Discover the delightful world of Alfajores, a traditional treat that promises to transport your taste buds to South America. These luscious sandwich cookies feature tender, chewy layers filled with rich dulce de leche, making them the perfect indulgence for any occasion.

Each bite reveals a harmonious blend of flavors, enhanced by a touch of brandy and a hint of lemon zest. The cookies are lovingly rolled in unsweetened shredded coconut, adding a delightful texture and an extra-special touch to this beloved classic.

Ideal for sharing or savoring on your own, these Alfajores are sure to impress. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a curious novice, this recipe offers a rewarding culinary adventure that will have everyone coming back for more.

Alfajores Cookies: Ingredients

Brandy – This aromatic spirit adds a subtle warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

Dulce de Leche – The star of the show, this rich caramel-like filling brings a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the tender cookies.

Unsweetened Shredded Coconut – A delightful finishing touch, coconut adds texture and a tropical essence, making each bite truly special.

Butter – Essential for creating a soft, tender cookie, butter infuses richness and moisture, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Cornstarch – This ingredient contributes to the delicate texture of the cookies, making them wonderfully light and chewy.

Alfajores Cookies: A Delightful Treat

Alfajores are beloved sandwich cookies that boast a tender, chewy texture filled with rich dulce de leche. With their rolled edges in unsweetened shredded coconut, these cookies offer a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. To enhance your baking experience, here are some helpful tips, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions.

Recipe Tips

1. Chill the Dough: After preparing the dough, it’s essential to refrigerate it for at least two hours. This step helps firm up the dough, making it easier to slice into even pieces. The chilling process also contributes to the cookies’ tender texture by allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Perfecting the Dulce de Leche Filling: For an authentic Alfajores experience, use high-quality dulce de leche. You can find it in most grocery stores, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own at home by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk until it thickens and turns caramel in color.
3. Coconut Coating: When rolling the edges of your cookies in shredded coconut, ensure the coconut is unsweetened. This not only balances the sweetness of the dulce de leche but also provides a delightful texture contrast. For an extra touch, lightly toast the coconut in a skillet for added flavor before using.

What to Serve with Alfajores Cookies

1. Coffee or Espresso: Alfajores pair beautifully with a rich cup of coffee or a shot of espresso. The robust flavors of the coffee enhance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a delightful afternoon treat. Consider serving them with a dash of cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy touch.
2. Tea: If you prefer tea, a light herbal or black tea complements the flavors of Alfajores perfectly. The warmth and aromatic qualities of teas such as chamomile or Earl Grey elevate the overall tasting experience and create a comforting ambiance for your snack time.
3. Fruit Platter: Serve Alfajores alongside a fresh fruit platter for a refreshing contrast. Seasonal fruits like strawberries, oranges, or mangoes can provide a burst of freshness and balance the richness of the cookies, making for a visually appealing and delicious spread.

FAQ

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and bake.
2. How should I store leftover cookies?
   Store leftover Alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, though the texture may change slightly.
3. Can I use a different filling?
   Absolutely! While dulce de leche is traditional, you can experiment with fillings such as chocolate ganache, flavored creams, or fruit preserves to customize the flavor to your liking.
4. What if I can’t find cornstarch?
   If you can’t find cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. However, this may slightly alter the texture of the cookies, making them a bit denser.

With these tips and suggestions, your Alfajores cookies will not only be a joy to bake but also a delightful treat to share with friends and family. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this South American classic!

Alfajores Cookies

Alfajores are delightful sandwich cookies featuring a chewy, tender texture complemented by a rich dulce de leche filling. Their edges are elegantly rolled in shredded coconut, adding an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Cookies

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Ingredients

  

• 2 cans 14 ounces each dulce de leche
• 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 12 tablespoons butter softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brandy
• 1/2 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour divided
• 1-3/4 cups cornstarch
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks at room temperature

Instructions

 

• Begin by whisking together the brandy, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a small bowl; set this mixture aside for later use.
• In a separate large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing thoroughly before setting aside.
• Using a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually add the egg yolks on low speed, incorporating them one at a time until fully blended. Next, add the reserved brandy mixture, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Finally, mix in the flour mixture until a cohesive dough forms, typically within 1 to 2 minutes.
• Lightly flour a cutting board with the remaining 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Transfer the dough onto the board, dividing it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a log, approximately 1-1/4 inches thick. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to firm up.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is sufficiently chilled, unwrap the logs and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on parchment paper-lined baking sheets, then bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they achieve a light golden brown color. Allow the cookies to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Prepare to assemble the cookies by placing dulce de leche into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch piping tip. Pipe a generous swirl of dulce de leche onto the flat side of half of the cookies. Top each of these with another cookie, placing the rounded side up to create a sandwich.
• Finally, place the shredded coconut in a shallow bowl. Roll the edges of each sandwich cookie in the coconut, ensuring they are well-coated for that finishing touch.

Keyword Alfajores Cookies