Why prepare this recipe?
If there’s one sweet treat that evokes memories and makes us smile just by looking at it, it’s cornstarch alfajores . These small, soft, and delicious bites have the power to transport us back to childhood, reminding us of happy moments with family and friends. Their light texture and sweet flavor make them irresistible, and they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying alone with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Besides being delicious, cornstarch alfajores are surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be an expert baker to wow your loved ones with a homemade dessert that looks like it came from a professional pastry shop. The recipe is simple, and the result is an elegant treat, perfect for any occasion.
Imagine for a moment the aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake: a blend of butter, vanilla, and a hint of lemon. That warm and comforting scent is enough to draw anyone to the kitchen, and they can’t resist trying one. Baking alfajores is not just a culinary act, but also a way to create memorable moments.
Benefits of the main ingredients
Although alfajores are a sweet treat, many of their ingredients provide interesting benefits and, in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.
Dulce de leche: It’s the star of alfajores. Besides its creamy and delicious flavor, dulce de leche is a good source of quick energy thanks to its natural sugars and fat content. A small bite can give you a boost to continue with your daily activities.
Cornstarch: Cornflour is a light and easily digestible starch. It’s ideal for those looking for gluten-free alternatives, although it’s always a good idea to check labels to ensure it doesn’t contain traces of gluten. Cornstarch provides a soft and delicate texture that makes the alfajores melt in your mouth.
Butter: It provides healthy fats that help keep skin hydrated and promote a feeling of fullness. It’s also key to achieving the tender, crumbly texture that characterizes alfajores.
Lemon zest: Not only does it offer a fresh and aromatic touch, but it also provides vitamin C, a nutritional bonus that enriches this little treat. Its citrus aroma enhances the flavors and makes the alfajores more refreshing on the palate.
With these ingredients, each alfajor combines flavor, texture and a small nutritional contribution that makes them even more special.
Ingredients
To prepare about 12 to 15 alfajores , you will need:
300g of dulce de leche for baking
150 g of cornstarch (cornflour)
70 g of butter
3 egg yolks
50g of icing sugar
1 tsp. of lemon zest
1 tbsp. of vanilla essence
1 tsp. of baking powder
Shredded coconut (enough for sprinkling)
With these ingredients, you’ll get soft, sweet, and flavorful alfajores.
How to make cornstarch alfajores step by step
Prepare the butter: Place the butter in a bowl and beat until you obtain a creamy, spreadable consistency. This ensures that the dough will be soft and tender.
Incorporate the sugar: Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fully blended and fluffy.
Add flavorings: Incorporate the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Mix well so that all the flavorings are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Add the egg yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help the batter reach the right consistency.
Sift and mix: Sift the cornstarch together with the baking powder and add it to the mixture. Incorporate with gentle movements so as not to lose the aeration of the dough.
Form the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will allow it to cool and make it easier to roll out and cut.
Roll out and cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/2 cm. Cut out discs of the desired size, depending on whether you want small or larger alfajores.
Bake: Place the discs on a greased baking sheet and bake at 200°C for 5 minutes, or until just golden brown. Don’t leave them in too long to keep them tender.
Chill and fill: Let the discs cool completely before assembling the alfajores. Spread dulce de leche between two discs and sprinkle with shredded coconut.
And that’s it! You’ll have soft, sweet, and flavorful alfajores that melt in your mouth.
Tips for improving your cornstarch alfajores
Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough can give it a unique aromatic touch.
Alternative fillings: In addition to dulce de leche, try chocolate, jams, or hazelnut cream.
Variation with nuts: Replacing some cornstarch with almond flour adds a more toasted flavor and a slightly crunchy texture.
Gourmet touch: You can sprinkle cocoa powder over the dulce de leche before closing the alfajores, or partially cover them with melted chocolate for a more elegant version.
How to serve cornstarch alfajores
Alfajores are perfect for any occasion:
Snacks with friends: Place them on a pretty tray and accompany them with coffee or tea.
Individual desserts: Enjoy one while reading a book or watching your favorite movie.
Festive events: Add a decorative touch with shredded coconut, cocoa powder or melted chocolate to make them a centerpiece on the table.
With their soft texture and delicate flavor, these alfajores can turn any moment into something special.
How to store alfajores
To keep them fresh and soft:
Store them in an airtight container. This will help them retain their flavor and texture for several days.
If you prefer them to be fresh, you can refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature before serving so that they maintain their characteristic softness.
Avoid stacking them too high so as not to crush them and preserve their perfect shape.
Creative variations
Alfajores are incredibly versatile:
Chocolate alfajores: Cover the outside with melted chocolate for a delicious contrast.
With nuts: Add chopped nuts to the dough for a crunchy touch.
Alternative fillings: Red fruit jams, chocolate cream, dulce de leche with cocoa or gourmet combinations to surprise everyone.
Creativity in baking knows no bounds, and alfajores lend themselves perfectly to experimentation.
Approximate nutritional information (per alfajor)
Calories: 150
Proteins: 2 g
Fats: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Sugars: 10 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make gluten-free alfajores?
Yes, by using certified gluten-free cornstarch and ensuring that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can the fillings be varied?
Of course. From chocolate to jams or creams, you can customize your alfajores to your liking.
How do I store them so they last longer?
In an airtight container in the refrigerator. That way they’ll stay fresh for several days without losing their soft texture.
Motivational closing
Now that you know all the secrets to making cornstarch alfajores, it’s time to get started. Each bite combines softness, sweetness, and a special touch that connects us with the joy of homemade baking. Cooking isn’t just an activity; it’s a way to create memories, share love, and enjoy the process.
