Creamy Cornstarch Alfajores with Homemade Dulce De Leche
Indulge in the delightful taste of Argentinian tradition with these Creamy Cornstarch Alfajores filled with rich dulce de leche. Featuring a tender cornstarch and wheat flour base, these cookies are sandwiched together with a velvety caramel filling and rolled in grated coconut, creating a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that is perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring on your own. Whether you're looking for a unique treat or a sweet addition to a festive occasion, these alfajores are sure to impress. Follow this detailed recipe to create a batch that serves 12, and discover the joy of authentic Argentinian flavors in your own kitchen.
12
Servings
100
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornstarch
2 cups (Sifted)
Wheat flour
3/4 cup (Sifted)
Butter
1/4 lb (1 stick) (Softened to room temperature)
Eggs
5 (Beaten (4 for the recipe and 1 for egg wash if necessary))
Powdered sugar
2 cups (Sifted)
Grated coconut
2 tablespoons (For rolling the alfajores)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Pure)
Your favorite liqueur
1/4 cup (Optional but recommended)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (Sifted)
Milk
4 quarts (For making dulce de leche)
Sugar
2 lbs (For making dulce de leche)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the homemade dulce de leche. In a thick-bottomed pot, heat 8 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat for about 20 minutes until it reaches a caramel color.
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2. Gradually add 4 quarts of milk along with the remaining sugar and bring to a boil.
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3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the minimum and allow the mixture to simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Set aside to cool.
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4. For the alfajores, beat 4 eggs with a whisk for 5 minutes until fluffy, then mix in the powdered sugar, beating until it achieves a creamy consistency. Set this mixture aside.
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5. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cornstarch, wheat flour, and baking powder. Create a well in the center and place the softened butter, vanilla extract, liqueur, and the egg-sugar mixture inside.
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6. Using your hands, mix everything until a firm dough is formed.
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7. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Use a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out discs and place them onto a greased and floured baking sheet.
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8. Bake the discs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
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9. To assemble the alfajores, spread a generous 1/4-inch layer of cooled dulce de leche on one disc, then top with another disc to form a sandwich.
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10. Brush the edges of the sandwich with another layer of dulce de leche and roll the edges in the grated coconut until well coated.
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11. Repeat the process until all alfajores are assembled. Serve and enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
7.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Cornstarch Alfajores?
They are traditional Argentinian sandwich cookies with a tender cornstarch and wheat flour base, filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 12 servings.
How do I make the homemade dulce de leche?
Caramelize 8 tablespoons of sugar in a thick-bottomed pot, add 4 quarts of milk and 2 lbs of sugar, then simmer for about an hour until thick.
What is the baking temperature for the cookies?
The cookies should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long should the alfajores bake?
Bake the cookie discs for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 100 calories, 5g of fat, 12.5g of carbohydrates, and 1.25g of protein.
How much sugar is in one serving?
Each serving contains 7.5g of sugar.
How thick should I roll the dough?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
What size cookie cutter is recommended?
A 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter is used to create the discs.
What is the role of cornstarch in these cookies?
Cornstarch provides a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture characteristic of traditional alfajores.
How many eggs are used in the cookie dough?
The recipe uses 4 beaten eggs for the dough mixture.
Should the butter be at room temperature?
Yes, the butter should be softened to room temperature before mixing.
What type of sugar is used for the cookie dough?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar for the dough.
How long should I beat the eggs?
The eggs should be beaten with a whisk for 5 minutes until fluffy.
What liquids are added to the dough mixture?
The dough includes vanilla extract, an optional 1/4 cup of liqueur, and the egg-sugar mixture.
Is there any special preparation for the flour and cornstarch?
Yes, both the cornstarch and wheat flour should be sifted before use.
How do I assemble the alfajores?
Spread a 1/4-inch layer of dulce de leche on one disc, top with another, brush the edges with more caramel, and roll in coconut.
How much milk is needed for the filling?
You will need 4 quarts of milk to make the homemade dulce de leche.
How much cornstarch is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sifted cornstarch.
What is the purpose of the grated coconut?
Grated coconut is used to coat the edges of the assembled alfajores.
Can I add liqueur to the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of your favorite liqueur is recommended for added flavor.
How much wheat flour is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of sifted wheat flour.
What should the consistency of the dough be?
The dough should be firm enough to be rolled out and cut into discs.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of sifted baking powder.
What type of pot should I use for the caramel?
A thick-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure the sugar heats evenly without burning.
How do I know when the dulce de leche is ready?
It is ready when it has simmered for about an hour and thickened to a velvety consistency.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
Yes, the baking sheet should be greased and floured before placing the discs on it.
How much grated coconut is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of grated coconut for rolling the edges.
Is there fiber in this dessert?
The nutritional data indicates there is no fiber in this recipe.
When should I serve the alfajores?
They can be served immediately after assembly or saved for a festive occasion.