Immerse yourself in the sweet tradition of Cordobese “Colaciones,” a beloved type of Argentine alfajores that are a true testament to the art of pastry. These exquisite treats consist of soft, delicate pastry filled with a generous amount of rich dulce de leche, all encased in a thin, glossy glaze. This recipe yields 30 medium-sized colaciones, perfect for sharing the joy and flavor of Argentine cuisine with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This: Colaciones stand out for their unique combination of textures and flavors. The pastry, made with a blend of egg yolks, tequila or any fine alcohol, and a touch of lemon, creates a light yet flavorful base that perfectly complements the sweetness of the dulce de leche filling. The glaze adds a subtle tartness that balances the overall sweetness, making each bite an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a fan of alfajores or new to Argentine desserts, these colaciones are sure to capture your heart.
Perfect Occasion: Colaciones are perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or as a sophisticated treat to accompany your afternoon tea or coffee. They’re also an excellent choice for holiday gifting, allowing you to share a piece of Argentine tradition with your loved ones. Whether served at a party or enjoyed quietly at home, these treats are a delightful way to add a touch of elegance to any moment.
Preparation Tips:
- The dough should be handled as little as possible to keep it tender. Letting it rest is crucial for easy handling and rolling.
- When baking, keep a close eye on the oven, as the high temperature ensures the characteristic “boat” shape forms correctly but can quickly lead to burning if left unattended.
- The glaze should be just the right consistency to coat the colaciones evenly, creating a beautiful finish without overshadowing the dulce de leche.
For the Dough:
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 15g soft butter
- 7 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 30ml fine alcohol (e.g., tequila)
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
- 230g all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1kg dulce de leche (pastry grade)
For the Glaze:
- 300g powdered sugar
- Juice of half a lemon
- 3 tablespoons hot water
- Cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer, then incorporate egg yolks and alcohol, mixing until the yolks thicken. Add the whole egg, continuing to mix.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, kneading until smooth. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough to 2mm thickness, prick with a fork, and cut into oval or round shapes, stretching them slightly by hand.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (428°F) for 7 minutes until they form their typical “boat” shape.
- Once cooled, generously fill each pastry with dulce de leche.
- For the glaze, whisk all ingredients until creamy. Dip each colacion into the glaze, letting excess drip off before setting them on a rack to dry for at least 4 hours.
Enjoy these Cordobese “Colaciones,” a delectable creation that offers a taste of Argentina’s rich culinary heritage through its delicate pastry, luscious filling, and elegant glaze.
