Alfajores are tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies sandwiched with creamy dulce de leche , often rolled in coconut flakes or dusted with powdered sugar . Popular in Argentina, Peru, and across Latin America, they're a heavenly combination of buttery crumb and sweet caramel.
Yields 6 Servings Servings Quarter (1.5 Serving) Half (3 Servings) Default (6 Servings) Double (12 Servings) Triple (18 Servings) Prep Time 30 minsCook Time 20 minsTotal Time 50 minsFor the Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
For the Filling
1 cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Garnishes
Desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Make the Dough
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy.
Beat in the egg yolks , egg , and vanilla extract .
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour , cornstarch , baking powder , and salt .
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Chill and Roll
2
Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes .
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness.
Cut into 2-inch rounds using a cookie cutter.
Bake the Cookies
3
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are just lightly golden.
Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Alfajores
4
Spoon or pipe about 1 tsp of dulce de leche onto the bottom of half the cookies.
Top with remaining cookies and gently press to spread the filling to the edges.
Roll edges in coconut flakes (optional) or dust tops with powdered sugar .
To Serve
5
Serve at room temperature with coffee , maté , or hot chocolate .
The cookies become even more tender after sitting overnight.
Variations
6
Add a hint of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist
Use chocolate dulce de leche or Nutella for a fun variation
Dip half the cookie in dark chocolate for extra indulgence
Pairing Suggestions
7
Drink: Strong espresso, sweet dessert wine, or yerba maté
Occasion: Afternoon tea, holiday platter, or wedding cookie tables
Ingredients For the Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
For the Filling
1 cup dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Garnishes
Desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Directions Make the Dough
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy.
Beat in the egg yolks , egg , and vanilla extract .
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour , cornstarch , baking powder , and salt .
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Chill and Roll
2
Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes .
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness.
Cut into 2-inch rounds using a cookie cutter.
Bake the Cookies
3
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are just lightly golden.
Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Alfajores
4
Spoon or pipe about 1 tsp of dulce de leche onto the bottom of half the cookies.
Top with remaining cookies and gently press to spread the filling to the edges.
Roll edges in coconut flakes (optional) or dust tops with powdered sugar .
To Serve
5
Serve at room temperature with coffee , maté , or hot chocolate .
The cookies become even more tender after sitting overnight.
Variations
6
Add a hint of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist
Use chocolate dulce de leche or Nutella for a fun variation
Dip half the cookie in dark chocolate for extra indulgence
Pairing Suggestions
7
Drink: Strong espresso, sweet dessert wine, or yerba maté
Occasion: Afternoon tea, holiday platter, or wedding cookie tables
Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies)
