Alfajores are a traditional South American treat that consists of two delicate cookies sandwiched together with a rich, creamy filling. These cookies are popular in Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru, and are often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The cookies themselves are tender and crumbly, with a subtle hint of citrus from the addition of lemon zest in the dough.
One of the defining features of alfajores is the dulce de leche filling, which is a thick, sweet caramel made from condensed milk. The dulce de leche adds a luscious sweetness to the cookies, and pairs perfectly with the buttery flavor of the dough. Making your own dulce de leche is a labor of love, as it involves slowly simmering condensed milk until it transforms into a thick, caramelized sauce. However, you can also find ready-made dulce de leche at many grocery stores if you prefer to save time. Once the cookies are sandwiched together with the dulce de leche filling, they are often rolled in coconut flakes or dusted with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Ingredients
When it comes to making Alfajores, the key ingredients are:
- Butter: This recipe calls for unsalted butter, which adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the dough and give the cookies a nice texture.
- Egg yolks: The egg yolks help bind the dough together and add moisture.
- All-purpose flour: The flour is the main ingredient in the cookie dough, giving it structure and texture.
- Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the dough helps create a tender and crumbly texture.
- Baking powder: Baking powder is used as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise slightly.
- Vanilla extract: This ingredient adds a delicious hint of vanilla flavor to the cookies.
- Dulce de leche: Dulce de leche is a sweet caramel-like sauce made from condensed milk. It is used as a filling for the Alfajores.
- Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is sprinkled on top of the finished cookies to add a touch of sweetness and a decorative touch.
These ingredients help create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in each Alfajor cookie. The combination of buttery and crumbly cookies with the creamy and sweet dulce de leche filling is simply irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies)
Making Alfajores, a traditional South American treat, requires a few simple steps. Follow this recipe to create delicious Dulce de Leche sandwich cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup Dulce de Leche
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a ¼-inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter with a diameter of about 2 inches, cut out cookies from the rolled dough.
- Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Assemble the Alfajores
- Spread a teaspoonful of Dulce de Leche onto the bottom side of one cookie.
- Place another cookie on top, bottom side down, to create a sandwich.
- Repeat this process with the remaining cookies.
- If desired, roll the edges of the assembled Alfajores in shredded coconut for added flavor and decoration.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Tip: These Alfajores can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They also make great gifts!
Tips from professional chefs for making Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies)
When making Alfajores, it’s important to have all your ingredients at room temperature. This includes the butter, eggs, and dulce de leche. Room temperature ingredients will combine more easily and create a smoother dough. Additionally, make sure to use unsalted butter. This allows you to control the amount of salt in the final cookies and ensures a better balance of flavors.
One of the key steps in making Alfajores is to properly chill the dough. After mixing all the ingredients, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into rounds. It also enhances the flavors and textures of the cookies.
When assembling the sandwiches, it’s crucial to spread a generous amount of dulce de leche between the cookies. The dulce de leche acts as the glue that holds the cookies together. Use a spoon or a piping bag to add the dulce de leche to the center of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top. The amount of dulce de leche used can vary according to personal preference, but be careful not to use too much, as it may ooze out when the cookies are pressed together.
Reviews
As a lover of all things sweet, I absolutely had to try making Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies). Let me tell you, these cookies did not disappoint! Right from the moment I started baking them, my kitchen was filled with the warm and inviting aroma of butter and vanilla.
The cookies themselves were beautifully golden and had a delicate crumbly texture. They were not overly sweet, which I really appreciated. The dulce de leche filling was the perfect balance of creamy and sweet, adding a delicious caramel flavor to the cookies. Each bite was a symphony of flavors.
I was initially worried about making the dulce de leche filling from scratch, but following the recipe instructions, it turned out to be surprisingly easy. The combination of condensed milk, sugar, and vanilla created a luscious and velvety caramel that was simply irresistible.
Overall, I highly recommend trying out this recipe for Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies). They make a wonderful treat for any occasion and are sure to impress your friends and family. Just be prepared to have them disappear quickly, as they are incredibly addictive!
As a person who loves to cook and try new recipes, I recently discovered the joy of making Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies). Let me tell you, these cookies are simply amazing! The combination of the delicate shortbread cookies and the rich dulce de leche filling is a match made in heaven.
First of all, the recipe for these Alfajores is quite simple and straightforward. The ingredients are easy to find and the steps are easy to follow. I was able to make a batch in no time, and the results were perfect. The cookies came out buttery and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness. And let me tell you, the aroma that filled my kitchen while they were baking was absolutely divine.
But the true star of this recipe is the dulce de leche filling. It’s like caramel, but so much better. The sweet, creamy consistency and the rich, caramelized flavor make it the perfect complement to the delicate cookies. I couldn’t resist sneaking a spoonful of the dulce de leche while assembling the cookies, and it was heavenly.
I highly recommend trying out this recipe for Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies). Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just a beginner, you’ll be able to recreate these delicious treats with ease. Trust me, once you taste these cookies, you’ll be hooked. They’re the perfect indulgence for any sweet tooth, and they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Give them a try and prepare to be amazed.
I recently tried the Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies) recipe and I was blown away by how delicious they turned out. The combination of the delicate cookies and the rich dulce de leche filling was simply heavenly. I’ve always been a fan of anything sweet, and these cookies definitely satisfied my sweet tooth.
The recipe was quite easy to follow, and the result was absolutely worth the effort. I started by making the cookie dough, which came together quickly and easily. The dough was soft and easy to handle, which made shaping the cookies a breeze. Once the cookies were baked and cooled, it was time to assemble them with the dulce de leche filling.
The dulce de leche filling was sticky and sweet, just the way I like it. I generously spread the filling onto one cookie and sandwiched it with another, pressing gently to make sure the cookies were securely held together. The result was a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cookies were tender and crumbly, while the dulce de leche filling was creamy and rich. It was a match made in heaven.
I shared the Alfajores with my family and friends, and they were an instant hit. Everyone loved them and couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were. The cookies were devoured within minutes, and I was left wishing I had made a double batch. I will definitely be making this recipe again in the future.
I recently had the pleasure of trying the Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies), and I must say they were absolutely delicious. As someone who enjoys cooking and experimenting with different recipes, I decided to give these cookies a try, and I was not disappointed.
The texture of the cookies was perfect – they were soft and crumbly, just the way a good sandwich cookie should be. The flavor of the dulce de leche was rich and creamy, adding a delightful sweetness to the overall taste. The combination of the cookie and the dulce de leche filling created a perfect balance of flavors.
What I also loved about these cookies is that they were not overly sweet. Sometimes, desserts can be too sugary, but these cookies had just the right level of sweetness. I could easily enjoy a couple of them without feeling overwhelmed.
The presentation of the Alfajores was also impressive. They were individually wrapped, which made them perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family. The packaging itself was simple yet elegant, giving the cookies a high-quality and luxurious feel.
I highly recommend trying the Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies) recipe. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, these cookies are sure to impress. The combination of the soft, crumbly cookies and the creamy dulce de leche filling is simply irresistible. I guarantee that once you try one, you won’t be able to resist having another. They are the perfect treat for any occasion.
As a frequent baker, I am always on the lookout for unique and delicious recipes to try. When I discovered the recipe for Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies), I knew I had to give it a go. These cookies are a traditional South American treat, and I was excited to experience their rich and indulgent flavors.
The process of making the Alfajores was surprisingly simple. The dough came together easily, and once it was chilled, I rolled it out and cut it into perfect little circles. The cookies baked up beautifully, with a light golden color and a hint of sweetness. I could already tell that these cookies were going to be a hit.
Once the cookies had cooled, it was time to assemble the sandwich. I spread a generous amount of dulce de leche, a creamy caramel-like filling, onto one cookie and then gently pressed another on top. The result was pure bliss. The textures of the crispy cookie and the smooth dulce de leche melded together perfectly, creating a truly indulgent treat.
I couldn’t resist trying one right away, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The caramel flavor of the dulce de leche was rich and decadent, perfectly complementing the slightly sweet and buttery cookie. The Alfajores were so good that I couldn’t stop at just one; I quickly found myself reaching for a second, and then a third.
In conclusion, I highly recommend trying the recipe for Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies). They are a unique and delicious treat that will leave you wanting more. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are sure to impress. So go ahead, give them a try, and prepare to be delighted.
I recently tried the Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies) recipe and I must say, they were absolutely delicious! The combination of buttery cookies and creamy dulce de leche filling was simply divine. The recipe was easy to follow and the result was perfect. The cookies had a nice crispy texture on the outside and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
The dulce de leche filling was the star of the show. It was rich, creamy, and had just the right amount of sweetness. The cookies held up well with the filling and didn’t become soggy or lose their texture. The flavors complemented each other perfectly, creating a heavenly bite every time.
I also loved how versatile these cookies were. They were great for snacking, dessert, or even a special treat for afternoon tea. They would be a beautiful addition to any holiday or special occasion spread. I can’t wait to make them again and share them with my friends and family.
