Authentic Alfajores: The Ultimate Argentinian Delicacy Recipe

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 pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dulce de leche, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Steps and instructions

  1. Whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  2. Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat with a mixer on medium speed until creamy and well combined, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the egg yolks, pisco or brandy, and vanilla and beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
  4. Reduce the speed to low, add the flour mixture, and beat until just combined.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a smooth disk, and wrap it tightly. Place in the refrigerator until firm, at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
  7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness.
  8. Stamp out rounds using a 2-inch round cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1/2 inch apart.
  9. Bake until the cookies are firm and pale golden on the bottom, about 12 to 14 minutes. (The cookies will remain pale on top.) Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the dulce de leche on half of the cookies and sandwich them together with the other half.
  11. Place the shredded coconut in a dish. Roll the edges of the sandwich cookies in the coconut to coat the dulce de leche.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowls - You'll need mixing bowls to combine ingredients and make the dough.
  • Mixer - A mixer will help you beat the butter and sugar together until creamy and well combined.
  • Whisk - Whisk together dry ingredients such as cornstarch, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Plastic wrap - Use plastic wrap to wrap and refrigerate the dough.
  • Rolling pin - You'll need a rolling pin to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • 2-inch round cutter - Use a 2-inch round cutter to stamp out the cookie rounds.
  • Parchment paper - Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
  • Wire rack - Place the baked cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Dish for shredded coconut - You'll need a dish to hold the shredded coconut for rolling the edges of the sandwich cookies.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of flour such as whole wheat flour, almond flour, or gluten-free flour for a different texture or dietary preference.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a subtle spicy flavor.
  • Swap the dulce de leche filling with other spreads like chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, or caramel sauce.
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios on top of the dulce de leche before sandwiching the cookies.
  • Dip the edges of the sandwich cookies in melted chocolate and let it set for a decadent chocolate coating.
  • Add a few drops of citrus zest (such as lemon or orange) to the dough for a refreshing twist.
  • Replace the shredded coconut with crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, or finely chopped chocolate for a different coating.
  • For a savory variation, omit the sugar in the dough and use it as a base for mini tart shells filled with savory ingredients like cheese, herbs, or roasted vegetables.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using a combination of gluten-free flours and a suitable substitute for the baking powder and baking soda.
  • Experiment with different flavors of dulce de leche, such as salted caramel, chocolate, or coffee-infused, to add a unique taste to the cookies.

Recipe overview

This recipe guides you through the steps of creating authentic Alfajores, a popular dessert in South America. These sweet treats are a type of sandwich cookie filled with delicious dulce de leche and rolled in shredded coconut. Expect to work with a delicate dough shaped into rounds, which gets baked to a light golden perfection. The resulting cookies are then filled with a creamy dulce de leche, making for a treat that is not overly sweet but wonderfully rich. This recipe might require some patience, especially if it's your first time making it, but the end result is more than worth it. Enjoy these as a dessert or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. If you're a fan of dulce de leche or looking to try a classic South American dessert, this recipe is a must-try!

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute cornstarch with another ingredient? Yes, you can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of potato starch or tapioca starch.
  2. Can I use margarine instead of butter? It is recommended to use unsalted butter for the best texture and flavor. Margarine can be used as a substitute, but it may affect the overall taste and texture of the cookies.
  3. Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of pisco or brandy? Yes, you can substitute pisco or brandy with rum or whisky, or you can omit it altogether if you prefer alcohol-free cookies.
  4. How do I store the Alfajores? Store the assembled Alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a softer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator.
  5. Can I use pre-made dulce de leche? Yes, you can use store-bought dulce de leche instead of making it from scratch. Just make sure it is at room temperature before spreading it on the cookies.
  6. Can I skip rolling the cookies in shredded coconut? If you prefer not to use shredded coconut, you can skip this step. The cookies will still be delicious without the coconut coating.
  7. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - Used for combining ingredients and mixing the dough.
  • Electric mixer - Helps in beating the butter, sugar, and other ingredients together to create a creamy texture.
  • Plastic wrap - Used for wrapping and chilling the dough in the refrigerator.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness before cutting into rounds.
  • 2-inch round cutter - Used to stamp out rounds from the rolled dough.
  • Baking sheet - Used for baking the cookies in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
  • Wire rack - Used for cooling the baked cookies and allowing air to circulate around them.
  • Dish for shredded coconut - A shallow dish is needed for rolling the edges of the sandwich cookies in shredded coconut.

Origin stories

Alfajores trace their origins back to the region of Andalusia, in southern Spain. However, it is in South America that they have truly found their home, becoming a beloved sweet treat in many countries across the continent. Interestingly, the word 'alfajor' is rooted in Arabic, where 'al-hasú' means filled or stuffed, referencing the delicious filling sandwiched between the biscuit layers. This reflects the Arabic influence on Spanish cuisine, dating back to the Moorish rule of Spain. Over time, each country in South America has adapted the alfajor to create their own regional variations. In Argentina, for instance, it is a national obsession, with hundreds of millions consumed each year. Dipped in chocolate or rolled in coconut, with fillings ranging from the traditional dulce de leche to fruit jams or even a liquor-flavored cream, the alfajor is a sweet symbol of South America's rich culinary tapestry.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.