Traditional Alfajores Recipe – Argentinean Dulce de Leche Cookies
If you’ve never tried Alfajores before, you’re in for a real treat. These traditional Argentinean cookies are soft, delicate, and filled with creamy dulce de leche. Loved across Latin cultures, even my mother-in-law from Mendoza, Argentina, swears they’re the best!
Table of Contents
The Best Alfajores Recipe
Notes on Ingredients
The key to perfect Alfajores lies in the balance of its ingredients. Unbleached all-purpose flour and cornstarch create a light, crumbly texture. The combination of vanilla rum, vanilla extract, and lemon extract gives these cookies a unique and delightful flavor. And of course, the dulce de leche filling and shredded coconut coating bring everything together.
How to Make Alfajores
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: Whisk together 1 ⅔ cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 2 ½ cups of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Set this mixture aside.
- Creaming: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of white sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Yolks and Flavors: Add 3 egg yolks one at a time, making sure each yolk is well blended before adding the next. Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla rum, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of lemon extract, and 2 teaspoons of lemon zest with the last yolk.
- Forming the Dough: Gently fold in the flour mixture with a spoon, creating a crumbly dough. When the dough is cohesive, press it into a ball with your hands, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Rolling and Cutting: Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use as little flour as possible to prevent sticking. Cut the dough with a small round cookie cutter, and place the cookies ½ inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Baking: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes until set but not browned. Immediately transfer them to a wire rack to cool.
- Assembling: Spread a teaspoon of dulce de leche on the underside of a cooled cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Roll the sides in ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut.
How to Serve Alfajores
Serve Alfajores with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack or dessert. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings, holidays, or as a special treat any time of the year.
How to Store Alfajores
Store your Alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their best texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 156.65 kcal | 8% |
| Total Fat | 7.1 g | 10% |
| Carbs | 21.75 g | 8% |
| Sugars | 8.81 g | 10% |
| Protein | 1.6 g | 3% |
| Sodium | 52.62 mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.46 g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.61 g | 23% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.77 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 29.25 mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 42.04 mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 3.78 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 41.31 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.49 mg | 4% |
| Zinc | 0.15 mg | 2% |
| Phosphorus | 36.71 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin A | 57.6 mcg | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 0.38 mg | 0% |
| Thiamin B1 | 0.05 mg | 4% |
| Riboflavin B2 | 0.07 mg | 5% |
| Niacin B3 | 0.36 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.01 mg | 1% |
| Folic Acid B9 | 19.72 mcg | 10% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.06 mcg | 3% |
| Vitamin D | 0.08 mcg | 2% |
| Vitamin E | 0.2 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin K | 0.57 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 and saves time.
Can I freeze Alfajores?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cookies. Just thaw and fill with dulce de leche when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have vanilla rum?
You can substitute with regular rum or additional vanilla extract.
The Best Alfajores Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla rum
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 11.5 ounce jar dulce de leche
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
- Beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, allowing each yolk to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla rum, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest with the last egg. Gently fold in the flour mixture with a spoon, making a crumbly dough. When the dough becomes cohesive enough, press it together into a ball with your hands. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough, using as little flour as possible, about 1/4 inch thick. The dough will have an unusual consistency. Cut with a small round cookie cutter. Continue pressing the dough together, rolling it out, and cutting until you have used it all. Place cookies 1/2 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven until set but not browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the cookies immediately to cool on a wire rack.
- Spread the underside of a cooled cookie with a teaspoon of dulce de leche, then sandwich together with another cookie until the caramel oozes out the sides. Roll the sides in the shredded coconut.
By following this detailed guide, you can create your own delicious batch of traditional Argentinean Alfajores, sure to impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy the delightful combination of crumbly cookies and creamy dulce de leche!
