Introduction to Alfajores Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies

Alfajores are beloved across South America, cherished for their delicate texture and indulgent filling. These melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies, often made with cornstarch for extra tenderness, are sandwiched together with creamy dulce de leche. The result is a treat that feels both luxurious and comforting.

The appeal lies in their balance: buttery cookies that crumble softly, paired with rich caramel-like filling that adds sweetness and depth. Alfajores are versatile, too—rolled in coconut, dusted with powdered sugar, or dipped in chocolate, they can be customized to suit any occasion.

Perfect for holidays, tea time, or gifting, alfajores embody the joy of sharing. Their elegant simplicity makes them a staple in South American kitchens and a delightful discovery for anyone new to them.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out because it combines delicate cornstarch-based cookies with the luscious richness of dulce de leche. The cornstarch ensures the cookies are tender and crumbly, practically dissolving on the tongue, while the filling provides creamy indulgence.

It’s also highly customizable. You can roll the edges in shredded coconut for texture, dust them with powdered sugar for elegance, or dip them in chocolate for a decadent twist. Each variation adds a new dimension while keeping the essence of alfajores intact.

Tip: Using homemade dulce de leche elevates the flavor significantly. Slow-cooked milk and sugar create a caramel that’s deeper and more complex than store-bought versions, making the cookies truly unforgettable.

Cultural & Historical Background

Alfajores trace their origins back to Spain, where Moorish influence introduced spiced, filled pastries. When Spanish colonists brought the concept to South America, it evolved into the alfajores we know today.

In Argentina, alfajores are iconic, often coated in chocolate or rolled in coconut. In Peru, they’re dusted generously with powdered sugar, while in Colombia and Uruguay, variations include different fillings or coatings. Each region has adapted the recipe to local tastes, making alfajores a symbol of culinary diversity.

Beyond their flavor, alfajores carry cultural significance. They are a symbol of celebration and hospitality, often served at holidays, weddings, and family gatherings. Sharing alfajores is a gesture of warmth and generosity, reflecting the communal spirit of South American culture.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

Alfajores offer a delightful interplay of textures and flavors:

Cookies: Tender, crumbly, and buttery, thanks to cornstarch and butter.
Dulce de Leche: Sweet, creamy, and caramel-like, providing indulgent richness.
Garnishes: Coconut adds chewiness, powdered sugar lends elegance, and chocolate brings decadence.

Together, these elements create a cookie that is both delicate and indulgent. The buttery base melts away, the dulce de leche lingers with caramel notes, and the garnishes add contrast.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of salt to the dulce de leche filling. This balances sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor, ensuring the cookies don’t feel overly sugary.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Dough Mix butter, sugar, egg yolks, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and vanilla until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill Dough Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape.

Step 3: Roll & Cut Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter.

Step 4: Bake Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until pale golden. Do not overbake—cookies should remain tender.

Step 5: Fill Spread dulce de leche generously on one cookie, then sandwich with another.

Step 6: Garnish Roll edges in shredded coconut, dust with powdered sugar, or dip in melted chocolate.

Step 7: Rest Allow cookies to rest overnight in an airtight container. This melds flavors and softens texture.

Tip: Resting alfajores enhances their flavor and makes them even more melt-in-your-mouth.