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Alfajores

Tender shortbread cookies sandwiched with sweet dulce de leche and rolled in shredded coconut. A beloved Argentine treat perfect with coffee.

37 minEasyServes 12310 cal/serving

ArgentinianDessertOvenVegetarian

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg yolk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup dulce de leche
  • 1 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Beat in 2 egg yolk and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until combined.

  5. 5

    Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

  6. 6

    Roll dough between parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds using a cookie cutter.

  7. 7

    Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are light golden.

  8. 8

    Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

  9. 9

    Spread 1 cup dulce de leche on the flat side of half the cookies and top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.

  10. 10

    Pour 1 cup shredded coconut onto a shallow plate and roll the edges of each sandwich in the coconut.

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Questions

What is Alfajores?

Tender shortbread cookies sandwiched with sweet dulce de leche and rolled in shredded coconut. A beloved Argentine treat perfect with coffee. This reference files it under Argentinian dessert: made in the oven, rated easy and about 37 minutes start to finish.

How long does Alfajores take?

As written, 37 minutes: 25 of prep and 12 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 7 (12 minutes): "Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are light golden."

What temperature do I cook Alfajores at?

For Alfajores, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 12 minutes, in step 7.

Why fold instead of stir in Alfajores?

Step 5 reads: "Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms." Folding keeps the air you just beat in. Stirring at step 5 would knock it out and the result would come out dense.

Can I make Alfajores dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Alfajores is 3/4 cup butter, softened. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Alfajores vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 3/4 cup butter, softened and 2 egg yolk. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

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