- **Alfajores Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies Ingredients:**
- High-quality whole wheat flour
- Unbleached all-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Soft brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Dulce de leche (caramel spread)
- Crushed Oreos or shortbread cookies (for the cookie base)
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Steps
### Alfajores Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Alfajores are a classic treat in Argentina, enjoyed across the world for their rich, caramel-like dulce de leche filling sandwiched between two shortbread cookies. Follow these detailed steps to make delicious alfajores at home.
#### Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) all-purpose flour
- 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons dulce de leche
- 60g (2.1 oz) desiccated coconut
#### Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter or a round glass
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Preparation:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Set aside.
#### Making the Cookie Base:
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In another medium-sized bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour and salt) to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
5. **Shape Dough**: Once combined, knead the dough into a smooth ball. Wrap it in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
#### Rolling and Cutting:
6. **Roll Out Dough**: After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. **Cut Cookies**: Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
#### Baking:
8. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
9. **Cool Completely**: Allow the cookies to cool completely before assembling.
### Assembling and Filling Alfajores:
10. **Spread Dulce de Leche**: Once cooled, spread a layer of dulce de leche on one side of each cookie.
11. **Add Coconut (Optional)**: Sprinkle desiccated coconut over the dulce de leche if desired for added texture and flavor.
12. **Sandwich Together**: Place another cookie on top to make a sandwich.
#### Final Touches:
13. **Refrigerate**: If not eating immediately, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer.
### Tips & Variations:
- **Using Different Fillings**: Experiment with other types of fillings such as chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for unique flavors.
- **Coating Options**: Instead of coconut, you can coat the cookies in cocoa powder, ground nuts, or even crushed cookies for an extra crunchy layer.
By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy making your own authentic alfajores at home. This recipe not only makes a perfect dessert but also a delightful treat to share with family and friends. Happy baking!
**Keywords**: Alfajores recipe, dulce de leche cookies, shortbread cookies, homemade desserts, traditional Argentine treats.