Experience the zesty delight of homemade Lemon Alfajores, crafted from the freshest lemons right off the corner. These tender, flavor-packed alfajores are the perfect accompaniment to your coffee break, offering a refreshing twist on a traditional favorite. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, citrus-infused filling, these alfajores are sure to brighten up your day and tantalize your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This:
These Lemon Alfajores blend the sweet, tangy essence of lemon with the luxurious texture of traditional alfajores. The dough, enriched with lemon zest and a touch of icing sugar, bakes into a perfectly tender consistency that complements the creamy lemon filling. This recipe is ideal for those who appreciate a subtle yet distinct flavor in their treats, offering a delightful citrus kick that enhances the overall taste.
Perfect Occasion:
Lemon Alfajores are perfect for any gathering where you want to impress with something sweet and unique, from afternoon tea parties to coffee breaks, or as a special dessert after a family meal. They're also wonderful for holidays and celebrations, adding a light and refreshing option to your dessert table.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful finish, consider dusting these alfajores with a little more icing sugar right before serving. If you're a chocolate lover, dipping half of each alfajor in melted chocolate can add an extra layer of decadence. Alternatively, a light drizzle of white or dark chocolate can also enhance their visual appeal while adding a complementary flavor.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- Butter (100g), room temperature
- Icing sugar (50g), or granulated sugar for a crispier texture
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- Egg yolk (1)
- Flour (200g)
Ingredients for the Filling:
- Icing sugar (250g)
- Lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
- Butter (25g), room temperature
- Optional: additional lemon zest for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Dough Preparation:
- Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the lemon zest and egg yolk.
- Gradually incorporate the flour until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Forming Cookies:
- Roll out the chilled dough and cut into desired shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and return to the fridge if the dough becomes too soft.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius (338 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10-12 minutes until just set.
- Filling Preparation:
- Combine the icing sugar, soft butter, and lemon juice (and additional zest, if using) to form a thick paste.
- Once the cookies have cooled, spread the filling on half of them and top with the other half to form sandwiches.
Enjoy these exquisite Lemon Alfajores, a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that will make your coffee break or any occasion a little more special!