Alfajores with Sweet Dulce de Leche Filling

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Buttery, crumbly cookies sandwich a rich layer of sweet dulce de leche to create these classic Argentinian treats perfect for teatime. This latin american-inspired desserts ready in about 32 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, cornstarch, (227 grams), softened unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 24, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 24 Latin American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon baking powder; set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed after each addition until a soft dough forms.
  5. Step 5: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
  6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Step 7: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out rounds and place them on prepared baking sheets.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but cookies remain pale. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.
  9. Step 9: Spread about 1 teaspoon of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies.
  10. Step 10: Dust the assembled alfajores with powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Alfajores with Sweet Dulce de Leche Filling take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Alfajores with Sweet Dulce de Leche Filling?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Alfajores with Sweet Dulce de Leche Filling?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Alfajores with Sweet Dulce de Leche Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Alfajores with Sweet Dulce de Leche Filling?

Latin American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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