How to Make Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Alfajores are a traditional South American cookie that is beloved for its delicate and crumbly texture, as well as its indulgent filling of sweet dulce de leche. These cookies are enjoyed throughout the continent, from Argentina to Peru, and are a popular treat during festivals and special occasions.

What makes alfajores so special is their unique combination of flavors and textures. The buttery, shortbread-like cookies are the perfect vessel for the rich and creamy dulce de leche, cre...

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sifted confectioners' sugar
  • ¼ cup sifted cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (11.5 ounce) jar dulce de leche
  • ¼ cup confectioners' sugar, or as needed for dusting

Information

  • Prep Time: 45 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Additional Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Servings: 24
  • Yield: 24 sandwich cookies

  • Mix flour, 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, and salt together in a bowl.
  • Beat butter with an electric mixer in a separate bowl until soft and fluffy. Mix in white sugar and vanilla until well combined.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in 3 batches, beating until just blended after each addition. Divide dough in half, roll each half into a log, and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Slice dough logs into forty-eight 1/4-inch-thick cookies and place onto ungreased baking sheets.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until just starting to turn golden around the edges, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for 1 minute on the baking sheet. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Use a knife to generously spread dulce de leche onto 1/2 of the cooled cookies. Sandwich remaining cookies on top and place onto a serving tray.
  • Lightly dust finished cookies with remaining confectioners' sugar.
  • Nutrition

    175 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 22mg
    • Sodium: 48mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 23g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Calcium: 4mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 14mg