Alfajores Argentine
Alfajores Argentine Recipe - Delicious Traditional Cookies from Argentina
Introduction
Alfajores Argentine are a delightful treat that hail from Argentina, known for their soft, crumbly texture and rich filling of dulce de leche. These cookies are a staple in South American cuisine and have won the hearts of many around the globe. The combination of a buttery cookie and the sweet, caramel-like filling makes them irresistible. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create these delicious treats at home.
History
The history of Alfajores dates back to the 19th century in Argentina, though their origin can be traced to the Middle East. Brought to Spain by the Moors, the recipe eventually made its way to South America through Spanish colonization. Over the years, the recipe has been adapted by various South American countries, with Argentina making it a national specialty. The Argentine version is known for its soft, tender texture and generous dulce de leche filling.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup of butter
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp of vanilla
- 2 tsp of grated lemon rind
- 1.5 cups of cornstarch
- 0.5 cup of flour
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 0.25 tsp of salt
How to prepare
- Cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Add the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Sift together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the mixture and mix well.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a well-buttered baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sandwich the cookies together with dulce de leche (sweet milk dessert).
Variations
- Chocolate Alfajores: Dip the filled cookies in melted chocolate and let them set for a chocolate-covered treat.
- Coconut Alfajores: Roll the edges of the filled cookies in shredded coconut for an added texture and flavor.
- Nutty Alfajores: Add finely chopped nuts to the dough or roll the edges of the filled cookies in chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy texture when creamed with sugar.
- Sift the dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure a fine, tender crumb in your cookies.
- Be gentle when mixing the dry ingredients into the wet to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size and even baking.
- Let the cookies cool slightly before filling them with dulce de leche to prevent them from breaking.
Serving Suggestions
Alfajores are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat for an afternoon snack or dessert.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is crucial for the texture of the cookies. Sifting the dry ingredients helps incorporate air and ensures a tender crumb.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- If you don't have lemon zest, orange zest makes a great alternative, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
The dough for Alfajores can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. The baked cookies, without the filling, can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Dust the filled Alfajores with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish. For a festive look, drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Alfajores with a strong coffee, such as an espresso or a dark roast, to balance the sweetness of the cookies. A sweet dessert wine also makes a great pairing.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the filled Alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. They do not require reheating but can be served chilled or brought to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each Alfajor cookie contains approximately 150 calories. The majority of these calories come from the fats and carbohydrates in the recipe.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Alfajores Argentine contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates. The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the sugar and flour, providing the energy needed for daily activities.
Fats
These cookies are relatively high in fats, with each serving containing about 10g of fat. The fats come from the butter, which contributes to the rich flavor and tender texture of the cookies.
Proteins
Alfajores Argentine provide a modest amount of protein, with each serving containing about 2g. The protein in this recipe comes from the eggs, which also help to bind the ingredients together.
Vitamins and minerals
These cookies offer small amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium from the baking powder and vitamin A from the butter. The lemon zest provides a hint of vitamin C.
Alergens
This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten (from flour), eggs, and dairy (from butter). Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution.
Summary
Alfajores Argentine are a delicious treat best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content. They provide a small amount of protein and some vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Alfajores Argentine are a delightful and traditional South American treat, characterized by their tender, buttery cookies and rich dulce de leche filling. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating these delicious cookies at home, along with tips for variations and storage. Whether enjoyed as a sweet snack or a dessert, Alfajores are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished in my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Argentina. I had always loved cooking, and I was constantly on the lookout for new recipes to try out in the kitchen.
One day, I was visiting a friend of mine who lived in a small village in the countryside. As we sat down to enjoy a cup of tea, she brought out a plate of the most delicious looking cookies I had ever seen. They were small, round cookies, sandwiched together with a sweet filling that oozed out with every bite. My friend called them Alfajores Argentine, and she told me that they were a traditional Argentine treat.
I was immediately captivated by the taste and texture of these cookies. They were unlike anything I had ever tried before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make them myself. My friend was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she patiently guided me through the process of making Alfajores Argentine from scratch.
The first step was to make the dough for the cookies. It was a simple mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and egg yolks, but the key was to knead it until it was smooth and elastic. My friend showed me how to roll out the dough and cut it into small circles, which would form the base of the cookies.
While the cookies were baking in the oven, we worked on the filling. It was a rich and creamy mixture of dulce de leche, a sweet caramel-like spread that is popular in Argentina. My friend taught me how to spread the dulce de leche onto one cookie and then sandwich it with another, creating the perfect Alfajor Argentine.
As we sat down to enjoy our freshly baked Alfajores Argentine, I knew that I had found a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. The combination of the buttery cookies and the sweet filling was simply irresistible, and I couldn't wait to share this delicious treat with my family and friends.
Over the years, I have made countless batches of Alfajores Argentine, each one just as delicious as the last. I have experimented with different fillings, adding coconut flakes or chocolate chips to the dulce de leche for a fun twist. I have shared the recipe with anyone who will listen, passing on the tradition of this beloved Argentine treat to the next generation.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for Alfajores Argentine, I am filled with gratitude for my friend who shared it with me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart as a symbol of the joy and connection that food can bring. I will always cherish the memory of learning to make Alfajores Argentine, and I look forward to sharing this delicious treat with many more people in the years to come.