Alfajores Cookies

Total Time Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 5 min. + cooling
Yield 2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
Alfajores are sandwich-like cookies made from tender, chewy cookies and a dulce de leche filling. The edges are rolled in ground coconut for that extra-special touch.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brandy
  • 1/2 tablespoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/4 cups plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1-3/4 cups cornstarch
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 cans (14 ounces each) dulce de leche
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together brandy, lemon zest and vanilla; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1-1/4 cups flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg yolks on low speed, 1 at a time, until incorporated. Beat in brandy mixture, scraping down side of bowl as needed. Add flour mixture; beat on low just until dough comes together in a ball, 1-2 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle a cutting board with remaining 1/4 cup flour. Place dough ball on cutting board; cut in half. Roll each ball into a 1-1/4 in.-thick log shape. Tightly wrap each log; refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°. Unwrap chilled dough logs; cut into 1/4-in. slices. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 5-7 minutes or until light brown in color. Let cool slightly, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Spoon dulce de leche into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-in. plain tip. Pipe a thick layer in a swirling motion on the flat side of half of the cookies. Sandwich with remaining cookies, rounded side up.
  7. Place coconut in a shallow bowl; roll edges of sandwich cookies in coconut.

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 304 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

Alfajores combine shortbread cookies with a rich dulce de leche filling for a decadent treat. This version is inspired by many cherished family recipes for a lovely rendition. —Jennifer Schwarzkopf, Oregon, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

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