Alfajores

Classic Alfajores Recipe: Soft Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies

Alfajores are tender sandwich cookies filled with rich dulce de leche. Popular across Argentina, Peru and Spain, these delicate cookies are buttery, slightly crumbly and perfect for teatime or gifting. This alfajores recipe is easy to follow and yields authentic flavor with minimal fuss. SEO keywords: alfajores recipe, dulce de leche cookies, Argentine alfajores, how to make alfajores.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2/3 cup powdered sugar
– 3 egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups cornstarch
– 1 cup all purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– 1 cup dulce de leche (store bought or homemade)
– Optional: shredded coconut or extra powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla.
3. Sift together cornstarch, flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chill for 20 minutes.
4. On a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment, roll the dough to about 1 1/4 centimeter thickness. Cut out rounds using a 5 centimeter or 2 inch cutter and transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just set. The cookies should remain pale. Cool completely on a wire rack.
6. To assemble, spread a teaspoon or more of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to make a sandwich. Roll the edges in shredded coconut or dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Tips and variations:
For truly traditional texture use more cornstarch than flour. Replace dulce de leche with fruit jam or chocolate ganache for other flavors. To make homemade dulce de leche, simmer a sealed can of sweetened condensed milk in a water bath for two to three hours, topping up water as needed. Store assembled alfajores in an airtight container for up to one week.

Meta description: Easy alfajores recipe for soft dulce de leche sandwich cookies with step by step instructions and simple tips for perfect Argentine treats.

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Make the Dough: Cream butter and sugar. Add egg yolks and lemon zest. Gradually mix in flour and cornstarch to form a dough. Chill for 1 hour.
Bake the Cookies: Roll out the dough, cut into circles, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes. Let cool.
Assemble: Spread dulce de leche on one cookie, then sandwich with another. Roll the edges in coconut flakes.
Pro Tips:

Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Dip the alfajores in melted chocolate and let them set on a wire rack for an extra decadent treat.