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authentic alfajores recipe

 

Authentic Alfajores Recipe (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies)

Learn how to make soft and buttery alfajores filled with dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar. This classic South American cookie recipe is perfect for holidays, gifts, or a sweet treat with coffee.

What Are Alfajores?

Alfajores are traditional South American sandwich cookies, popular in Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are made with buttery shortbread cookies and filled with rich dulce de leche, then rolled in powdered sugar or shredded coconut.

Why You’ll Love This Alfajores Recipe

  • Authentic Argentinian-style
  • Tender and crumbly texture
  • Filled with luscious dulce de leche
  • Great for gifting, holidays, or afternoon tea
  • Can be made ahead and stored

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 cups cornstarch
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional but traditional)

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: shredded coconut for rolling
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make Alfajores – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Dough

Whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and baking soda. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, whole egg, vanilla, and lemon zest. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until dough forms. Chill for 30–60 minutes.

Step 2: Cut and Bake the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into 2-inch rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until set but not browned. Cool completely.

Step 3: Fill and Assemble

Spread or pipe dulce de leche onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another. Press gently to sandwich. Roll edges in shredded coconut if desired.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Dust tops generously with powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Tips for Perfect Alfajores

  • Don’t overbake—cookies should be pale and soft.
  • Chill dough for clean, neat cuts.
  • Use high-quality dulce de leche for rich, creamy filling.
  • Let filled cookies rest a few hours to soften further (traditional trick!).

Alfajores Variations

  • Dip in dark chocolate instead of sugar for a modern twist
  • Add coconut to the dough for extra flavor
  • Use chocolate or Nutella as an alternative filling

FAQs

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute a gluten-free flour blend and increase cornstarch slightly for texture.

Q: How do I store alfajores?
A: Store at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Q: What is the difference between alfajores and macarons?
A: Alfajores are made with a tender shortbread-style dough and filled with dulce de leche, while macarons use meringue-based cookies and often buttercream or ganache.

Similar Recipes:

  1. Polvorones (Spanish Shortbread Cookies) – Crumbly cookies made with flour, sugar, and lard or butter, often dusted with powdered sugar.
  2. Dulce de Leche Cookies – Soft cookies filled or drizzled with creamy dulce de leche, similar to alfajores’ classic filling.
  3. Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread) – Sweet, fluffy bread rolls topped with a crunchy sugar crust, another Latin American bakery favorite.
  4. Maamoul (Middle Eastern Filled Cookies) – Semolina or flour-based cookies filled with dates, nuts, or figs, resembling alfajores in their delicate texture.
  5. Linzer Cookies (Austrian Sandwich Cookies) – Almond-flavored cookies filled with jam, similar in style to alfajores but with fruity filling instead of dulce de leche.

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