Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can dulce de leche (14 oz)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Alfajor cutter (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out circles using an alfajor cutter or a round cookie cutter.
8. Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
9. Repeat with the remaining dough.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
11. Roll the edges of the alfajores in shredded coconut.
12. Serve and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
5. Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 20 alfajores
Nutritional information:
Calories: 300 per alfajor
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted, but adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
- If you don't have cornstarch, you can use more flour instead.
- You can use a different filling instead of dulce de leche, such as Nutella or jam.
- You can omit the shredded coconut if you don't like it.
Variations:
- You can add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- You can dip the alfajores in chocolate instead of rolling them in coconut.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted, or the dough will be too soft.
- Don't overmix the dough or the cookies will be tough.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- Use a sharp alfajor cutter or cookie cutter to get clean edges.
- Spread the dulce de leche generously but not too close to the edges, or it will ooze out when you sandwich the cookies.
- Roll the edges of the alfajores in coconut while the dulce de leche is still soft, or it will harden and the coconut won't stick.
Storage instructions:
Store the alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
You can microwave the alfajores for a few seconds to soften the dulce de leche.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the alfajores on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
You can top the alfajores with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Pairings:
Serve the alfajores with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat.
Suggested side dishes:
These alfajores are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water to bring it together.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for longer or add more flour to make it stiffer.
- If the dulce de leche is too thick, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and utensils before handling food.
Food history:
Balcarce is a town in Argentina known for its alfajores, which are a popular sweet treat made with two shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut or dipped in chocolate.
Flavor profiles:
These Balcarce alfajores are buttery, crumbly, and sweet, with a rich caramel flavor from the dulce de leche and a tropical note from the coconut.
Serving suggestions:
These alfajores are perfect for a tea party, a picnic, or a holiday gathering.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Argentina