Cornstarch Alfajores are a delightful treat originating from Latin America, featuring soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made from a blend of cornstarch and flour, filled with rich dulce de leche. These cookies are tender, almost cake-like, and the addition of lemon zest and a hint of brandy provides a unique flavor that perfectly complements the sweet filling.
Why You'll Love This: Alfajores are known for their soft texture and rich filling, making each bite a luxurious experience. The cookies themselves are delicately sweet and light, providing a perfect balance to the creamy, caramel-like dulce de leche. Rolled in coconut, these treats offer an exquisite combination of textures and flavors that are sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
Perfect Occasion: Cornstarch Alfajores are perfect for any festive occasion, from holidays and celebrations to casual gatherings. They make excellent gifts, wrapped individually or presented in a beautiful box. These treats are also a great choice for afternoon tea or coffee, adding a special touch to your relaxation moments.
Decoration Tips: After filling the alfajores with dulce de leche, roll the edges in finely shredded coconut to cover the exposed filling, enhancing both their look and taste. For a festive look, you can sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate. Edible gold leaf can also be used for a luxurious decoration if serving at special events.
- Ingredients:
- 250g soft butter
- 150g sugar
- Grated zest of 1/2 lemon
- 4 egg yolks
- 300g cornstarch (maicena)
- 200g flour (type 0000)
- 2 tsp baking powder (8g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp brandy
- 500g dulce de leche for filling
- Shredded coconut, as needed
- Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. Stir in the vanilla, brandy, and lemon zest.
- Sift together the cornstarch, flour, and baking powder. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into small rounds using a cookie cutter.
- Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until just set.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread dulce de leche on half of the cookies and sandwich with the other halves.
- Roll the edges of each alfajor in shredded coconut to finish.
Enjoy these exquisite Cornstarch Alfajores, a treat that brings a sweet surprise with every bite and a smile to everyone’s face!
