Alfajores Recipe

Alfajores are a beloved traditional South American recipe, particularly popular in Argentina and Uruguay. These delectable cookies feature a layer of dulce de leche sandwiched between two light, buttery, and tender shortbread cookies, often finished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dip in melted chocolate.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serving: 12 alfajores

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one lemon
• Dulce de leche for filling
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Method:

1. Sift Dry Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In another large bowl, beat the 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 and lemon zest.
3. Combine and Chill:
   • Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Roll and Cut:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake and Assemble:
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until just starting to color, but not brown. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Once cooled, spread dulce de leche generously on one cookie and sandwich with another. Lightly dust the finished alfajores with powdered sugar.

Notes:

• For a chocolate version, dip half of each alfajores in melted dark chocolate and let set before serving.
• Ensure cookies are fully cooled before filling to prevent the dulce de leche from melting.

Nutritional Information per Serving (Based on USDA Guidelines):

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g

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