Alfajores
Peruvian

Alfajores

Peruvian shortbread sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar, melt-in-your-mouth tender.

FlourFlour
ButterButter
SugarSugar
EggEgg
Dulce de lecheDulce de leche
VanillaVanilla
Easy1.5 hours

Where 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

HeatRichnessComplexityFermentFreshness

How it's made

6 steps · Show
45 min active · 30 min waiting
  1. 1
    5 min

    In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

  2. 2
    5 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.

  3. 3
    10 min

    Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter.

  4. 4
    10 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 out

    Do not overbake; the cookies should be just golden and not brown.

  5. 5
    10 min

    Allow the cookies to cool completely. Once cool, spread dulce de leche on one cookie and sandwich with another.

  6. 6
    5 min

    Optionally, roll the edges in ground almonds or hazelnuts, then dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

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