Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Dulce de leche, for filling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Alfajor cookie cutter or round cookie cutter
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness.
7. Cut out the dough using an alfajor cookie cutter or a round cookie cutter.
8. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
9. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the bottom side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
11. Dust the alfajores with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 20 alfajores
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 170
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 35mg
Total carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 11g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
- You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- You can use a different type of filling, such as Nutella or jam.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
- Dip the edges of the alfajores in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Use different shaped cookie cutters to create fun and festive alfajores for different occasions.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Don't overwork the dough or the cookies may become tough.
- Let the cookies cool completely before filling them with dulce de leche to prevent the filling from melting.
Storage instructions:
Store the alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
Alfajores are best served at room temperature, but you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the alfajores on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the alfajores with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a fancier presentation.
Pairings:
Alfajores pair well with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Alfajores are a sweet treat and don't necessarily require a side dish, but you can serve them with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water to help bring it together.
- If the cookies are too crumbly, try adding a bit more butter to the dough.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the alfajores in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or becoming stale.
Food history:
Alfajores are a traditional Latin American dessert that originated in Spain. They are typically made with a shortbread-like cookie and filled with dulce de leche or another sweet filling.
Flavor profiles:
The cinnamon-spiced alfajores have a buttery and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of cinnamon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the alfajores as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Related Categories
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Region: Argentine
Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Nutty, Caramelized, Vanilla