Alfajores: The Ultimate Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies
-
Loading... - Ariana Soul
- 06 Sep 2024
- 51 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Alfajores, a classic treat popular in Peru, are a delightful combination of soft, buttery cookies and rich, creamy dulce de leche filling. These cookies have gained popularity for their unique flavor and texture.
What are Alfajores?
Alfajores are shortbread-like cookies made with cornstarch, flour, and butter, which gives them a tender and crumbly texture. The cookies are typically round in shape and have a delicate, pale color. The real magic happens when you sandwich two of these cookies together with a generous helping of dulce de leche, a sweet and creamy caramel-like spread made from sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients and Instructions
To make alfajores, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon pisco or brandy
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup dulce de leche, at room temperature
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Desiccated coconut, for rolling
Here's how to make alfajores:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg yolks, pisco or brandy, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Stamp out 24 rounds using a plain or fluted 2-inch round cutter, rerolling the dough as necessary until all of it is gone.
9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, 12 per sheet and at least 1/2 inch apart.
10. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and pale golden on the bottom.
11. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
12. To assemble the alfajores, flip half of the cookies upside down and gently spread about 2 teaspoons of dulce de leche on each.
13. Place a second cookie on top and gently press to create a sandwich.
14. Dust the alfajores with powdered sugar and roll the sides in desiccated coconut.
Tips and Variations
- To make dulce de leche, you can simmer a can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot of boiling water for 3 hours, or bake it in the oven in a water bath for the same amount of time.
- You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt or a pinch of cinnamon to the dulce de leche for added flavor.
- Experiment with different flavors, such as adding a teaspoon of coffee or a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough.
- Alfajores make a great gift or snack for parties and gatherings.
Conclusion
Alfajores are a delicious and unique treat that combines the best of South American flavors and textures. With their tender cookies and rich dulce de leche filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and experience the magic of alfajores for yourself!
