Alfajores
Alfajores are delightful cookie sandwiches that have captured the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. Originating from Latin America, these sweet treats consist of two soft cookies filled with creamy dulce de leche and often rolled in coconut or dusted with powdered sugar. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, alfajores are perfect for any occasion, whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup dulce de leche
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 12 alfajores. Preparation takes approximately 30 minutes, and cooking time is around 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 alfajor) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 2g
This nutritional information is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and flatten them slightly.
8. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let the cookies cool completely before filling with dulce de leche.
11. Sandwich two cookies together with a generous layer of dulce de leche in between.
12. Roll the edges in powdered sugar or shredded coconut if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Additionally, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate ganache or fruit preserves.
Serving and Pairings
Alfajores pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be served alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Store alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender.
– Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the right texture.
– Don’t skip the cooling step before filling to prevent the dulce de leche from melting.
– Measure ingredients accurately to maintain consistency.
– Allow cookies to cool completely before stacking to prevent sticking.
Helpful Tips
– Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
– Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
– Experiment with flavored dulce de leche, like chocolate or coffee.
– Dust with cocoa powder for a rich twist.
FAQs
What are alfajores made of?
Alfajores are made from a dough primarily consisting of butter, sugar, egg yolks, flour, and cornstarch. They are filled with dulce de leche, a creamy caramel-like spread, and can be coated with powdered sugar or coconut.
Can I make alfajores in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container. Fill them with dulce de leche just before serving to maintain freshness.
Are alfajores gluten-free?
Traditional alfajores are not gluten-free, but you can easily make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
What variations can I try with alfajores?
You can try different fillings like chocolate ganache, fruit jams, or even flavored dulce de leche. You can also add citrus zest to the dough for extra flavor.
How should I store leftover alfajores?
Store leftover alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate them for longer freshness. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion
Alfajores are a delightful addition to any dessert table, with their soft cookies and creamy filling making them a favorite among many. Whether you enjoy them with coffee or share them with friends, these treats are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
Alfajores
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely before filling with dulce de leche.
- Sandwich two cookies together with dulce de leche in between.
