Alfajor
Alfajores are tender shortbread-style cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche. They can be rolled in coconut or dipped in chocolate. They are a favorite tea-time sweet throughout Argentina.
AlfajoresP1115215 02: Alex Lozupone, CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
The alfajor came to the Americas with Spanish cooks and became a national treat in Argentina and Uruguay. Many bakeries and brands make their own versions.
Explore the cuisine of Argentina.
Recipe
Make Alfajor at home
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- Shredded coconut or powdered sugar
How it's made
- Cream the butter and sugar until pale, then beat in the yolks, vanilla and zest.
- Sift the flour, cornstarch and baking powder and mix in to form a soft dough.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll to 1/4-inch thick and cut into 2-inch rounds.
- Bake at 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes until set but still pale; cool completely.
- Sandwich pairs with dulce de leche and roll the edges in coconut.
Variations
- Alfajor de maicena: soft cornstarch version.
- Alfajor bañado: coated in chocolate.
- Alfajor de nieve: coated in white sugar glaze.
Cook’s tip: Do not overbake; the cookies should stay pale and melt in your mouth.
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About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- AlfajoresP1115215 02: Alex Lozupone, CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)