Tender Alfajores Cookies Recipe
Tender alfajores cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and luscious dulce de leche filling, perfect for any occasion and easy to make in under 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies (12 sandwiches) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: South American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (320g) dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Desiccated coconut for rolling the edges (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (225g) softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Mix in 2 large egg yolks, one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (120g) cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing just until you have a soft dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. Use a 2-inch (5 cm) round cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just set but not browned. Let them cool completely on wire racks.
- Assemble the Alfajores: Spread about 1 tablespoon (15g) of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another. Roll the edges in desiccated coconut or dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Chill the dough well before rolling to prevent spreading. Use cornstarch for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If dulce de leche is too thick, warm gently before spreading. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies (about 60g
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: alfajores, dulce de leche, cookies, South American dessert, tender cookies, sandwich cookies, easy cookie recipe