Alfajores de Maicena (Cornstarch Cookies with Dulce de Leche)
Local name: Alfajores de maicena
In short: Tender, crumbly cornstarch shortbread cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut. Melt-in-the-mouth and sweet. It takes about 52 min in total and makes 10 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 52 min
- Servings
- 10
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 415 kcal
Alfajores de maicena are one of Argentina's most popular cookies, found in every café and kiosk and in homes with a mate pot. Two delicate, crumbly cookies made mostly from cornstarch are joined with a thick layer of dulce de leche, and the edges are rolled in shredded coconut. The cookies melt in the mouth, which is why they are baked only until pale. Handle the dough gently, roll it thick and bake it briefly.
Instructions
- Sift the cornstarch, flour, baking powder and salt together into a bowl.
- Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl for 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then the vanilla, lemon zest and milk.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix gently, just until a soft dough forms. Do not knead. Shape it into a disc, wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, or between two sheets of parchment, to 6 mm (1/4 in) thick. Cut out 5 cm (2 in) rounds and set them on the sheets, 2 cm (3/4 in) apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are set and pale. They should barely color. Cool on the sheets for 10 minutes, then move to a rack.
- Spread about 1 tbsp of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie and top with a second one, pressing gently.
- Spread the coconut on a plate and roll the edges of each sandwich in it. Let the alfajores rest for an hour so the cookies soften slightly.
Tips
- Do not let the cookies brown. Pale, barely set cookies stay tender, while browned ones turn hard and dry.
- Use thick dulce de leche, often labeled for pastry use. If yours is runny, simmer it for 10 minutes and cool before filling.
Questions and answers
Why are my alfajores hard instead of crumbly?
The dough was probably overworked, rolled too thin or baked too long. Mix just until combined and take the cookies out while they are still pale.
How do I store alfajores?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They taste better after a day, as the cookies absorb moisture from the filling.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes. Freeze the unfilled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months, thaw them at room temperature and fill them on the day you serve them.
How long does it take to make Alfajores de Maicena (Cornstarch Cookies with Dulce de Leche)?
About 52 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Alfajores de Maicena (Cornstarch Cookies with Dulce de Leche)?
About 415 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 57 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 415 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 57 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 170 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
