Alfajores Recipe: A Guide to Making These Delicious South American Treats
Alfajores are delightful little sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and often coated in coconut flakes or powdered sugar. Originating in South America, they're a beloved treat enjoyed across the continent and beyond. This recipe will guide you through making these sweet delights at home. This recipe will focus on traditional Argentine alfajores, but variations exist across different countries.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 12 alfajores. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ½ cup cornstarch for a more delicate cookie
For the filling:
- 1 cup dulce de leche (store-bought is perfectly fine!)
For the coating (choose one):
- Powdered sugar
- Shredded sweetened coconut
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Alfajores Cookies:
- Cream together the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt (and cornstarch, if using).
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- 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 the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut out cookies: Use a 2-3 inch cookie cutter (round is traditional, but you can get creative!) to cut out the cookies.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool completely: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
Assembling the Alfajores:
- Spread dulce de leche: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of dulce de leche onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Sandwich together: Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
- Coat (optional): Gently press the edges to seal and then coat the sides of the alfajores in either powdered sugar or shredded coconut.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading.
- Let the cookies cool completely: Filling warm cookies will result in melted dulce de leche.
- Get creative with fillings and coatings: While dulce de leche is traditional, you can experiment with other fillings and coatings.
Enjoy Your Homemade Alfajores!
These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion – from afternoon tea to a festive gathering. With a little patience and attention to detail, you'll be enjoying these delicious South American cookies in no time! Remember to share your creations and tag us – we'd love to see your alfajores!
