Alfajores, have you heard of them? These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a beloved treat across Latin America, with origins tracing back to ancient Arabic influences. Imagine two delicate, crumbly cookies embracing a generous filling of dulce de leche, all coated in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. Sounds heavenly, right?
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making alfajores at home. Don’t worry if you’re a baking newbie, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, and the result is guaranteed to impress. So, let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this delicious journey!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1 ¼ cups dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
For the coating:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Alfajores Ingredients
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter)
- Serrated knife (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
- Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
2. Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut out the cookies: Using a round cookie cutter, cut out as many cookies as possible. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more cookies.
Expert Tip from Maria, Pastry Chef: “For perfectly round alfajores, try not to twist the cookie cutter when lifting it from the dough. A straight up-and-down motion works best.”
3. Baking the Alfajores
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool completely: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before filling.
4. Assembling the Alfajores
- Fill the cookies: Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous tablespoon of dulce de leche onto the flat side of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies, creating sandwiches.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Gently roll the edges of the assembled alfajores in the powdered sugar to coat.
Assembling Alfajores
Alfajores FAQs
Q: Can I use a different filling for alfajores?
A: Absolutely! While dulce de leche is the classic filling, you can get creative. Try chocolate spread, lemon curd, or even a fruit jam for a unique twist.
Q: How do I store alfajores?
A: Store your alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion
Congratulations on mastering the art of making alfajores! These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with a cup of coffee or tea. Now that you know the secrets to these irresistible cookies, don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and decorations. Happy baking!
We’d love to hear about your alfajores adventure! Share your experiences and photos in the comments below. And for more delicious homemade goodies, explore the tempting recipes on our website!
