Maicena Alfajores

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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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