Irresistible Alfajores Recipe: Delicious Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies
There’s nothing quite like the delicate, buttery goodness of alfajores. These traditional Peruvian dulce de leche sandwich cookies are a sweet treat that melts in your mouth. With a hint of vanilla and a dusting of powdered sugar, they are a delightful indulgence that you’ll want to make again and again. This recipe, passed down from a Peruvian street vendor, is sure to bring a taste of Peru to your kitchen.
Table of Contents
The Best Alfajores Recipe
Creating the perfect alfajores requires attention to detail and quality ingredients. The balance of flavors and textures in these cookies makes them truly exceptional. Let’s dive into what makes these alfajores the best.
Notes on Ingredients
- Flour: Sifted all-purpose flour ensures a light, delicate cookie.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Provides sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Cornstarch: Adds tenderness to the cookies.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant, warm note.
- Dulce de Leche: The rich, caramel filling that makes alfajores irresistible.
- White Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
How to Make Alfajores
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, cornstarch, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat butter until soft and fluffy. Add white sugar and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in three batches, blending until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a log, and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 48 cookies, each about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange them on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Generously spread dulce de leche on half of the cooled cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
- Finish with a Dusting: Lightly dust the completed alfajores with the remaining confectioners’ sugar.
How to Serve Alfajores
Alfajores are best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Their delicate texture and rich filling make them a perfect treat for afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to any meal. Arrange them on a decorative plate for an appealing presentation.
How to Store Alfajores
To keep your alfajores fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 176.66 kcal | 9% |
Total Fat | 8.74 g | 12% |
Carbs | 22.6 g | 9% |
Sugars | 12.71 g | 14% |
Protein | 2.09 g | 4% |
Sodium | 43.22 mg | 2% |
Fiber | 0.29 g | 1% |
Saturated Fat | 5.39 g | 27% |
Trans Fat | 0.05 g | – |
Monounsaturated Fat | 2.51 g | – |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.38 g | – |
Cholesterol | 24.19 mg | 8% |
Calcium | 38.04 mg | 5% |
Magnesium | 5.52 mg | 1% |
Potassium | 61.35 mg | 2% |
Iron | 0.52 mg | 4% |
Zinc | 0.19 mg | 2% |
Phosphorus | 39.88 mg | 6% |
Vitamin A | 81.48 mcg | 10% |
Vitamin C | 0.35 mg | 0% |
Thiamin B1 | 0.08 mg | 8% |
Riboflavin B2 | 0.11 mg | 8% |
Niacin B3 | 0.65 mg | 4% |
Vitamin B6 | 0.01 mg | 0% |
Folic Acid B9 | 32.04 mcg | 16% |
Vitamin B12 | 0.06 mcg | 2% |
Vitamin D | 0.02 mcg | 0% |
Vitamin E | 0.25 mg | 2% |
Vitamin K | 0.87 mcg | 1% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Alfajores
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly in this recipe. Look for a high-quality brand for the best results.
Can I freeze alfajores?
Yes, you can freeze alfajores. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Certainly! You can experiment with adding citrus zest, cinnamon, or even cocoa powder to the dough for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Irresistible Alfajores Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup sifted cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 sticks unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 11.5 ounce jar dulce de leche
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar or as needed for dusting
Instructions
- Mix flour, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, cornstarch, and salt together in a bowl.
- Beat butter with an electric mixer in a separate bowl until soft and fluffy. Mix in white sugar and vanilla until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in 3 batches, beating until just blended after each addition. Divide dough in half, roll each half into a log, and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Slice dough logs into forty-eight 1/4-inch-thick cookies and place onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven until just starting to turn golden around the edges, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 1 minute on the baking sheet. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Use a knife to generously spread dulce de leche onto 1/2 of the cooled cookies. Sandwich remaining cookies on top and place onto a serving tray.
- Lightly dust finished cookies with remaining confectioners’ sugar.
Enjoy making and indulging in these delightful alfajores, and bring a little piece of Peruvian sweetness into your home!