Classic Argentine Alfajores

Name: Classic Argentine Alfajores
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Argentina
Ingredients: 100 g of butter (softened); 80 g of sugar; 3 egg yolks; 1 tsp of vanilla extract; 1 tsp of zest of unwaxed lemon; 150 g of flour (all-purpose); 200 g of cornstarch; 1 tsp of baking powder; 1 pinch of salt; 250 g of caramel (dulce de leche type); 50 g of powdered sugar; 50 g of coconut (shredded, for the edges)

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Alfajores are delicious sandwich cookies of South American origin, traditionally filled with rich caramel and generously dusted with powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect with a coffee or as a dessert.

Total time: 45 min
Prep: 30 min
Cook: 15 min
Rest: 30 min
Difficulty: Easy
Per person: €0.13

By the CookinBreak team

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Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

180kcal

Protein2 g4%
Carbs25 g56%
Fat8 g40%
Fiber1 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

To make the caramel easier to work with, you can warm it slightly before filling the cookies. This will make it softer and easier to spread.

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Up to 2 months. Freeze the baked, unassembled cookies in a zip-top bag. The caramel may slightly change the texture once assembled alfajores are thawed.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Keeps 3 to 5 days max in an airtight container, away from moisture and ambient heat.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

The cookies can be made and stored separately. The caramel can be made the day before. Assemble on the day.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Not relevant, alfajores are enjoyed at room temperature. Reheating would spoil the texture and hold.

Variations

Roll the edges in shredded coconut.
Add a little lemon zest to the dough.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Mistakes to avoid

Working the dough too long: mix until just combined.
Overbaking the cookies: they should stay pale, with barely golden edges.
Filling warm cookies: let them cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

What consistency should the dough have?

Mix the butter and sugar, add the egg yolks, then the sifted dry mixture until you have a smooth dough, without working it too long, and chill it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

How long should the cookies bake?

Roll the dough out to 3-4 mm, cut out rounds, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 170 °C, until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should stay pale.

How do you fill the alfajores?

Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous layer of dulce de leche on half of them and top with the remaining cookies to make sandwiches.

How do you finish the alfajores?

Gently roll the edges in shredded coconut, if using, then dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving for a traditional presentation.