Alfajores with Dulce de Leche

Name: Alfajores with Dulce de Leche
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 (13.4-ounce) can dulce de leche; ½ cup shredded coconut for decorating (optional)

Author: Tessa

Published: July 28, 2025

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Alfajores are more than just a cookie; they’re a little piece of edible magic, and they’ve been a source of pure joy in my kitchen for years. The first time I bit into one of these melt-in-your-mouth sandwich cookies, filled with luscious dulce de leche, I was instantly transported. It was at a small Argentinian bakery, and the delicate, crumbly texture combined with that sweet, creamy filling was simply unforgettable. I knew right then I had to learn how to make them myself.

Over countless batches, I’ve refined my Alfajores recipe to capture that same enchanting experience. There’s something so satisfying about creating these delicate treats, from the soft, tender cookies made with cornstarch that practically dissolve on your tongue, to the rich, caramel-like dulce de leche nestled in between. They truly bring a smile to everyone’s face, and I can’t wait for you to experience that joy too.

Alfajores - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Alfajores

You’ll quickly fall in love with these Alfajores for so many reasons! They are surprisingly easy to make, yet they taste incredibly gourmet. They’re perfect for:

Impressing guests with a unique, delicious dessert.
Adding a touch of sweetness to any celebration.
Treating yourself to a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience.

The combination of tender shortbread-like cookies and creamy dulce de leche is simply irresistible.

The Irresistible Charm of Alfajores

The charm of Alfajores lies in their delicate balance of textures and flavors. The tender, crumbly cookies give way to the smooth, rich dulce de leche, creating a symphony of sweetness that’s both comforting and elegant. For many, they evoke memories of festive gatherings and cherished moments, making them a truly beloved treat.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Alfajores

Crafting perfect Alfajores starts with having the right ingredients on hand. You’ll need 1 cup (which is two sticks) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. For that signature tender crumb, we’ll use two large egg yolks and a teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract. The dry team includes 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cornstarch for extra tenderness, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. And of course, the star of the show: one 13.4-ounce can of dulce de leche for the filling. If you like, grab ½ cup of shredded coconut for decorating.

Selecting Quality Ingredients for Your Alfajores

The secret to truly outstanding Alfajores lies in the quality of your ingredients. For the butter, always opt for unsalted; it gives you control over the overall saltiness. Letting it soften properly is key for a smooth, creamy dough. When it comes to dulce de leche, choose a reputable brand for the best flavor and consistency – it makes all the difference! Fresh, large egg yolks contribute to the richness and beautiful yellow hue of the cookies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Alfajores

Making Alfajores is a delightful process, and I’m going to walk you through each step to ensure your cookies turn out beautifully. First, let’s get your oven ready: preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This parchment paper is crucial for easy removal and prevents sticking, so don’t skip it!

In a large bowl, you’ll cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, beat in the egg yolks one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in your vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. The cornstarch is our secret weapon for that incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so it’s a must!

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. The key here is not to overmix; as soon as a soft dough forms, stop. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want delicate Alfajores! Divide your dough in half and roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness. This method makes it so much easier to handle the soft dough. Use a 1.5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out your circles. Don’t worry about the scraps; you can gently re-roll them once or twice. Place these delicate circles onto your prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Watch them closely, as we don’t want them to brown too much. A pale cookie is a tender cookie when it comes to Alfajores! Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is a virtue here, as assembling them while warm might cause the dulce de leche to melt or the cookies to break. Once cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another, pressing gently to create your sandwich. If you’re using it, roll the edges of your assembled Alfajores in shredded coconut. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long!

Alfajores - detail 2

Preparing the Dough for Classic Alfajores

Achieving that signature tender Alfajores dough is all about technique. Start by really creaming the butter and sugar until it’s visibly lighter and fluffy; this incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ delicate texture. When you add the dry ingredients, mix just until everything comes together. The moment you see a soft, pliable dough, put that mixer away. Overworking the dough develops gluten, leading to a tougher cookie, and we’re aiming for a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Baking and Assembling Your Alfajores

When baking your Alfajores, keep a close eye on them. You’re looking for just a hint of golden on the edges, not deep brown. This ensures they stay soft and delicate. Once they’ve cooled completely, the fun part begins! Be generous with your dulce de leche filling; it’s the heart of these Alfajores. Gently press the top cookie on, and if you’re using coconut, roll the edges for that beautiful finishing touch and extra texture.

Tips for Success with Your Alfajores

To truly master these Alfajores, a few expert tips will make all the difference. Always ensure your butter is genuinely softened, not melted, for that perfect creamy consistency when mixing. When handling the dough, be gentle; its softness is key to the final cookie texture. Don’t be tempted to bake them until they’re deeply golden; a light touch in the oven ensures they remain tender and delicate. And while it’s hard to wait, letting your cookies cool completely before filling is non-negotiable for perfectly set dulce de leche and intact Alfajores.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Alfajores

One of the biggest mistakes with Alfajores is overmixing the dough, which leads to tough cookies instead of tender ones. Another common pitfall is overbaking; you want them barely golden, not browned. Finally, don’t rush the cooling process; warm cookies will cause your delicious dulce de leche filling to melt and slide right off!

Alfajores: Frequently Asked Questions

I get a lot of questions about making Alfajores, and I’m happy to share my insights to help you perfect your batch. These are delicate cookies, and a little guidance goes a long way!

Can I Make Alfajores Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Alfajores are wonderful for making ahead. You can bake the cookies up to 3-4 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble them with the dulce de leche a day or two before serving. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your Alfajores even more delicious.

What are the Best Substitutions for Alfajores Ingredients?

While the classic Alfajores recipe is perfect, sometimes you need a little flexibility. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour, but your cookies might be slightly less tender. For dulce de leche, if you can’t find a can, you can make your own by slowly simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk, or even use a thick caramel sauce as a quick stand-in. Unsalted butter is best, but salted butter can work in a pinch; just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

Storing and Serving Your Delicious Alfajores

Once you’ve made your delicious Alfajores, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and tender. They’re best enjoyed within a few days of assembly, but they can be kept longer if stored correctly. These delightful treats are perfect for a wide range of occasions, from a simple afternoon tea to a festive holiday spread, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift.

How to Store Alfajores for Maximum Freshness

To keep your Alfajores at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days this way. If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Alfajores

The nutritional information provided for these Alfajores is an estimate. Values can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used, any substitutions made, and the precise portion sizes. This is intended as a general guide, not a definitive dietary statement.

Share Your Alfajores Experience

I’d love to hear all about your Alfajores! Did they bring back sweet memories? Did you share them with loved ones? Please leave a comment below with your thoughts, rate the recipe, or even better, share a photo of your beautiful creations on social media. Tag me – let’s build a community around these delicious treats!