Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and sugar. Mix well.
3. Add the softened butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
5. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough.
6. Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
8. Spread a teaspoon of orange marmalade on the bottom of one cookie and top with another cookie to make a sandwich.
9. Dust the alfajores with powdered sugar.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 20 alfajores
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 5mg
Total carbohydrates: 21g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest or lime zest.
- Orange marmalade can be substituted with any other fruit jam or jelly.
Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor.
- Use dulce de leche instead of orange marmalade for a traditional alfajor flavor.
- Dip the alfajores in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Dust the cookie cutter with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Let the cookies cool completely before filling them with the marmalade.
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 the oven for a few minutes to crisp 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:
Garnish the platter with fresh orange slices or mint leaves.
Pairings:
Pair the alfajores with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the alfajores as a dessert after a meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the mixture.
- If the cookies are too crumbly, add an extra egg yolk to the dough.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment before preparing the recipe.
Food history:
Alfajores are a traditional South American dessert that originated in Spain. They are made with two cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche or fruit jam.
Flavor profiles:
The Orange-Infused Alfajor de Maicena has a delicate orange flavor with a buttery and crumbly texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the alfajores as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
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Region: Argentine