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Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies) Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 35 reviews

Alfajores are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth South American sandwich cookies filled with luscious dulce de leche. This recipe yields tender cornstarch-based cookies with a hint of cinnamon and citrus zest, sandwiched with creamy dulce de leche, then optionally dusted with powdered sugar and rolled in shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. Perfect for festive occasions or anytime you crave a deliciously sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups cornstarch (300g)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (198g)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or dark rum)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (or orange zest)

Filling and Toppings

  • 8 oz dulce de leche
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for rolling, optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow in color.
  3. Add egg yolks and flavorings: Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract (or dark rum), and lemon zest to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on low just until combined, ensuring not to overbeat.
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together. Scrape down the bowl if necessary to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
  5. Chill the dough: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface, divide it into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the disks for 1 hour to firm up.
  6. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  7. Roll and cut cookies: Working with one dough disk at a time, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round or scalloped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheets. Re-roll scraps as needed to maximize the number of cookies.
  8. Bake cookies: Bake the cookies in batches on the center oven rack for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
  9. Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before handling. This prevents breakage and allows cookies to firm up perfectly.
  10. Assemble alfajores: Spread about 1 tablespoon of dulce de leche onto the bottom side of one cookie, then sandwich it with the bottom side of another cookie. Press gently until the dulce de leche reaches the edges, creating a filled sandwich.
  11. Optional garnishes: Roll the sides of each sandwich cookie in shredded coconut if using, and dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar using a fine mesh strainer for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and a smoother dough.
  • If you don’t have lemon zest, orange zest is a great substitute for a citrusy note.
  • Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should be just starting to turn golden on the edges to retain a tender texture.
  • Dulce de leche can be homemade or store-bought; choose a quality one for best flavor.
  • If you’re skipping the coconut, the cookies are still delicious dusted simply with powdered sugar.
  • Store assembled alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Alfajores, dulce de leche cookies, cornstarch cookies, South American dessert, sandwich cookies, dulce de leche

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/alfajores-dulce-de-leche-sandwich-cookies-recipe/