Mouthwatering Alfajores De Maizena Recipe To Try Today
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’ll be sharing with you one of my all-time favourite recipes, alfajores de maizena. If you’re a fan of shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche, then this recipe is certainly for you.
Alfajores are a popular treat in Argentina and are enjoyed all over the world. They consist of two delicate, crumbly cookies filled with creamy dulce de leche and rolled in shredded coconut. Every bite is a buttery soft sensation that will leave you wanting more.
I want to assure you that making these irresistible cookies at home is not as daunting as it may seem. In fact, this recipe is quite simple and requires only a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
So, let’s get started! Grab your apron and get ready to indulge in some of the best alfajores de maizena out there.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of sweet treats with a Latin flair? Then you will absolutely adore these Alfajores De Maizena! These cookies filled with dulce de leche are the perfect balance of soft and crumbly. This sandwich cookie originated in Argentina and has since become a popular treat across South America.
What sets this recipe apart from others is the use of cornstarch (maizena). Instead of an all-flour base, the cookies are made mostly of cornstarch, giving them their signature airy texture. And with the addition of just a touch of lemon zest and vanilla extract to balance out the sweetness, every bite is bursting with flavor.
Not only are these Alfajores De Maizena visually stunning with their rolled coconut edges, but they are also easy to make. The ingredient list includes simple staples like butter, sugar, flour, baking powder and baking soda, but it’s the addition of cornstarch that really brings these cookies to life.
The process for making these cookies is straightforward and approachable for bakers of all skill levels. With just a few steps, you can enjoy homemade alfajores that rival those from famous Argentinian bakeries like Cachafaz Alfajores.
Trust me when I say, once you try one of these melt-in-your-mouth alfajores de maizena, they will quickly become an irresistible staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredient List
Before we get started on this delicious recipe, let’s make sure we have everything we need. Here are the ingredients you will need to make Alfajores De Maizena:
- 200g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 100g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 lemon, zest only
- 200g cornstarch (also known as maizena)
- 100g plain flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 400g Dulce de Leche
When selecting your ingredients, be sure to get the highest quality available. Using high-quality butter and real Dulce de Leche will make a huge difference in the taste of your Alfajores.
The Recipe How-To
Now onto the fun part – making the delicious Alfajores De Maizena! This recipe may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and practice, you will have perfect alfajores in no time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together 1 cup (225g) of unsalted butter and 3/4 cup (150g) of sugar until light and fluffy. This process will take approximately 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks
Add in two egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract and Lemon Zest
Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the zest of 1 lemon. The addition of these ingredients will provide a subtle but delicious flavor to your cookies.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – 2 cups (240g) of flour, 1 cup (130g) of cornstarch, half a teaspoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of baking soda.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually mix the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix or you will end up with tough cookies.
Step 7: Roll Out Dough and Cut Cookies
Using your hands, shape the dough into a ball. Dust your work surface with some cornstarch before rolling out the dough to around half an inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until they are a light golden color. Once done, remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Fill with Dulce de Leche
Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to fill them with dulce de leche! Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie before sandwiching it together with another cookie.
Step 10: Rolled Coconut
Roll the edges of your alfajores in some rolled coconut, if desired. This will also give your cookies a great texture!
Follow these steps and you’ll have delicious alfajores de maizena that will surely impress your family and friends!
Substitutions and Variations
Alfajores de Maizena are a traditional Argentinean dessert that can be customized in order to suit your taste. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can use to make the perfect batch of Alfajores!
– Lemon zest can add a great tangy flavor to these cookies, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with orange zest or leave it out altogether.
– If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, you can try using almond or coconut extract instead of vanilla extract.
– While butter is the most traditional ingredient for these cookies, some people prefer using vegetable shortening instead. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
– Baking powder and baking soda can be substituted with each other in a 1:1 ratio if you don’t have one or the other on hand. Just remember that this substitution may affect the final texture of the cookies.
– Cornstarch is a key ingredient in alfajores de maizena recipe as it produces melt-in-your-mouth texture, however if cornstarch is not available plain flour could be used as a substitute.
For variations:
– Instead of filling your sandwich cookies with dulce de leche, try Nutella or peanut butter, or even jam for a fruity twist.
– You can also roll the edges of some of your cookies in shredded coconut before sandwiching them together for an added tropical flavor.
– For a more decadent treat, dip your alfajores in chocolate after sandwiching them together. This will give them an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
Experiment with different flavors and find what combination works best for you! With these substitutions and variations, you’ll be able to create an array of delicious alfajores de maizena recipes that everyone will love.
Serving and Pairing
As an Argentine delicacy, alfajores de maizena are best paired with a hot cup of tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade on a sunny afternoon. These delicate and buttery shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche are a fan favorite not only in Argentina but all over the world. When serving alfajores de maizena, it is important to keep them at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
To make them look extra special, you can dust them with powdered sugar or roll the sides in shredded coconut. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with other traditional Argentine treats like chimichurri sauce or empanadas for an authentic Argentine experience.
Another way to elevate your alfajores de maizena experience is by dipping them into melted dark or milk chocolate. The sweetness of the dulce de leche filling pairs perfectly with the bitterness of the chocolate, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.
You can also incorporate lemon zest into the cookie dough or as a garnish on top to add a zesty kick to balance out the sweetness of the dulce de leche.
Overall, alfajores de maizena are versatile treats that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other foods and beverages to make a delightful culinary experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have made these delectable Alfajores De Maizena recipe, you will surely want to keep them fresh and perfect for the days to come. No worries, here are some tips that will make storing and reheating these cookies a breeze!
If you are short on time or want to get ahead of the game, feel free to make the dough ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alternatively, if you’ve already made the cookies and have some leftovers, they can last up to one week when stored properly.
To prevent your Alfajores De Maizena from going stale, make sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a humid area, keep them in an air-tight container along with a silica gel pack to absorb any excess moisture. When ready to eat, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Reheating these cookies is not necessary but if you wish to enjoy their just-baked freshness again, you can warm them up in the oven or toaster oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This will help restore their crunch and melt any filling inside.
Overall, these Alfajores De Maizena are great for storing and reheating so that you can enjoy them anytime as if they were freshly baked!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the perfect batch of Alfajores de Maizena, attention to detail and precision is key! Here are some tips to ensure that your cookies turn out just right every time:
1. Don’t skimp on the butter: One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is unsalted butter. For best results, be sure to use good quality butter and make sure it’s at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
2. Take care when measuring flour and cornstarch: In order for your cookies to have the right texture, it’s crucial to measure both the plain flour and cornstarch carefully. Use measuring cups or a kitchen scale for best results.
3. Chill dough before cutting: After making your cookie dough, be sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before cutting into rounds. This will give the dough time to rest and prevent it from spreading too much during baking.
4. Use a light hand with the rolling-pin: When rolling out your cookie dough, try not to press down too hard with the rolling pin as this can cause tough cookies. A light touch will yield tender and crumbly shortbread cookies.
5. Be generous with the filling: Whether using store-bought or homemade dulce de leche, be sure to spread a generous amount onto one cookie before sandwiching another on top. The filling should ooze out slightly when you take a bite – that’s how you know you’ve got the perfect amount!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious Alfajores de Maizena just like they do in Argentina!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Alfajores De Maizena recipe is a perfect combination of Argentine and American culinary traditions. These shortbread cookies filled with Dulce De Leche are a treat you wouldn’t want to miss on any occasion. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, but it requires your attention to details to achieve the best results.
With its delicious flavor and fluffy texture, these sandwich cookies filled with caramel will become your new favorite dessert. They pair perfectly with tea, coffee, or any beverage of your choice. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the rolled coconut or chocolate-covered versions for an even more indulgent taste.
Overall, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves cookies and wants to try something new. With simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store, you can create your own batch of alfajores de maizena right at home! So head to the kitchen and make this Argentine classic today – your taste buds will thank you.
Alfajores De Maizena Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cornstarch (Maizena Brand)
- 1 2/3 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 -2 teaspoon lemon zest (or powdered lemon)
Instructions
- Beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugar gradually, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and lemon rind.
- Sift together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder and soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating until thoroughly combined.
- Drop the batter by small spoonfuls onto well buttered baking sheets. Leave enough space between the cookies because they will spread.
- Bake in a 350 degrees oven 15 minutes. Immediately remove from the baking sheets and let cool.
- When cool, spread some Dulce de leche on the bottom half of the cookies and make a sandwich with the remaining cookies. Squeeze the sandwiches so that some of the dulce de leche is squeezed out the sides, and roll the sides in the grated coconut.
Add Your Own Notes
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.