Alfajores, delicate sandwich cookies filled with luscious dulce de leche, are a beloved treat throughout Latin America. These delightful pastries are more than just a dessert; they are a symbol of celebration, a comforting indulgence, and a taste of home for many. Imagine two melt-in-your-mouth cookies, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, embracing a generous layer of creamy, caramel-like dulce de leche. This recipe guides you through creating authentic Latin American Alfajores with Dulce de Leche, allowing you to experience this sweet tradition in your own kitchen. We’ll break down each step, from crafting the perfect dough to achieving the ideal dulce de leche consistency, ensuring even beginner bakers can achieve delicious results. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to create these exquisite Alfajores!
[Image Placeholder: A beautifully styled photo of Alfajores with Dulce de Leche, showcasing the cookies, filling, and powdered sugar dusting.]
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick look at what’s involved in making these delightful treats:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time) |
| Cooking Time | 12-15 minutes |
| Servings | Approximately 24 Alfajores |
| Difficulty | Medium |
Nutrition Information (per Alfajor)
Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 kcal
- Fat: 8-12g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Cholesterol: 30-40mg
- Sodium: 50-70mg
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 12-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
Ingredients for Authentic Alfajores
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Alfajores with Dulce de Leche:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups (250g) | Plus extra for dusting |
| Cornstarch | 1 cup (120g) | Essential for the delicate texture |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon | For a light rise |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon | Helps with browning |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances the flavors |
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g), softened | Ensure it’s properly softened but not melted |
| Granulated Sugar | 3/4 cup (150g) | For sweetness |
| Egg Yolks | 3 large | Adds richness and tenderness |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the flavor profile |
| Lemon Zest | 1 teaspoon (optional) | Adds a bright, citrusy note |
| Dulce de Leche | 1 (13.4 ounce) can or about 2 cups | Make sure it is a thick and spreadable variety |
| Powdered Sugar | For dusting | Creates the classic Alfajores finish |
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to bake your perfect Alfajores:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing. The mixture should be pale and airy.
- Add Egg Yolks and Flavorings: Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, incorporating each yolk fully before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using). These ingredients add richness and complexity to the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer (up to overnight). Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated until ready to use. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Reroll scraps as needed, but try to minimize rerolling to avoid tough cookies.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies should be pale in color, not deeply browned.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while still warm.
- Assemble the Alfajores: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down, to create a sandwich.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust the assembled Alfajores generously with powdered sugar. This gives them their classic appearance and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
These Alfajores with Dulce de Leche are perfect on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate the experience:
- With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the dulce de leche complements the bitterness of the coffee perfectly.
- Dessert Platter: Add them to a dessert platter for a special occasion. They pair well with other Latin American desserts like flan or tres leches cake.
- Gift Giving: Package them in a beautiful box or tin as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Ice Cream Accompaniment: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- With Sparkling Wine: The sweetness of the Alfajores pairs wonderfully with the effervescence of sparkling wine for a sophisticated treat.
Tips and Notes for Perfect Alfajores
Here are some helpful tips and notes to ensure your Alfajores turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll the Dough Evenly: Roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure the cookies bake evenly.
- Use Good Quality Dulce de Leche: The quality of the dulce de leche will greatly affect the flavor of the Alfajores. Choose a thick, creamy, and flavorful dulce de leche. If you can’t find good quality store-bought dulce de leche, consider making your own.
- Cool the Cookies Completely: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before assembling the Alfajores, or the dulce de leche will melt.
- Dust Generously with Powdered Sugar: Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar! It adds a beautiful finishing touch and complements the sweetness of the dulce de leche.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough, or use different extracts like almond or orange extract. You can also coat the edges of the Alfajores in shredded coconut or chopped nuts for a more decorative finish.
- Homemade Dulce de Leche: If you want to make your own dulce de leche, you can do so by simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk in a water bath for several hours until it thickens and caramelizes. Be sure to research safe methods for making dulce de leche at home.
- Storage: Store assembled Alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies may soften slightly over time.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
- Vegan Option: Making vegan Alfajores requires substituting butter with vegan butter and eggs with a flax egg or other vegan egg replacer. You will also need to find a vegan dulce de leche substitute, which may require some online searching or experimentation with homemade vegan caramel sauces.
Making Alfajores with Dulce de Leche is a rewarding experience. The delicate cookies, the creamy filling, and the dusting of powdered sugar create a truly irresistible treat. With this recipe and these helpful tips, you’ll be able to create authentic Latin American Alfajores in your own kitchen and share them with friends and family. Enjoy the sweet taste of tradition!
Remember to adjust the recipe to your liking and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of baking these delicious cookies. Happy baking!
These Alfajores with Dulce de Leche are more than just a dessert; they are a taste of Latin American culture and a symbol of celebration. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee, sharing them with friends and family, or giving them as a homemade gift, they are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some sweet bliss!
This recipe aims to provide a clear and easy-to-follow guide for making authentic Latin American Alfajores with Dulce de Leche. By breaking down each step and providing helpful tips and notes, even beginner bakers can achieve delicious results. The goal is to empower you to create these exquisite cookies in your own kitchen and experience the joy of sharing them with others.
So, go ahead and try this recipe today! You won’t be disappointed. The combination of the delicate cookies, the creamy dulce de leche, and the dusting of powdered sugar is simply divine. And with a little practice, you’ll be making perfect Alfajores every time. Enjoy!
