Easy Alfajores Recipe to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

This classic alfajores recipe is soft, buttery, and filled with sweet dulce de leche. It is a simple recipe that brings a taste of South America to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cornstarch

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 3/4 cup sugar

- 3 egg yolks

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- Dulce de leche (for filling)

- Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Mix the butter and sugar in a large bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy. Take your time with this step because a well-mixed base makes the cookie texture softer.

2. Add the egg yolks one at a time. Mix slowly so the batter stays even and light. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest if you want a fresh flavor.

3. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix gently until the dough comes together. It should feel soft, not sticky.

4. Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it, and place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape.

5. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Lightly dust your workspace with flour and roll out the dough. Keep the thickness even so all cookies bake the same way.

6. Cut the dough into circles using a cookie cutter. Place each cookie gently on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes. They should look pale and dry on top, not brown. Let them cool fully before touching them because they are delicate when warm.

8. Spread dulce de leche on one cookie and place another cookie on top. Press lightly so the filling spreads evenly.

9. Dust the finished alfajores with powdered sugar for a classic look. Your classic alfajores recipe is now ready to enjoy.

After our alfajores recipe, there are some extra tips you need to learn to make sure you get the best result. Here they are:

- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes makes it firmer and easier to roll, helps the cookies keep their shape, and improves their soft, delicate texture during baking.

- Roll Evenly: Keeping the dough at an even thickness ensures all cookies bake at the same speed, preventing some from overbaking while others stay raw, and giving your alfajores a consistent, smooth texture.

- Cut Gently: Press the cutter down slowly and lift it straight up to avoid dragging or tearing the dough, which helps your cookies keep perfect edges and an even shape for easier filling.

- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool all the way before adding the filling, because warm cookies crumble easily and make assembly difficult. Cooling helps them stay firm and hold the dulce de leche well.

- Pipe the Filling: Using a piping bag makes it easier to control the amount of dulce de leche and spread it evenly, giving each alfajor a clean look and preventing excess filling from spilling out.

- Store Airtight: Keeping the finished alfajores in an airtight container protects them from drying out, keeps the cookies soft, and allows the flavors to blend together, making them taste even better the next day.

The classic alfajores recipe is so tasty. But if you want more flavors, don't worry. Here are some tasty alfajores recipe variations you can try:

- Chocolate Alfajores: Dip the finished alfajores in melted chocolate to create a rich outer shell that adds sweetness and a smooth bite.

- Coconut Alfajores: Roll the edges of your filled cookies in shredded coconut to add texture and a light tropical flavor that pairs well with dulce de leche.

- Coffee Alfajores: Add a small amount of instant coffee to the dough to give your cookies a warm, deep aroma that blends perfectly with the sweet filling.

- Nut Alfajores: Coat the edges with crushed nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch and a richer flavor.

- Citrus Alfajores: Mix a bit of orange or lemon zest into the dough to give your alfajores a fresh, bright flavor that makes each bite feel lighter.