These Alfajores are soft, delicate shortbread-style cookies sandwiched together with a rich, creamy layer of dulce de leche and finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. Popular across Latin America, especially in Argentina, they offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a homemade treat for your family, Alfajores are a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Their elegant look and irresistible flavor make them perfect for gifting, holidays, or pairing with coffee or tea.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
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2/3 cup powdered sugar
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2 large egg yolks
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 can (13.4 oz) dulce de leche
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions:
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In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Divide dough into two parts, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
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Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Re-roll scraps as needed.
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Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to color.
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Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
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Spread a generous teaspoon of dulce de leche onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
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Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including chilling time)
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 20 sandwich cookies
A Buttery Delight with Dulce de Leche Filling
Alfajores (pronounced al-fa-HO-res) are one of the most beloved confections in South America, especially in Argentina, where they are more than just cookies they are a cultural icon. These delicate shortbread-like sandwich cookies, traditionally filled with silky dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar, embody a perfect balance of sweetness, tenderness, and rich flavor.
From bakery windows in Buenos Aires to home kitchens across Latin America, Alfajores have delighted generations with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and luxurious caramel filling. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating origins of Alfajores, their regional variations, why they’ve become a global favorite, and expert tips for baking the perfect batch at home.
A Glimpse Into the History of Alfajores
The story of Alfajores dates back centuries, with its roots tracing to the Middle East and Moorish Spain. The original “alajú,” from which the name derives, was a sweet made with almonds, honey, and spices, wrapped in a wafer. When the Spanish colonizers brought this treat to the Americas during the colonial era, it evolved dramatically due to the ingredients available in the New World.
In South America, particularly in Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay, Alfajores took on a new form soft, crumbly cookies made with cornstarch and flour, sandwiched together with luscious dulce de leche. Over time, this version became the most popular, especially in Argentina where Alfajores are now deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Alfajores in South American Culture
In Argentina, Alfajores are more than just a sweet snack they’re a national obsession. Consumed by the millions every year, these cookies can be found everywhere from gas stations and cafes to gourmet pastry shops and homemade holiday spreads. They are a favorite companion to afternoon mate (a traditional herbal tea), and are often gifted during holidays and celebrations.
There are even regional contests and festivals dedicated to Alfajores, highlighting their status as a cherished culinary tradition. Commercial brands like Havanna have popularized them internationally, but nothing compares to the taste and texture of homemade Alfajores, especially when made with love and attention to detail.
What Makes Alfajores So Unique?
The appeal of Alfajores lies in their delicate texture and irresistible flavor. The cookie layers are typically made with a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, which creates a soft, almost cake-like crumb that practically dissolves on your tongue. The dough is lightly sweetened, allowing the dulce de leche filling to shine.
Dulce de leche itself is a key element a rich, caramel-like spread made by slowly simmering sweetened milk until it thickens and darkens. Its deep flavor and velvety consistency make it a perfect pairing for the tender cookie exterior. When dusted with a light snowfall of powdered sugar, Alfajores achieve an elegant and inviting appearance.
Popular Variations Around Latin America
Though the classic Alfajor features a shortbread cookie and dulce de leche filling, there are many delightful regional twists to discover:
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Alfajores de Maicena (Argentina/Uruguay): The most iconic version, made with a blend of cornstarch and flour for extra tenderness. Often rolled in shredded coconut after filling.
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Chocolate-Dipped Alfajores: A gourmet twist where the finished cookie is enrobed in dark or milk chocolate. Common in Argentina and Chile.
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Peruvian Alfajores: Generally smaller and with a more crumbly texture. Sometimes flavored with citrus zest or anise.
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Spanish Alfajores: Very different from the South American kind often cylindrical, spiced, and made with almonds and honey.
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Filled with Jam or Cream: While dulce de leche is the star, some variations use berry jams, pastry cream, or Nutella for a unique twist.
Each variation showcases local preferences and traditions, making Alfajores a versatile treat that adapts beautifully to different tastes.
Baking Tips for Perfect Alfajores
If you’re planning to make Alfajores at home, a few simple tips can elevate your results from good to bakery-quality:
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Chill the Dough: Because the dough is soft and delicate, chilling it for at least an hour helps make it easier to roll out and cut cleanly.
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Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle it gently and mix only until combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cookies tough.
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Roll Evenly: Aim for a consistent thickness of about 1/8 inch for uniform baking. Thicker cookies may not sandwich well.
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Watch the Bake Time: Alfajores should be pale, not golden brown. Bake just until the edges begin to set.
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Use Quality Dulce de Leche: This is the heart of the cookie. Store-bought works well, but you can also make your own for an extra touch.
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Dust After Assembly: Always dust the powdered sugar once the cookies are assembled — it gives them their signature snowy look.
Serving Suggestions
Alfajores are elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for everyday indulgence. Here are some creative ways to serve them:
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With Coffee or Tea: Their soft, sweet profile makes them perfect for pairing with espresso, cappuccino, or traditional mate.
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Holiday Platters: Add a touch of South American flair to your cookie trays during Christmas or Easter.
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Gift Boxes: Pack them in a pretty tin or gift box with parchment paper and a bow — they make a thoughtful homemade gift.
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As a Dessert Garnish: Use mini Alfajores as a beautiful topping for cakes, trifles, or ice cream sundaes.
Why Alfajores Deserve a Spot in Your Baking Repertoire
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious novice, Alfajores are a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. They’re easy to make with basic pantry ingredients, yet the result is sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
Their soft, crumbly texture combined with rich caramel makes them stand out from the typical cookie lineup. And because they can be customized in countless ways dipped in chocolate, rolled in coconut, or infused with citrus they offer endless inspiration for creative baking.
In an era where homemade treats are making a big comeback, Alfajores offer both nostalgia and novelty, bridging traditional flavors with contemporary presentation.
Conclusion:
Alfajores are more than just cookies they are edible expressions of history, culture, and craft. Originating from Moorish Spain and refined across Latin America, they’ve become beloved around the globe for their melt-in-the-mouth texture and caramel-laced sweetness.
Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a dessert, or a holiday gift, Alfajores deliver comfort and joy in every bite. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a staple in your home baking lineup.
So go ahead gather your ingredients, roll out that dough, and experience the magic of homemade Alfajores. Your taste buds (and your friends and family) will thank you.