Dulce de Leche Layered Dessert** is a showstopper of a dessert that requires minimal effort yet delivers a rich and decadent treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to satisfy. The combination of crunchy cookies, creamy dulce de leche, and the option to customize with toppings makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, chill it in the fridge, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering indulgence!