Argentine alfajores are delicate sandwich cookies with a tender cornstarch crumb and a generous layer of dulce de leche in the center.
A short bake keeps the cookies pale and soft, while rolling the filled edges in coconut adds a little chew and a classic finish.
Do not overbake the cookies. They should feel set but remain light in color so the texture stays delicate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alfajores with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They make an elegant small dessert for afternoon gatherings and celebrations.
Recipe Notes
Store filled alfajores in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The texture becomes even more tender after resting overnight.
Argentine Alfajores
Tender cornstarch sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and finished with coconut and powdered sugar.
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling Pin
- Round cookie cutter
- Baking sheets
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling and Finish
- 1 1/2 cups dulce de leche thick, not runny
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Beat the butter and sugar until light. Add the egg yolks and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Whisk the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients gradually and mix just until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap and chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Bake the Cookies:
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut rounds.
- Arrange on lined baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until set but still pale. Cool completely.
Fill and Finish:
- Spread dulce de leche on the flat side of half the cookies and sandwich with the remaining cookies.
- Roll the edges in coconut and dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Work with chilled dough for clean cookie edges.
- If the dulce de leche is loose, chill it briefly before filling the cookies.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g