Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies

Alfajores cookies are a delightful treat that hails from Latin America, and they are adored for their tender texture and rich flavors. These Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies are filled with luscious dulce de leche, making them irresistibly sweet and creamy. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are numerous reasons to fall in love with these Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies. First, the combination of cornstarch and all-purpose flour gives them a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply divine. The hint of lemon zest brightens up the flavors, while the sweet, creamy filling of dulce de leche makes each bite a heavenly experience. Additionally, these cookies are versatile—you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance or roll them in shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.

What You’ll Gather

To make these scrumptious Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/3 Cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Cup Cornstarch
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
• 2/3 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 Teaspoon Lemon Zest
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Paste
• 1 large Egg plus 1 Egg Yolk
• 1 Cup Dulce de Leche

Hardware & Gadgets

Before you start baking your Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies, gather the necessary equipment:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: To bake your cookies.
• Parchment Paper: For easy cookie removal.
• Cookie Cutter: For shaping your cookies; a round cutter works best.
• Cooling Rack: To let your cookies cool evenly.

Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies: From Prep to Plate

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s walk through the steps to create these delightful Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect bake for your cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Flavorings

Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

Add the large egg and egg yolk to the mixture, beating until they are fully incorporated.

Step 7: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender dough.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Assemble the Alfajores

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat this process until all cookies are filled.

Step 12: Optional Finishing Touches

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the assembled alfajores with powdered sugar or roll the edges in shredded coconut.

Better-for-You Options

If you’re looking to make your Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies a bit healthier, consider these substitutions:

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat.
• Opt for coconut sugar instead of powdered sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Try a sugar-free dulce de leche if you’re watching your sugar intake.

Insider Tips

To ensure your Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if it feels too soft to handle.
• Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be soft and slightly underbaked in the center.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent the dulce de leche from melting.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

The Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment:

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the unfilled cookies for up to three months. Just thaw them before filling with dulce de leche.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use a different filling instead of dulce de leche?

Absolutely! While dulce de leche is traditional, you can also use chocolate ganache, jam, or even Nutella for a fun twist.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, it may be because the butter was too soft or warm. Ensure your butter is at room temperature, not melted, and chill the dough if necessary.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What should I do if my cookies are too crumbly?

If your cookies turn out crumbly, it might be due to overmixing or not enough moisture. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the dough.

What to Make After This

If you enjoyed making Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies, you might want to try your hand at these delicious recipes:

• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Easy Brownies
• Vegan Chocolate Cake
• Lemon Blueberry Bread

Make It Tonight

There’s no better time than now to indulge in a batch of Soft and Delicious Alfajores Cookies. With their buttery texture and sweet filling, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful experience. Happy baking!