Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche, also known as alfajores, are a delicious treat that originated in South America. These cookies are made with a gluten-free shortbread-like dough and filled with a rich and creamy dulce de leche caramel. Alfajores have a delicate and crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with the smooth and sweet dulce de leche filling.
The dough for these gluten-free sandwich cookies is made with a combination of gluten-free flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, and butter. This creates a light and tender cookie that is reminiscent of traditional shortbread. The dough is rolled out and cut into rounds, then baked until golden and crisp. Once cooled, the cookies are sandwiched together with a generous amount of dulce de leche, creating a decadent and irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Gluten-free sandwich cookies with dulce de leche, also known as Alfajores, require a few key ingredients to achieve their delicious taste and texture. Here is a list of the main ingredients needed:
- Gluten-free flour: The base of these cookies is a gluten-free flour blend, which ensures that the cookies are suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease. The flour blend should typically include a mix of rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch.
- Butter: Butter is essential in creating a tender and rich flavor in the cookies. Make sure to use unsalted butter for better control over the overall saltiness of the recipe.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cookies and balance the flavors. It adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Egg yolks: The egg yolks act as a binding agent and provide moisture to the cookies. They also contribute to the tender texture and contribute to the golden color of the cookies.
- Dulce de leche: Dulce de leche is a creamy caramel-like filling that adds a rich and decadent flavor to the sandwich cookies. You can either make your own dulce de leche or purchase it pre-made.
In addition to these main ingredients, you may need a few common pantry staples such as baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. These ingredients enhance the flavor and ensure the cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Steps to Make Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche (Alfajores)
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make delicious gluten-free sandwich cookies with dulce de leche:
- Mix the dry ingredients: Start by combining the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand with a wooden spoon.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, a little at a time, mixing until well incorporated. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and shape.
- Roll out and cut the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble the sandwich cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a teaspoon of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie. Place another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
- Serve and enjoy: Your gluten-free sandwich cookies with dulce de leche are now ready to be enjoyed! They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
These step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process of making delectable gluten-free sandwich cookies with dulce de leche. Enjoy these sweet treats as a dessert or a snack any time of the day!
Tips from Professional Chefs on Making Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche (Alfajores)
When it comes to making gluten-free sandwich cookies with dulce de leche, professional chefs have some valuable tips to ensure a delicious result. Here are three tips from the experts:
- Use a combination of gluten-free flours: To achieve the perfect texture for your cookies, professional chefs recommend using a combination of gluten-free flours. This can include a mix of rice flour, almond flour, and potato starch. Experiment with different ratios to find the right balance and achieve a tender and crumbly cookie.
- Chill the dough: After mixing the cookie dough, it’s important to chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This not only helps the flavors to meld, but it also makes the dough easier to handle when rolling and cutting out the cookies. Chilled dough also helps the cookies to retain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Focus on the dulce de leche filling: The filling is a key component of the gluten-free sandwich cookies with dulce de leche. Professional chefs recommend making your own dulce de leche from scratch for the best flavor. Simmer sweetened condensed milk on low heat for several hours until it transforms into a thick and caramel-like sauce. This homemade dulce de leche adds a rich and creamy element that perfectly complements the gluten-free cookies.
By following these tips from professional chefs, you can create gluten-free sandwich cookies with dulce de leche that are just as delicious and satisfying as the traditional version. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different gluten-free flours and fillings to make this sweet treat your own.
Reviews
I recently tried the Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche (Alfajores) and I must say, they were absolutely delicious! As someone with a gluten intolerance, it can be difficult to find gluten-free treats that actually taste good, but these cookies exceeded my expectations.
The cookies themselves had a delicate, buttery flavor and a perfectly crumbly texture. They were not overly sweet, which I appreciated, as it allowed the rich dulce de leche filling to shine. The dulce de leche was smooth and creamy, with a caramel-like taste that complemented the cookies beautifully.
I also appreciated the fact that these cookies were individually wrapped, making them great for on-the-go snacking or for bringing to work or school. The packaging was also attractive and sturdy, ensuring that the cookies arrived in perfect condition.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche (Alfajores) to anyone looking for a tasty gluten-free treat. Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, these cookies are sure to please with their delicious flavor and perfect balance of sweetness.
As someone who has recently been diagnosed with gluten intolerance, finding delicious gluten-free treats has been quite a challenge. That’s why I was thrilled to come across the Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche (Alfajores) recipe.
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves cookies but needs to avoid gluten. The cookies are light, buttery, and have the perfect texture. The dulce de leche filling adds a rich and creamy element that takes these cookies to a whole new level.
I was amazed at how easy this recipe was to follow. The ingredients were simple and readily available, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow. I appreciated that the recipe provided measurements in both metric and imperial units, making it accessible to a wider range of bakers.
The end result was absolutely divine. The cookies had a delicate crunch on the outside, while the inside was soft and melt-in-your-mouth. The dulce de leche filling was thick and luscious, with a hint of caramel flavor that complemented the cookies perfectly.
I can’t recommend this recipe enough for anyone looking for a gluten-free treat that doesn’t compromise on taste and texture. Whether you have gluten intolerance or not, these Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche (Alfajores) are sure to impress.
As someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, I was excited to try my hand at making Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche (Alfajores). I had heard great things about this recipe and was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
The first thing that struck me about these cookies was their texture. The gluten-free flour blend I used gave the cookies a delicate and crumbly texture that was perfect for sandwiching the rich dulce de leche filling. The combination of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with the sweet and creamy dulce de leche was absolutely heavenly.
Not only were these cookies delicious, but they were also surprisingly easy to make. The dough came together quickly and rolled out smoothly without sticking. I had no trouble cutting out perfectly round cookies and assembling them with the dulce de leche. The finished cookies looked just as beautiful as they tasted.
I would highly recommend trying this Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche (Alfajores) recipe to anyone, whether they are gluten-free or not. The flavors and textures are truly exceptional, and I guarantee they will be a hit with your family and friends. I am already looking forward to making another batch soon!
