Alfajores
User Reviews
4.4
-
Prep Time
30 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Additional Time
1 hr
-
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
-
Servings
18 sandwich cookies
-
Calories
244 kcal
-
Course
Snacks
-
Cuisine
South American
Alfajores
Description
This Alfajores recipe involves creating a tender cookie dough from all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and chilled butter, producing a dough that is sandy at first and then comes together smoothly with egg yolk and vanilla. The dough is rolled out thinly and cut into 2-inch rounds, then baked until just set without browning excessively, preserving their light texture.
The cookies are sandwiched with a dulce de leche filling, which adds a sweet, creamy caramel flavor. After assembly, the edges are rolled in shredded coconut, adding a slight chew and a mild tropical note. Dusting with powdered sugar lends a delicate finish and a gentle sweetness.
Alfajores can be made a few days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The coconut coating can be substituted with chopped nuts or sprinkles, and the cookies can be dipped in melted chocolate for variation. These treats pair well with coffee or tea and make for an elegant dessert or snack.
Dulce de leche can be purchased ready-made or prepared in advance and stored for weeks, facilitating efficient assembly. Freezing the cookies is possible for extended storage, but the texture may soften as the cookies absorb moisture from the filling.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting work surface
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter chilled and cubed, unsalted
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- dulce de leche chilled
- powdered sugar for dusting
- coconut for rolling, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, powdered sugar, and cornstarch; set aside.
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until combined and smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together. This may take a few minutes, as the mixture will go from looking sandy to seeing small clumps, and then it will eventually come together into a dough.
- Separate the dough in half and work with one piece at a time. Roll the dough ¼-inch thick on a well-floured surface. Using a plain round or fluted round 2-inch cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 1 inch of space between cookies. Reroll any scraps and continue cutting rounds.
- Bake until slightly firm and set, 11 to 14 minutes. Allow to rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble the Alfajores: Spread about 1½ teaspoons of dulce de leche on the bottom of half of the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. You can also roll the sides in shredded coconut, if desired.
Notes
- Use a plain or fluted 2-inch round cutter to shape the cookies evenly.
- Dulce de leche can be bought or homemade; it stores well refrigerated for several weeks.
- Roll edges in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for texture variety.
- Make cookies up to 3 days ahead and store refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Freeze assembled cookies for up to 2 months in an airtight container; note that texture may soften over time.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 18sandwich cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 244 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 244kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 3mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 34mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 475IU | 10% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
You'll Also Love
Puff Pastry Tartlets with Roasted Pear, Caramelized Red Onions, Goat Cheese and Spicy Honey Drizzle
