Homemade Dulce de Leche Alfajores

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) cornstarch 1 cup (120g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (300g) dulce de leche 1 cup (300g) dulce de leche
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. 2.
   Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
8. 8.
   Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
9. 9.
   Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. 10.
    Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
11. 11.
    Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the bottom side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
12. 12.
    Repeat with the remaining cookies.
13. 13.
    Dust the alfajores with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Dulce de Leche — If you prefer a thicker consistency for the filling, you can simmer the dulce de leche in a saucepan over low heat for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cookie dough.
• If you don't have a round cookie cutter, you can use a glass or any other circular object with a sharp edge.
• To prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin, lightly dust it with flour before rolling.
• If the dulce de leche is too thick to spread, warm it slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop before using.
• Store the alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Homemade Dulce de Leche Alfajores with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They are also perfect for special occasions or as homemade gifts for friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the alfajores on a decorative plate and dust them with an additional sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a more decadent look.