Alfajores Recipe

Alfajores are soft, sweet sandwich cookies that are very popular in South America, especially in Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru. They are made with two tender cookies that gently hug a creamy filling, most often dulce de leche, which is a thick caramel like spread made from milk and sugar. The cookies themselves are usually light in color, soft to the bite, and slightly crumbly, almost like a mix between a sugar cookie and shortbread.

What makes alfajores extra special is how gentle and comforting they taste. They are not crunchy or hard. Instead, they melt in your mouth, making them perfect for kids and adults alike. Some alfajores are rolled in coconut, some are dusted with powdered sugar, and others are dipped in chocolate. This recipe focuses on a classic, easy alfajores recipe that anyone can make at home, even if you are new to baking.

You Should Try This Alfajores Recipe: Ingredients and Directions

This alfajores recipe is simple, approachable, and fun to make. You don’t need fancy tools or hard to find ingredients just a few basic items you probably already have in your kitchen. The steps are easy to follow, the cookies bake quickly, and the soft dough is easy to handle. It’s a perfect recipe to make with kids because cutting out the cookies is simple, and filling and assembling them feels like a fun, hands-on project everyone will enjoy.

The directions are written clearly and slowly, so you understand why each step matters. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t worry about perfection. Alfajores are meant to look homemade and taste amazing.

Ingredients for Alfajores Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Alfajores Recipe

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 to 1½ cups dulce de leche for filling
• Extra powdered sugar or shredded coconut optional, for finishing

How to Make Dark Alfajores Recipe

Step One

First step: Prepare the dough base. In a large bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix until light, fluffy, and smooth. This step helps make the cookies soft, so don’t rush.

Step Two

Now add the egg yolks and vanilla. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Gently mix until well combined. The dough should be creamy and light yellow in color. Next, mix in the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir until well combined. The cornstarch is the secret ingredient that gives the cookies their soft texture.

Step Three

Then, combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix, or the cookies may become tough.

Step Four

Now, refrigerate the dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape. Roll out the biscuits and cut them.

Step Five

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 6 mm (¼ inch) thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the biscuits, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake gently for 8-10 minutes. The biscuits should remain light in color and not brown. This is important because Alfacor biscuits should be soft, not crisp.

Step Six

Let the biscuits cool completely. Leave the biscuits to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Make sure they are completely cool before adding the filling.

Step Seven

Fill the biscuits and place a layer of dulce de leche on the flat side of one biscuit, then gently place another biscuit on top to create a layer of filling. Decorate the biscuits by coating them with shredded coconut or dusting them with powdered sugar, if desired. Alfakhour biscuits are now ready to be enjoyed.

Kitchen Equipment Needed :

To make this Recipe, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter optional but helpful
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters round, about 2 inches
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Spoon or piping bag for filling

Tips for the Best Alfajores

If the dough cracks while rolling, let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Don’t overbake the cookies; pale cookies are perfect alfajores.

A piping bag makes filling faster and neater.

Make the cookies one day ahead and fill them the next day for best texture.

Serving Suggestion

I like to serve these Alfajores with warm drinks like tea or coffee at breakfast, or during the day with cold drinks like fruit juice or orange juice.

Frequently Asked Question

Can I use margarine instead of butter ?

Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if needed. The cookies may be slightly less rich.

How do I stop alfajores from breaking ?

Handle the cookies gently and let them cool completely before adding the filling.

Can I bake alfajores without an oven ?

This recipe requires an oven. Alfajores are baked, not cooked on the stove.

Can I freeze alfajores ?

You can freeze the unfilled cookies and add the filling after thawing.

You can add this post to your favorite Pinterest board!

You May Also Like…