Discover the sublime taste of Delicate Cornstarch Alfajores, a classic South American delight known for their light and tender texture. These exquisite cookies are crafted from a fine blend of cornstarch and flour, resulting in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Filled with luscious dulce de leche and rolled in desiccated coconut, each alfajor offers a harmonious mix of sweet, creamy, and subtly crunchy textures that captivate the palate.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll adore these cookies for their delightful contrast between the delicate, crumbly texture of the biscuit and the rich, velvety dulce de leche. The addition of lemon zest infuses a gentle citrus note, elevating the overall flavor profile and providing a refreshing aftertaste. Perfect for those who appreciate a dessert that’s not overwhelmingly sweet but beautifully balanced, these alfajores are a testament to the art of simple, yet profound culinary pleasures.
Perfect Occasion: These Cornstarch Alfajores are ideal for any gathering where a touch of elegance is appreciated. Serve them at tea parties, family reunions, or as a special treat during the holiday season. They also make wonderful gifts, charmingly wrapped in individual papers, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Decoration Tips: To enhance their visual appeal, dust each alfajor lightly with powdered sugar before serving. The white sugar on the golden-brown surface not only adds to their beauty but also intensifies the first sweet impression. For a festive touch, consider alternating the coconut with finely chopped pistachios or dipping half of each alfajor in dark chocolate for a stunning contrast.
Ingredients:
- 90 grams of sugar
- 50 grams of all-purpose flour
- 200 grams of cornstarch
- 2 small eggs
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 90 grams of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- 500 grams of dulce de leche
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating vanilla and lemon zest.
- Sift together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually fold into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 5 mm thickness. Cut out cookies using a 4 cm diameter cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Once cool, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
- Roll the edges of each alfajor in shredded coconut, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve and enjoy the delicate sweetness of these traditional South American cookies!
Enjoy these delightful treats that blend tradition with a taste of luxury!
