Alfajores are a traditional South American cookie that have been enjoyed for generations. These sandwich-style cookies are filled with sweet dulce de leche and covered in either powdered sugar or coconut. The delicious combination of these two ingredients makes them especially popular.
Not only do alfajores taste amazing, but they also look beautiful when served! Whether you’re throwing a party or simply looking for a delicious treat, alfajores are the perfect choice.
Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make – just mix your ingredients together, roll them into balls, and bake!
The result is a tasty cookie that everyone will love. So why not give these South American treats a try? They’ll make any event or gathering extra special.
What are Alfajores Cookies?
Alfajores cookies have been around for centuries and can be traced back to the Moorish settlers from North Africa, who brought them to Spain during the Middle Ages. From there, they spread throughout Latin America, where they were adapted to include local ingredients such as dulce de leche. Today, alfajores are a popular treat in many South American countries including Argentina, Peru, and Chile.
Alfajores are made with a simple dough of flour, butter, and sugar that is rolled into balls and then baked. For the filling, dulce de leche is used to create a sweet caramel-like center that adds a unique flavor to the cookie. The cookies can be covered in either powdered sugar or shredded coconut for an added crunchy texture. The end result is a delicious sandwich-style cookie that is sure to be a hit with everyone!
Traditional Alfajores Varieties
Argentinian alfajores
Argentinian alfajores are one of the most popular varieties of alfajores cookies. These sandwich-style cookies feature a deliciously sweet dulce de leche center and are usually covered in either powdered sugar or shredded coconut for added crunch. The dough is made with flour, butter, and sugar, and is then rolled into balls before being baked. This traditional Argentinian style of alfajores is beloved by many, and can be found in most bakeries across Argentina.
Peruvian alfajores
Peruvian alfajores are a unique variety of the traditional South American cookie. These savory treats feature all the same ingredients as Argentinian alfajores, but they also have an added twist – the dough is made with cornstarch instead of flour! This substitution gives the cookie a lighter texture and makes them more moist than other varieties.
Alfajores from Around the World
Spanish alfajores
Spanish alfajores are a unique take on the traditional South American cookie. While they still feature the same dough and dulce de leche filling, the Spanish version of this classic treat is made with orange blossom honey for a sweeter flavor. The cookies are then rolled in sugar or shredded coconut for an extra crunch. Spanish alfajores are especially popular during festive occasions , where they are served as part of a dessert platter.
Mexican alfajores
Mexican alfajores are a delicious variation of the classic South American cookie. This unique take on the traditional recipe features a dough made with butter, flour, and sugar that is rolled into balls before it is baked. For the filling, Mexican alfajores use a delicious mixture of dulce de leche and pecans for a unique flavor. The cookies can also be covered in either sugar or shredded coconut to give them an extra crunchy texture. Mexican alfajores are the perfect treat for special occasions and holidays, and they make a great addition to any dessert platter.
Uruguayan alfajores
Uruguayan alfajores are a unique variety of the traditional South American cookie. These sweet treats feature a fluffy dough made with flour, butter, and sugar that is rolled into balls before being baked.
For the filling, Uruguayan alfajores use dulce de leche for a rich caramel-like flavor. The cookies can be covered in either powdered sugar or shredded coconut for an added crunch. Uruguayan alfajores are the perfect treat for special occasions and are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Variations on the Traditional Alfajores Recipe
Chocolate-dipped alfajores
Chocolate-dipped alfajores are a delicious variation of the traditional South American cookie. To make them, begin by preparing the dough as instructed above and rolling it into balls before baking. For the filling, use dulce de leche as usual, but add some cocoa powder to give it a chocolaty twist. Once the cookies have cooled, melt some chocolate and dip one side of the cookie into it. Sprinkle with shredded coconut or powdered sugar for an added crunch.
Citrus or fruit-flavored alfajores
Citrus or fruit-flavored alfajores are a unique twist on the traditional South American cookie. To make them, start with the same dough recipe as usual and roll it into balls before baking. For the filling, combine dulce de leche with finely chopped citrus zest or mashed fruit and mix until combined.
Once the cookies have cooled, sandwich two of them together with the filling and dip one side of the cookie into melted chocolate. Sprinkle with coconut flakes or powdered sugar for an extra crunch.
Alfajores with non-traditional fillings (such as peanut butter or Nutella)
Alfajores with non-traditional fillings are a delicious twist on the traditional South American cookie. To make them, start with the same dough recipe as usual and roll it into balls before baking.
For the filling, combine any type of creamy spread such as peanut butter or Nutella with dulce de leche and mix until combined. Once the cookies have cooled, sandwich two of them together with the filling and dip one side of the cookie into melted chocolate. Sprinkle with coconut flakes or powdered sugar for an extra crunch.
Making Alfajores at Home
Tips for making perfect alfajores
When trying to make perfect alfajores, it is best to follow the recipes closely. Be sure to measure all the ingredients accurately and use fresh butter and eggs for best results.
Step-by-step instructions for making basic alfajores
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together butter, sugar, and egg until combined.
Step 3: Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the mixture and mix until a dough forms.
Step 4: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a greased baking tray.
Step 5: Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Once cooled, combine the dulce de leche and chopped pecans in a small bowl and mix until combined.
Step 7: Sandwich two cookies together with the filling and dip one side of the cookie into melted chocolate.
Step 8: Sprinkle with shredded coconut or powdered sugar for an extra crunch.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Creative ideas for decorating and personalizing alfajores
Creative ideas for decorating and personalizing alfajores can range from simple to elaborate. For a basic decoration, sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar or shredded coconut before serving.
For a more creative approach, try topping the cookies with icing or melted chocolate and adding colorful sprinkles or candy pieces. You can also get creative with the filling by using different types of dulce de leche or mixtures of nuts and dried fruits.
Finally, you can also use different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters to create unique alfajores.
Conclusion
In conclusion, alfajores are a delicious traditional South American cookie well-loved for its sweet and indulgent flavor. Whether you choose to make classic versions or try your hand at creative twists, these cookies are sure to please any crowd. With a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, anyone can make perfect alfajores in the comfort of their own home. So get creative and start exploring the sweet world of alfajores today!
