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Alfajores Cookies

These delicate Alfajores cookies are filled with Dulce de Leche and guava jam and rolled in desiccated coconut. The fine crumb texture of the cookies is achieved by a large proportion of cornstarch in the dough.

Course Dessert
Cuisine Paraguay
Keyword Alfajores Cookies
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Author Regina | Leelalicious

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour more for rolling
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks +1 more if needed
  • 1 tablespoon cream or liquor like brandy or rum
  • 1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring if using cream above
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Dulce de Leche and/or thickened (guava) jam
  • unsweetened desiccated coconut

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  2. With the paddle attachment of your stand mixer cream together butter and sugar until fluffy and light in colour. Add the egg yolks one at a time and continue beating. Add and mix in cream/liquor and extracts.On low speed gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. (We live in a very dry prairie climate so I had to add an extra egg yolk to make the dough hold together).
  3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape into a flat disk. Wrap and chill in the fridge for at least one hour.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets.
  5. Sprinkle flour on a piece of parchment paper and on top of the dough disk. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. The dough might break but you can easily push it back together. Cut out circles (about 2 inches) and place 1/2 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Reroll the dough as needed.
  6. Bake one baking sheet at a time for about 10-13 minutes until cookies are set but still light. Immediately transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  7. If using jam for filling thicken it by heating it either in the microwave for about 2 minutes (it should come out bubbly) or in a small saucepan on the stove top while stirring often. Let cool completely.
  8. Spread a little jam or Dulce de Leche on a cookie and top with another one. Press together lightly until the filling shows and roll the edges in desiccated coconut.
  9. Store in an airtight container.