Argentinian Dulce de Leche Alfajores are a delightful pastry enjoyed throughout Argentina and Latin America. These soft, crumbly cookies are filled with rich dulce de leche, a caramel-like spread made from sweetened condensed milk. Often coated with chocolate, coconut, or powdered sugar, alfajores are a perfect combination of sweetness and texture.

While delicious, these treats offer both benefits and considerations. The dulce de leche provides a source of calcium, which supports bone health, and energy for an immediate boost. Additionally, the cookies are a source of vitamins A and D from the butter, which promote skin and eye health. The coconut coating, if used, adds dietary fiber and healthy fats that support digestive health and improve cholesterol levels. If coated in chocolate, the antioxidant-rich dark chocolate can help improve heart health and boost mood by stimulating serotonin production.

However, alfajores are also high in sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and dental issues if consumed excessively. The cookies' buttery flavor and cornstarch-based texture offer a satisfying treat, but they are calorie-dense.

Alfajores are typically enjoyed as a snack or dessert, often paired with a warm beverage, making them a delightful addition to special occasions. With many variations, these pastries offer versatility in flavor and texture, making them a beloved choice for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

1- 2 cups flour

2- 1/2 cup cornstarch

3- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

4- 1 teaspoon baking powder

5- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

6- 1/2 cup sugar

7- 2 egg yolks

8- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

9- 1/2 cup dulce de leche

10- 1 cup chocolate chips, melted (for coating)

11- 1 cup shredded coconut (for coating)

Instructions:

1- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder.

2- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3- Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined.

4- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

5- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

6- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out rounds using a 2 inch (5 cm) cookie cutter.

8- Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

9- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

10- Spread a dollop of dulce de leche onto the bottom side of one cookie, and top with another cookie to make a sandwich.

11- Melt the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.

12- Dip the sandwiched cookies in the melted chocolate, or coat with shredded coconut, and place on a parchment-lined tray to set.

13- Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving.

Note:

- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought dulce de leche instead of making your own.

- Alfajores are high in sugar, which, when consumed excessively, can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, and an increased risk of diabetes.

- These cookies are calorie-dense, especially when coated in chocolate or coconut, making them a less-than-ideal choice for anyone watching their calorie intake.

Common Questions

Can alfajores be made with healthy ingredients?

- Yes, you can make a healthier version of alfajores by using alternatives for some of the key ingredients. For example, you can reduce the sugar content by substituting it with stevia or honey, use coconut oil or avocado instead of butter for healthier fats, and opt for sugar-free dulce de leche or fruit spreads as the filling.

What is the calorie count of alfajores?

- The calorie count can vary depending on the size and the type of coating used. For example, a single 38g alfajor typically contains around 170 calories. However, this can increase significantly if you add chocolate or coconut coatings. For a more precise calculation, you should divide the total nutritional information by the number of servings.

Can alfajores be stored for a long time?

- Yes, alfajores can be stored for up to a week if kept in an airtight container at room temperature. To preserve their freshness for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you want to store them for even longer, they can be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

Is it easy to make alfajores at home?

- While making alfajores is relatively simple, there can be challenges, especially for beginner bakers. The dough needs to be chilled to achieve the perfect texture, which can be a bit tricky to handle if you're not familiar with working with shortbread-like dough. Additionally, getting the right consistency for the filling and the perfect coating can require practice, but the process is manageable with patience.

What are some alternatives for the chocolate or coconut coatings?

- If you're not a fan of chocolate or coconut, there are plenty of other coating options. You can dust the alfajores with powdered sugar or cinnamon, dip them in a glaze made of fruit juice and powdered sugar, or even roll them in crushed nuts for added texture and flavor. These alternatives can give the alfajores a unique twist to suit different tastes.

Nutrition Facts: Serving Size: 1 alfajor (38g)

- Calories: 170

- Total Fat: 9g

- Saturated Fat: 5g

- Cholesterol: 30mg

- Sodium: 50mg

- Total Carbohydrates: 22g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Total Sugars: 13g

- Protein: 2g

The nutritional value of each ingredient

1- 2 cups flour:

- Calories: 910

- Total Carbohydrates: 190g

- Protein: 24g

- Total Fat: 1.8g

- Total Sugars: 1.8g

- Sodium: 4mg

benefits: Provides essential carbohydrates for energy. Whole wheat flour also contains fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

2- 1/2 cup cornstarch:

- Calories: 240

- Total Carbohydrates: 60g

- Protein: 0.2g

- Total Fat: 0.1g

- Total Sugars: 0g

- Sodium: 10mg

benefits: Acts as a thickening agent and can improve the texture of baked goods, making them tender and light. It’s gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten sensitivities when used with other gluten-free ingredients.

3- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda:

- Calories: 0

- Total Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Total Fat: 0g

- Total Sugars: 0g

- Sodium: 629mg

benefits: Helps baked goods rise and become fluffy. It can also help maintain the balance in the body.

4- 1 teaspoon baking powder:

- Calories: 2

- Total Carbohydrates: 0.6g

- Protein: 0.1g

- Total Fat: 0g

- Total Sugars: 0g

- Sodium: 488mg

benefits: A leavening agent that helps increase the volume and lighten the texture of baked goods. It often contains calcium, which supports bone health.

5- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature:

- Calories: 800

- Total Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0.8g

- Total Fat: 91g

- Total Sugars: 0g

- Sodium: 5mg

benefits: Provides rich flavor and texture to baked goods. It contains essential fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

6- 1/2 cup sugar:

- Calories: 387

- Total Carbohydrates: 100g

- Protein: 0g

- Total Fat: 0g

- Total Sugars: 100g

- Sodium: 1mg

benefits:  Provides a quick source of energy. It also helps in browning and flavor development in baking.

7- 2 egg yolks:

- Calories: 110

- Total Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 5g

- Total Fat: 9g

- Total Sugars: 0g

- Sodium: 56mg

benefits: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, and contain healthy fats. Egg yolks also help emulsify and add richness to baked goods.

8- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract:

- Calories: 12

- Total Carbohydrates: 0.6g

- Protein: 0g

- Total Fat: 0g

- Total Sugars: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

benefits: Adds flavor and aroma to baked goods. It also has antioxidant properties.

9- 1/2 cup dulce de leche:

- Calories: 310

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Protein: 4g

- Total Fat: 14g

- Total Sugars: 45g

- Sodium: 160mg

benefits: Provides a rich, caramel-like flavor and sweetness. It also contains some calcium and protein from the milk used to make it.

10- 1 cup chocolate chips, melted (for coating):

- Calories: 805

- Total Carbohydrates: 85g

- Protein: 8g

- Total Fat: 50g

- Total Sugars: 75g

- Sodium: 40mg

benefits: Chocolate contains antioxidants, particularly dark chocolate. It can also provide a mood boost due to its serotonin and endorphin-boosting properties.

11- 1 cup shredded coconut (for coating):

- Calories: 466

- Total Carbohydrates: 40g

- Protein: 4g

- Total Fat: 40g

- Total Sugars: 16g

- Sodium: 20mg

benefits: Rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion. It also contains healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals such as manganese, which supports metabolic functions.

Please note that the values are approximate and may vary based on the specific brands and quantities used. Also, keep in mind that the nutrition information provided is for the entire batch of ingredients listed, not per serving. To calculate the nutrition information per serving, you'll need to divide the total values by the number of servings in your final recipe.

Alfajores are a delicious sweet treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you're serving them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a dessert after dinner, these traditional Argentine pastries are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.