Dulce de leche cookies (alfajores) II
Cookies with Dulce de Leche (Alfajores) - A Delight for the Soul
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 2-4 hours
Baking time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 cookies
Dulce de leche cookies, known as alfajores, are a true delight for sweet lovers. These tender treats, filled with a rich caramel cream, have a fascinating history and are perfect for any occasion, from parties to personal indulgence. Here’s how you can prepare them at home, in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 150 g flour
- 170 g cornstarch
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 can of dulce de leche
- Powdered sugar for decoration
Step by Step:
1. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use a mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes a fluffy, light-colored cream. Add the vanilla and lemon zest; these flavors will add a touch of freshness and a delicious taste.
2. Adding the Eggs: Incorporate the whole egg and the yolk into the butter mixture, continuing to mix until you achieve a smooth and shiny paste. It’s important to ensure that the eggs are well incorporated to obtain an even texture.
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter cream, gently mixing with a spatula. You will obtain a soft and creamy dough.
4. Chilling the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (preferably 4 hours). This step is essential as the dough becomes much easier to work with once chilled.
5. Shaping the Cookies: After chilling, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a thin sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use your favorite shapes (flowers, hearts, or circles) to cut out the cookies. A suggestion is to perforate some of them for a more elegant look.
6. Baking: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for exactly 10 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on them as they should remain white, not browned.
7. Filling: Allow the cookies to cool completely, then fill each pair with a generous layer of dulce de leche. Gently press them together to stick.
8. Decorating: Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the filled cookies for a fine and elegant appearance.
Practical Tips:
- Ensure that the butter is at room temperature for better incorporation into the mixture.
- If you want to experiment, you can replace dulce de leche with fruit jam or chocolate.
- These cookies keep well in an airtight tin, maintaining their fragility and flavor.
Nutrition and Calories:
Each cookie contains approximately 100 calories, but their benefits go beyond taste. The flour and cornstarch provide carbohydrates, while the butter brings healthy fats. Dulce de leche adds a touch of energy, but moderation is always advised.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of sugar? Yes, you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor.
- What can I do if the dough is too sticky? Add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid altering the texture.
- Can the cookies be frozen? Absolutely! You can freeze the unfilled cookies, and when you want to serve them, just fill them with fresh dulce de leche.
These dulce de leche cookies (alfajores) are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but also ideal to be gifted to loved ones. So, start preparing this delicious recipe and enjoy the taste and aroma it offers!
Ingredients: 150 g flour, 170 g starch, 150 g butter, 120 g powdered sugar, vanilla, zest of one lemon, one egg - one yolk, one teaspoon baking powder, dulce de leche one can, powdered sugar
