
Alfajores
“Peruvian shortbread sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar, melt-in-your-mouth tender.”
Flour
Butter
Sugar
Egg
Dulce de leche
VanillaWhere it comes from
Alfajores are a delightful Peruvian treat that showcases the country's love for sweet flavors and textures. These shortbread cookies, filled with rich dulce de leche, have their origins in Spanish and Moorish traditions, adapted over time to suit local tastes. The surprising aspect is that they are often dusted with powdered sugar, creating a visually appealing and deliciously sweet bite.
On the Palate
How it's made
6 steps · Show ↓45 min active · 30 min waiting
How it's made
6 steps · Show ↓- 15 min
In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
- 25 min
Gradually add flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- 310 min
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter.
- 410 min
Place the dough rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
Watch outDo not overbake; the cookies should be just golden and not brown.
- 510 min
Allow the cookies to cool completely. Once cool, spread dulce de leche on one cookie and sandwich with another.
- 65 min
Optionally, roll the edges in ground almonds or hazelnuts, then dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.