Alfajores
Indulge in the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience of alfajores, a beloved treat from Latin America. These delicate cookies, typically filled with smooth dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar, offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert, alfajores are sure to impress. Follow this recipe to create your own batch and share the joy of these traditional cookies with friends and family.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup dulce de leche
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 12 alfajores. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes for baking.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 alfajor) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Protein: 2g
– Sugar: 6g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
8. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
10. Once cooled, spread dulce de leche between two cookies and dust with powdered sugar.
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Additionally, you can use chocolate ganache or fruit preserves instead of dulce de leche for different flavor profiles.
Serving and Pairings
Alfajores are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They can also be served alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Store alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature; reheating is not recommended as it can affect the texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the texture.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking.
- Skipping the cooling step can result in messy fillings.
- Using cold butter instead of softened can affect the dough consistency.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier rolling.
- Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean edges.
- Experiment with different fillings for variety.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for best presentation.
FAQs
What are alfajores?
Alfajores are traditional Latin American cookies made from two soft, crumbly cookies filled with dulce de leche and often dusted with powdered sugar. They are popular in many countries, each with its own variations.
Can I make alfajores in advance?
Yes, alfajores can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. They taste even better after resting for a day as the flavors meld together.
What is the best way to fill alfajores?
The best way to fill alfajores is to use a piping bag to ensure an even layer of dulce de leche between the cookies. This prevents overfilling and makes for a neater presentation.
Can I use other fillings instead of dulce de leche?
Absolutely! You can use chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even whipped cream as alternatives to dulce de leche, allowing for a variety of flavors.
Are alfajores gluten-free?
While traditional alfajores are not gluten-free, you can easily make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Alfajores are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Their rich flavor and delicate texture make them a favorite among many. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or dessert, making alfajores at home is a rewarding experience. Try this recipe to share the sweetness of these traditional cookies with your loved ones.
Alfajores
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Sift together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut out circles of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Once cooled, spread dulce de leche between two cookies and dust with powdered sugar.
