Introduction:

Alfajores are a popular dessert in South America, with their origins in Spain. These sweet cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche are not only delicious but easy to make at home. Here’s the best alfajores recipe that you’ll fall in love with.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups cornstarch

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/4 tsp salt

– 1 tsp baking powder

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 3 large egg yolks

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

– Dulce de leche for filling (homemade or store-bought)

– Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.

2. In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

3. Add in egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest if using.

4. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined to form the dough. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten each into a disc shape. Wrap them separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Remove one disc of dough from the fridge and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm).

8. Use a round cookie cutter of your preferred size to cut out circles from the dough. Place the cookies at least 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the second disc of dough.

9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just set but not browned. Allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

10. Once cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the flat side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies, creating sandwich-like alfajores.

11. Lightly dust the assembled alfajores with powdered sugar and serve immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Conclusion:

This delicious and easy alfajores recipe is sure to impress your friends and family! Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures in this classic South American delight and make any occasion special by serving these irresistible treats.