Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies)
If you’ve never experienced the delightful taste of Alfajores, you’re in for a real treat! These sweet, tender cookies are a staple in many Latin American countries, filled with luscious dulce de leche and often dusted with powdered sugar or rolled in shredded coconut. They embody a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible. Let’s dive into the world of Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies) and learn how to make them from scratch!
The Upside of Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies)
Alfajores are more than just cookies; they are a delightful experience. The soft, crumbly exterior gives way to a rich, creamy filling, making every bite a moment to savor. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings, enjoying with a cup of coffee, or simply indulging in as a sweet treat any time of day. Plus, they can be customized in so many ways, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.
Shopping List
- 1 cup (210g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting work surface
- 1/4 cup (57g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (56g) cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (113g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Dulce de Leche, chilled
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Shredded coconut, for rolling
Equipment Breakdown
- Mixing Bowl: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure your dry ingredients are well mixed.
- Baking Sheet: A flat surface for baking the cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet for easy removal of cookies.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
- Cookie Cutter: A round cutter to shape the cookies.
- Spatula: For transferring cookies from the baking sheet to a cooling rack.
Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies) Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your Alfajores.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
Add the chilled, cubed unsalted butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will help create the tender texture characteristic of Alfajores.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined, forming a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork it; you want the dough to remain tender.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and shape the cookies.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and become perfectly golden.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary based on your oven.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to prevent the dulce de leche from melting when you fill the cookies.
Step 9: Assemble the Alfajores
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of chilled dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat this process until all cookies are filled.
Step 10: Finish and Serve
To finish, roll the filled cookies in shredded coconut and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve with a warm beverage or enjoy them on their own!
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
- Chocolate Alfajores: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Spiced Alfajores: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus note.
- Nutty Variations: Add finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Insider Tips
- Make sure your butter is chilled; this helps create a flaky texture.
- For a more authentic touch, use homemade dulce de leche.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s essential for maintaining the structure of the cookies.
- Experiment with different fillings like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for a unique twist.
Storing Tips & Timelines
Alfajores can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to two weeks. For maximum freshness, it’s best to fill them just before serving.
Quick Questions
Can I make Alfajores ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. You can also bake the cookies in advance and fill them when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use if I don’t have dulce de leche?
If you can’t find dulce de leche, you can use store-bought caramel sauce or make a quick version by simmering sweetened condensed milk.
Can I freeze the Alfajores?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies without filling. Place them in an airtight container, and they will keep for up to three months. Just thaw them before filling and serving.
What are some popular toppings for Alfajores?
Common toppings include powdered sugar, shredded coconut, or even crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
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Save & Share
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies), it’s time to share the love! These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration, a cozy gathering, or just a treat for yourself. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!
Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by combining the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Add the chilled, cubed unsalted butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined, forming a soft dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once chilled, dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of chilled dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie.
- To finish, roll the filled cookies in shredded coconut and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is chilled; this helps create a flaky texture.
- For a more authentic touch, use homemade dulce de leche.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s essential for maintaining the structure of the cookies.
