Melt In Your Mouth South American Alfajores Bigger Bolder Baking

Hi Bold Bakers! If you haven’t had alfajores before, I am so excited to introduce you to this popular South American cookie! This sandwich cookie’s flavors are absolutely delicious (you can never go wrong with dulce de leche), but you won’t believe how fantastic the texture is! Already have an account? These homemade alfajores are tender; I’m talking super delicate, soft, and crumbly. On the inside, there is sweet, caramelly dulce de leche. These alfajores are made the Argentinan way, which means the cookie batter is made with corn starch, and the sides are rolled in shredded coconut. That little hint of coconut does something magical to this cookie. Even if you’re not a big coconut fan, the added texture and flavor is out of this world!

What Are Alfajores?

Alfajores are sandwich cookies that can be found all around South America, but they’re particularly popular in Argentina. This is a traditional alfajores recipe, which means we’re making them with cornstarch shortbread cookies, dulce de leche in the middle, and shredded coconut on the edges.

What You Need To Make Alfajores

Measuring cups and spoons Electric mixer Mixing bowls 2 baking sheets Parchment paper 2-inch (5cm) cutter

How To Make Alfajores

These little cookies are really easy to make, but since the dough is so soft, you do need some time to let them chill in the fridge before rolling, cutting, and baking! Here is how you make alfajores (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below):

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Alfajores

You can use store-bought or my homemade dulce de leche! This dough is very soft, so be sure to thoroughly chill it before rolling. If it becomes too soft when you are rolling it, return it to the refrigerator to firm up again. You can make this dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. If frozen, defrost the dough overnight in the refrigerator. To make filling easier, put the dulce de leche in a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or in a plastic bag (like a Ziploc) with a small corner cut. It’s not traditional, but try to fill a few of these with homemade Nutella! I don’t think anyone would complain!

How Do I Store Alfajores?

You can store any leftover alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. As I mentioned in my tips, this dough also keeps super well in the freezer — make it ahead and store the raw dough for up to a month!