Delicious Dulce de Leche Alfajores Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly indulgent treat that melts in your mouth and brings a little piece of South America right into your kitchen, then you’ve got to try this Delicious Dulce de Leche Alfajores Recipe. I absolutely love how these delicate sandwich cookies come together — buttery, tender cookies filled with luscious dulce de leche that will have everyone begging for just one more. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything you need to make these little gems at home with confidence and ease!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Delicious Dulce de Leche Alfajores Recipe is how a handful of simple pantry staples come together to create such an unforgettable cookie. You’ll want quality butter and fresh dulce de leche to really shine in this one.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for that rich, creamy dough—don’t substitute salted butter here to keep the balance right.
• Powdered sugar: It blends smoothly without creating graininess, delivering that tender crumb.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the cookie’s taste beautifully.
• Cornstarch: This gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth softness, separating alfajores from your average butter cookie.
• Vanilla extract: Just a dash to amp up the sweetness and add warmth.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances out the sweetness perfectly.
• All-purpose flour: The main structure builder for these cookies—go for a reliable brand for best results.
• Dulce de leche: The luscious filling that makes these cookies iconic; homemade or store-bought works, but homemade is a game-changer.
• Desiccated coconut or powdered sugar: Optional but highly recommended for rolling or dusting, adding texture and a hint of tropical flair.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Delicious Dulce de Leche Alfajores Recipe is just how easy it is to tweak to suit your own tastes or dietary needs. I encourage you to play around and find your favorite spin on it!

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great success—just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for binding.
• Chocolate Alfajores: Mixing cocoa powder into the dough adds a lovely depth and pairs amazingly with the sweet dulce de leche filling.
• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped toasted nuts to the sides after rolling in dulce de leche adds a nice crunch and extra flavor dimension.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based margarine or coconut oil instead of butter and make or buy dairy-free dulce de leche to keep it vegan-friendly.

How to Make Delicious Dulce de Leche Alfajores Recipe

Step 1: Cream Your Butter and Sugars

This is where the magic begins—using an electric mixer, beat your softened unsalted butter by itself until it looks smooth and creamy. Then add the powdered sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt. Beat until the whole mixture comes together beautifully, light and fluffy. I learned that letting the butter get really soft at room temperature makes this so much easier.

Step 2: Gradually Add the Flour

Start pouring in your all-purpose flour slowly—about a quarter cup at a time—mixing gently after each addition. You don’t want to overwork the dough here. When the dough just comes together and feels soft but not sticky, you’re done. I usually switch to stirring with a wooden spoon at this point to avoid tough cookies.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Sometimes I prep the dough in the morning and bake in the evening. This rest period is crucial because it makes rolling easier and the cookies turn out perfectly tender.

Step 4: Roll and Cut Your Cookies

Once chilled, lightly dust your work surface and roll out one disk at a time to about ⅛ inch thickness. Grab a round cookie cutter—1 ¾ inches works beautifully—and cut out circles. Don’t forget to leave a bit of space between your cookies on the baking sheet. This is where patience pays off; I take my time to get as many uniform cookies as possible from scraps by carefully re-rolling them.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies at 375°F (190°C) for 8-9 minutes or until the edges just start to get a golden tint. I keep a close eye during these last few minutes to avoid overbaking—it’s easy to dry them out. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before removing, to keep them from breaking.

Step 6: Assemble with Dulce de Leche

Now the best part—take a teaspoon and portion about 1 ½ teaspoons of dulce de leche onto the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Press gently so the filling reaches the edges. For an extra indulgent touch, roll the sides of the cookie in desiccated coconut or dust with powdered sugar. I can’t resist the coconut coating—it adds such a lovely texture contrast!

How to Serve Delicious Dulce de Leche Alfajores Recipe

Garnishes

I love rolling my alfajores in desiccated coconut—it adds a subtle chew and a tropical vibe that pairs beautifully with the rich dulce de leche. Sometimes, if I want something simpler, a light dusting of powdered sugar is perfect for an elegant look without overpowering the flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies are delightful on their own but also pair wonderfully with a creamy cappuccino, a pot of strong black tea, or even a chilled glass of milk. Think of them as the perfect sweet partner for your afternoon drink ritual or dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, I like to arrange them on a tiered cake stand, alternating coconut-rolled and powdered sugar-dusted cookies for contrast. You can also drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the top for a show-stopping finish that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Alfajores keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. After the filling softens the cookies a bit overnight, they become even more tender — which is why I often bake them a day ahead so the flavors meld beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze unfilled cookies for up to two months; just thaw them completely before filling. I recommend assembling them right before serving to keep the cookies from getting too soft or sticky.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up leftover alfajores a bit, gently warming them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes helps to revive their softness, but be careful not to melt the filling too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Delicious Dulce de Leche Alfajores Recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of cozy afternoons and sharing sweet moments with loved ones. I encourage you to try these cookies as a little gift to yourself and your guests—once you taste that buttery, tender cookie sandwich with its heavenly filling, you might just find yourself making them again and again. Trust me, once you nail this recipe, alfajores will be your new favorite dessert to impress effortlessly!

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