Alfajores Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Alfajores Recipe with you because it’s like biting into a little bite of happiness. These delicate, buttery cookies sandwiched together with rich, creamy dulce de leche are a wonderful treat that feels luxurious without any fuss. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon with coffee or a special occasion dessert, you’ll find these cookies perfectly charming and incredibly satisfying.

When I first tried making alfajores at home, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something so delightful. The cornstarch in the dough gives the cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that I’ve fallen in love with. Trust me, once you try this Alfajores Recipe, they’ll become your go-to when you want a sweet that feels truly special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to give you that iconic alfajores cookie: tender, buttery, and subtly flavored, so the dulce de leche shines through. Grab fresh butter and real vanilla for the best results—you’ll notice the difference.

• Cornstarch: This is the secret behind the cookies’ delicate texture, making them incredibly soft.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the cookies.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay light.
• Baking soda: Balances acidity and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the sweet ones.
• Butter (softened): The star of the dough, ensuring richness and flakiness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with texture during baking.
• Lemon zest: Adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Egg yolks: Richness and helping bind everything together.
• Pure vanilla extract: Gives that warm, comforting aroma and depth.
• Dulce de leche: The luscious filling that makes these cookies irresistible.
• Shredded coconut: Optional but traditional, it adds a lovely texture and a bit of tropical flair to the edges.

Variations

I like to switch things up sometimes with this Alfajores Recipe because it’s so easy to make your own version. Whether you want to experiment with different fillings or give it a gluten-free twist, you can make it your own and still get delicious results.

• Chocolate Variation: I’ve added a layer of melted dark chocolate inside along with dulce de leche for an indulgent double filling that my family adores.
• Gluten-Free Option: Using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour works well for those avoiding gluten—just watch the dough’s consistency and adjust with a little extra cornstarch if needed.
• Nutty Touch: Try sprinkling finely chopped toasted nuts onto the dulce de leche before sandwiching for extra crunch and flavor.

How to Make Alfajores Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper—trust me, it saves a mess! In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures that your rising agents and salt are evenly distributed, which is key for consistent texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest

In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest together until light and fluffy. This only takes a few minutes and really helps infuse the dough with brightness from the lemon. Then add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing them in until everything’s combined smoothly.

Step 3: Bring Your Dough Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use your mixer at low speed until the dough just comes together—you want to be able to squeeze it and have it hold its shape without feeling too sticky or crumbly. Lightly flour your surface, dump the dough out, and gently form it into a smooth ball, then cut it in half for easier rolling. Pro tip: if the dough feels too soft to roll nicely, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes—it’s easier to handle when chilled.

Step 4: Roll and Cut Your Cookies

Take one half of the dough at a time and roll it out to about ¼” thick on a floured surface. Grab a 2 ¼” round cookie cutter to cut out your cookie shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Don’t throw away those scraps—gather, re-roll, and cut more rounds until you’ve used all the dough.

Step 5: Chill Before Baking

This step was a game-changer for me. Pop your baking sheets with dough rounds into the freezer for at least 15 minutes until the dough is firm. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading too much in the oven.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the frozen cookies for 8 minutes—don’t worry if they seem a little soft and pale right out of the oven; they should be just set and tender. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before the next step.

Step 7: Assemble with Dulce de Leche and Coconut

Flip half of your cooled cookies over and spread a generous layer of dulce de leche on each. Then gently sandwich them with the remaining cookies. For the finishing touch, roll the edges in shredded coconut—it adds texture and that classic alfajores look that’s so inviting.

How to Serve Alfajores Recipe

Garnishes

I typically keep it simple with shredded coconut around the edges since it adds lovely texture and beauty. For a little extra flair, you can dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar or even drizzle melted chocolate—both make these cookies feel extra special when you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

These alfajores pair beautifully with a fresh cup of coffee or a warm cup of mate if you want to keep with the South American tradition. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries on the side also complements the cookie’s sweet creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I love arranging the alfajores on a pretty platter with edible flowers and a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch. You can also stack them in a tiered cookie tower or package them individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon for gifting—it always gets rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and they stay wonderfully soft. Bringing them to room temperature before eating helps the dulce de leche filling be deliciously gooey again.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully if you want to prep in advance. I separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking, pop them in a sealed container, and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To get the best texture when reheating, I recommend warming them gently in a low oven (about 275°F) for 5 minutes. This softens the cookies and makes the dulce de leche filling deliciously melty again—just like fresh!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Alfajores Recipe has become a beloved classic in my kitchen, one I come back to again and again whenever I want a cookie that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. I hope after you try these tender, dulce de leche-filled delights, they’ll find a special place on your dessert table too—whether it’s for unexpected guests or just a treat for yourself. Give them a go, I promise you won’t regret it!

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