Transport yourself to Argentina with these melt-in-your-mouth dulce de leche alfajores. These delicate sandwich cookies filled with rich caramel and rolled in coconut are a beloved South American treat that will make you fall in love with every bite!
Ingredients for Authentic Argentine Alfajores: Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies with Coconut
- 6oz Unsalted Butter
- 3.5oz Powdered Sugar
- 8.5oz All-Purpose Flour
- 3oz Cornstarch
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 whole Egg Yolks
- 7oz Dulce de Leche
- 3.5oz Shredded Coconut
Instructions for Authentic Argentine Alfajores: Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies with Coconut
- In a large bowl, beat 6oz softened unsalted butter and 3.5oz powdered sugar until light and fluffy
- Add 2 whole egg yolks and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mix until well combined
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 8.5oz all-purpose flour, 3oz cornstarch, and 0.5 tsp salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Roll out dough to 6mm/¼-inch thickness and cut into 5cm/2-inch rounds
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely
- Spread 7oz dulce de leche between pairs of cookies
- Roll the edges in 3.5oz shredded coconut
A Sweet Journey: Discovering Authentic Argentine Alfajores
Welcome to a little piece of Argentina in your kitchen! As someone who grew up surrounded by the vibrant flavors of South American cuisine, I can't help but get excited when sharing this recipe for authentic Argentine alfajores. These aren't just any sandwich cookies – they're tender, delicate rounds of shortbread embracing a generous layer of dulce de leche, finished with a crown of coconut that makes them truly irresistible.
What makes these alfajores special is their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cornstarch in the dough creates an incredibly delicate, almost melt-in-your-mouth cookie that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy dulce de leche filling. Each bite is a beautiful dance of sweet and buttery notes that'll transport you straight to a cozy café in Buenos Aires.
How to Serve These Delightful Argentine Alfajores
Traditionally, alfajores are enjoyed throughout the day in Argentina, but they're particularly popular during merienda, the afternoon tea time that's such an essential part of Argentine culture. Serve these beautiful cookies with a steaming cup of café con leche or mate for an authentic South American experience. They're perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
For the best presentation, arrange them on a vintage plate or stack them carefully on a serving platter. Keep in mind that each alfajor is quite rich and satisfying – one or two per person is usually plenty. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, though I doubt they'll last that long!
Tips for Perfect Alfajores Every Time
The key to outstanding alfajores lies in the details. Here are my tried-and-true tips for success:
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Temperature matters! Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. I recommend leaving it out for about an hour before starting.
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Don't skip the chilling time. Those 30 minutes in the refrigerator are crucial for preventing the dough from spreading during baking.
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When rolling out the dough, aim for consistent thickness. Too thin, and they'll break; too thick, and they'll lose their delicate texture.
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Let the cookies cool completely before filling them with dulce de leche. Warm cookies will cause the filling to melt and become messy.
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For the best results, use room temperature dulce de leche – it spreads more easily and won't break your cookies.
A Memory of My First Alfajor
I'll never forget my first encounter with alfajores. It was during a visit to my grandmother's house in Uruguay, just across the Río de la Plata from Argentina. She had a small tin box filled with these precious treats, and the moment she opened it, the sweet aroma of dulce de leche and coconut filled the air.
I watched in fascination as she carefully assembled each cookie, spreading the dulce de leche with the back of a spoon in slow, circular motions. She taught me that patience is the secret ingredient in making perfect alfajores. "No te apures," (don't rush) she would say, showing me how to roll the edges in coconut without making a mess.
Now, every time I make these alfajores, I'm transported back to her sunny kitchen, where the afternoon light would stream through the windows as we enjoyed our sweet creations with mate. It's amazing how a simple cookie can hold so many precious memories and bring people together across generations and continents.
Smart Substitutions for Your Argentine Alfajores
When making these delightful Argentine alfajores, you might need to make some adjustments based on what's available in your pantry. Here are some tested substitutions that won't compromise the authentic taste:
For the cookies:
- Unsalted Butter: You can use salted butter, just omit the added salt in the recipe. Plant-based butter works too, but choose a high-quality brand that's suitable for baking.
- Cornstarch: Also known as cornflour in some countries, can be replaced with potato starch or arrowroot powder in the same amounts.
- Powdered Sugar: Make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until fine, though the texture might be slightly different.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla paste or even scraped vanilla beans work beautifully. Use the same amount of paste or one vanilla bean for every teaspoon of extract.
For the filling and coating:
- Dulce de Leche: While homemade dulce de leche is traditional, you can use caramel sauce or even Nutella for a different twist. Though, I must say, nothing quite captures the authentic Argentine experience like real dulce de leche!
- Shredded Coconut: You can use finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans instead. Some modern versions even use sprinkles for a festive touch.
Just remember that each substitution might slightly alter the final taste and texture of your alfajores, but they'll still be delicious!
Nutrition Facts and Healthy Perspective
Each Argentine alfajor (based on a yield of 12 cookies) contains:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
While alfajores are definitely an indulgent treat, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. The egg yolks provide some protein and essential nutrients, and the coconut offers healthy fats. These cookies are quite rich and satisfying, so one cookie is usually enough to satisfy your sweet craving.
To make them slightly healthier, you could:
- Use whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour
- Reduce the amount of dulce de leche
- Choose unsweetened shredded coconut
- Make smaller cookies to reduce portion size
Remember, traditional treats like these alfajores are meant to be enjoyed mindfully and are perfect for special occasions!
Allergen Information for Argentine Alfajores
These Argentine alfajores contain several common allergens that you should be aware of:
Major allergens present:
- Dairy (butter and dulce de leche)
- Eggs (egg yolks)
- Wheat (all-purpose flour)
Potential trace allergens:
- Tree nuts (if facility processes nuts)
- Coconut (while technically a fruit, some people have coconut allergies)
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities:
- The recipe contains wheat flour
- A gluten-free flour blend can be substituted, but texture may vary
- Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free
Always check ingredient labels carefully, especially for the dulce de leche, as manufacturing processes can vary.
Storage Tips for Perfect Alfajores
To maintain the freshness and texture of your Argentine alfajores, proper storage is crucial:
Unfilled Cookies:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature
- Will last up to 1 week
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Separate layers with parchment paper
Filled Alfajores:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month
- Let come to room temperature before serving
Pro Tips:
- Avoid storing in humid environments
- Don't refrigerate unfilled cookies
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Allow frozen alfajores to thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Frequently Asked Questions About Argentine Alfajores
Q: Can I make the dulce de leche from scratch? A: Yes! Simmer a can of sweetened condensed milk in water for about 3 hours, or use the oven method with the condensed milk in a water bath at 425°F (218°C) for about 2 hours.
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much? A: This usually happens if the dough wasn't chilled enough or the butter was too warm. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party? A: Absolutely! Make the cookies up to a week in advance and store unfilled. Fill them the day before or the day of serving.
Q: Why did my cookies become too soft? A: Once filled, the cookies naturally soften slightly from the dulce de leche. If they're too soft, they might have been stored in a humid environment or the filling was too wet.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free? A: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might be slightly different.
Sweet Endings: Why Argentine Alfajores Are Worth Making
These Argentine alfajores are more than just cookies – they're a beautiful representation of South American culinary tradition. With their delicate, buttery cookies embracing a generous layer of dulce de leche, and that festive coating of coconut, they're perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to special celebrations.
While they might take a bit of time and patience to prepare, the result is absolutely worth it. The combination of textures and flavors creates an experience that's hard to forget – the slight crumble of the cookies, the rich sweetness of the dulce de leche, and the subtle chew of the coconut all work together in perfect harmony.
Whether you're an experienced baker or trying these for the first time, these alfajores are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. They're impressive enough for gifting, yet comforting enough for a personal treat with your afternoon coffee. ¡Buen provecho!
