Introduction:
Indulge in a taste of South America with these delicate and delicious Maicena Alfajores. These traditional cookies, popular in Argentina and other Latin American countries, consist of tender shortbread-like cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible sweetness, Maicena Alfajores are perfect for special occasions, holidays, or anytime you crave a delightful treat from the Southern Hemisphere.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (125g) cornstarch (maicena)
- 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added flavor)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup (about 350g) dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using), until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Roll out the cookie dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
- Place the cookie circles onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Gather any remaining dough scraps, reroll, and cut out more circles until all the dough is used.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Assemble the Alfajores:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous dollop of dulce de leche onto the bottom side of half of the cookies.
- Place another cookie on top of the dulce de leche to create a sandwich, gently pressing down to adhere.
5. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Dust the tops of the assembled Alfajores with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve or sifter.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve these delightful Maicena Alfajores as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea, or share them with friends and family during special gatherings or celebrations.
- Store any leftover Alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Tips for Success:
- If the dough becomes too soft or sticky while rolling, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before continuing.
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought dulce de leche instead of making it from scratch.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough, or by incorporating citrus zest into the filling for extra zestiness.
Nutritional Information:
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Serving Size: 1 Alfajor (approximately)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Total Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 5-6g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 25-30mg
- Sodium: Approximately 50-100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 0-1g
- Sugars: Approximately 10-15g
- Protein: Approximately 1-2g
Recommendation:
Enjoy these Maicena Alfajores as a delightful treat any time you crave something sweet and comforting. Whether you’re savoring them on your own or sharing them with loved ones, these homemade cookies are sure to bring a taste of South America to your kitchen and delight your taste buds with every bite!
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