Alfajores Cookies

Alfajores Cookies - A Delicacy that Delights the Senses

When we think of cookies, our minds drift to joyful moments, to friends gathering around a table full of goodies. Alfajores cookies are a perfect choice to add a touch of magic to these moments. These sweet delights, with a soft texture and caramelized milk filling, are a true indulgence for the taste buds. Let’s discover together how to prepare these wonderful cookies, step by step!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 cookies

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 and 1/3 cups of flour
- 2.5 cups of cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 200 g of butter at room temperature
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1 vial of vanilla
- 3 egg yolks
- 3-4 tablespoons of rum or 1 vial of rum essence

For assembly:
- 1 can of caramelized condensed milk
- Coconut flakes or chopped nuts (grated chocolate can also be used)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. It should be soft but not melted. A good idea is to take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting the preparation.

2. Beating the Butter with Sugar: In a large bowl, place the soft butter and add the sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to beat the two ingredients until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. About 3-5 minutes should be enough. This step is essential, as the air incorporated into the butter will make the cookies fluffier.

3. Adding Flavors: Add the vanilla, egg yolks (one at a time), and rum. Make sure each egg yolk is completely incorporated before adding the next. This will give a unique flavor to the cookies that will be hard to forget.

4. Incorporating Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Then, gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or by hand. You will obtain a non-sticky dough with a consistency similar to that of playdough. If the dough seems too sticky, feel free to add a little flour.

5. Shaping the Cookies: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, divide the dough into smaller portions. Take a piece of dough and roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 5 mm. If the dough sticks to the work surface or the rolling pin, sprinkle a little flour.

6. Cutting the Cookies: Use a round cutter (between 4.5 and 8 cm in diameter) to cut circles from the dough. Make sure the remaining dough is covered to prevent it from drying out. Using a knife, gently lift the circles from the table and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 25 minutes. Be careful, they should not brown but remain a pale yellow-white color.

8. Cooling: Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on a rack. It is important not to fill them before they are completely cooled, otherwise, they may crumble.

9. Assembly: After the cookies have cooled, take the caramelized condensed milk and put a teaspoon on each cookie. Place another cookie on top and press gently. Repeat the process until you have filled all the cookies.

10. Decorating: Brush the edges of the filled cookies with caramelized milk and roll them in coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or grated chocolate. This will add an extra texture and delicious taste.

11. Storing: Store the cookies in a tin box with a lid. It is recommended to let them rest overnight, as the flavor becomes even more intense the next day.

Nutritional Benefits and Calories

Alfajores cookies are not only delicious but also a source of energy due to the sugar and fats from the butter. Each cookie has approximately 100-120 calories, making them a perfect indulgence, but in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other flavors?
Of course! You can replace the rum with almond essence or add lemon or orange zest for a citrus note.

2. How can I make the cookies gluten-free?
You can replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour, such as almond flour or rice flour.

3. What other fillings can I use?
Besides caramelized milk, you can use fruit jam or chocolate cream for a more decadent version.

Serving Suggestions:

Alfajores cookies pair perfectly with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. They can be served at a party, a picnic, or simply in the company of a good book. If you want an elegant presentation, arrange the cookies on a platter and sprinkle some fresh fruits around.

A Short Personal Story:

I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who shared the secret of these cookies with me. Each meeting was a celebration of flavors, and Alfajores were always on the table, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. Now, when I make them, I feel I can pay tribute to her and continue the tradition with every cookie I make.

Possible Variations:

In addition to coconut flakes, you can try covering the cookies with chopped pecans or melted white chocolate. Also, a version with vanilla cream between the cookies adds a delightful taste.

With this Alfajores cookie recipe, you are on your way to creating not only a delicious snack but also unforgettable memories. Cooking is not just about ingredients, but also about the love and passion you put into each recipe. So let’s enjoy together the beauty of cooking!

 Ingredients: 1 and 1/3 cups of flour, 2.5 cups of starch, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 200 g of butter at room temperature, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 vial of vanilla, 3 egg yolks, 3-4 tablespoons of rum or 1 vial of rum essence. For assembly: 1 can of caramelized condensed milk, coconut flakes or crushed nuts (grated chocolate can also be used).