Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- 2-inch round cookie cutter
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
8. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
12. Repeat with the remaining cookies and dulce de leche.
13. Dust the alfajores with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes per batch
5. Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 alfajores
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 170
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 90mg
Sugar: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half.
- If you don't have cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of potato starch or arrowroot powder.
- You can use any flavor of jam or spread instead of dulce de leche.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version of the alfajores.
- Roll the edges of the alfajores in shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Dip the alfajores in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before beating it with the sugar to ensure a smooth dough.
- Don't overwork the dough or the cookies will become tough.
- If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk to bring it together.
Storage instructions:
Store the alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
The alfajores can be reheated in a 350°F (180°C) oven for a few minutes to warm them up.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the alfajores on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar. Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut over the powdered sugar for added texture.
Pairings:
Serve the alfajores with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
The alfajores are a sweet treat on their own, but you could serve them with fresh fruit or a cheese plate for a more substantial dessert.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the cookies are spreading too much during baking, chill the dough for an additional 15 minutes before rolling it out.
- If the cookies are too dry, try adding a little more butter or a splash of milk 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 South American dessert that originated in Spain. They are typically made with a shortbread-like cookie and filled with dulce de leche.
Flavor profiles:
The alfajores have a buttery, crumbly cookie that is balanced by the sweet, caramel-like flavor of the dulce de leche.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the alfajores as a sweet treat after dinner or as a snack with coffee or tea.
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Region: Argentina
Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Nutty, Caramelized, Rich