Chilean Aflajores

Chilean Aflajores Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Chile | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours and 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Chilean Alfajores are a popular sweet treat in Chile, consisting of two buttery cookies sandwiched together with a rich caramel filling made from cooked condensed milk. These delicate cookies are perfect for special occasions or as a delicious snack.

History

Alfajores have a long history in Chile, with roots dating back to Spanish colonization. The name "alfajor" is derived from the Arabic word "al-hasú," which means filled or stuffed. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include different variations, but the basic concept of two cookies filled with a sweet filling remains the same.

Ingredients

0.25 cup + 3 tbsp of butter
0.25 cup + 3 tbsp of sugar
1 beaten egg
0.75 cup + 2 tbsp of flour
1 can of condensed milk

How to prepare

Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg and flour, and mix well.
Drop scant teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto a cookie sheet.
Pat the mixture with a floured finger to form very thin little circles, about the size of a quarter to a half dollar.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.
Sandwich two cookies together with cooked condensed milk.
To cook condensed milk, place the entire unopened can in a large saucepan and cover it with water.
Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 2 hours.
This process will turn the condensed milk into caramel.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the cookies for a decorative touch.
Dip the edges of the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Use dulce de leche instead of cooked condensed milk for a quicker filling option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.

- Use a scant teaspoonful of dough for each cookie to create thin, delicate layers.

- Watch the cookies closely while baking to prevent them from burning, as they can quickly go from golden brown to overdone.

- Allow the cooked condensed milk to cool before using it as a filling to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Chilean Alfajores with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming butter and sugar together

- Baking thin cookies

- Cooking condensed milk to make caramel filling

Ingredient Substitutions

Margarine can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Gluten-free flour can be used for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make Ahead Tips

Chilean Alfajores can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Chilean Alfajores on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chilean Alfajores with a glass of Chilean wine for a delightful dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chilean Alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place in a 325°F (163°C) oven for a few minutes to warm through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chilean Alfajores contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chilean Alfajores contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chilean Alfajores contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chilean Alfajores contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chilean Alfajores are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chilean Alfajores contain dairy (butter) and eggs.

Summary

Chilean Alfajores are a sweet treat that is moderate in calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Chilean Alfajores are a delicious and delicate sweet treat that is perfect for special occasions or as a delightful snack. With a rich caramel filling sandwiched between buttery cookies, these treats are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the flavors of Chile with this traditional recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chilean Alfajores. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in Chile. Maria was an incredible cook, and she had invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare some traditional Chilean treats.

As we worked together, Maria began to tell me the story behind the recipe for Alfajores. She explained that Alfajores were a popular dessert in Chile, made up of two delicate buttery cookies sandwiched together with a rich and creamy filling. The cookies were often flavored with lemon zest and vanilla, giving them a unique and delicious taste.

Maria told me that the recipe she was using had been passed down through her family for generations. Her grandmother had learned how to make Alfajores from a dear friend who had immigrated to Chile from Spain many years ago. The recipe had been tweaked and perfected over the years, with each generation adding their own special touch.

As we mixed together the ingredients and rolled out the dough, Maria shared stories of her childhood spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, learning the secrets of traditional Chilean cooking. She spoke with such love and passion for her culinary heritage that I couldn't help but be inspired.

After the cookies had baked to a perfect golden brown, we spread a generous layer of dulce de leche between them and dusted them with powdered sugar. The finished Alfajores were a sight to behold - delicate, sweet, and utterly irresistible.

I knew that I had to learn how to make these delicious treats for myself. Maria was kind enough to write down the recipe for me, carefully detailing each step and ingredient. I tucked the piece of paper into my recipe book, vowing to recreate the magic of Chilean Alfajores in my own kitchen.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work. As I mixed the dough and rolled out the cookies, I could almost hear Maria's voice guiding me through the process. The scent of baking cookies filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of my time in Chile.

When the Alfajores were finally assembled and ready to eat, I took a bite and was transported back to Maria's kitchen. The buttery cookies melted in my mouth, and the sweet dulce de leche filling left me craving more. I knew that I had truly captured the essence of this beloved Chilean dessert.

Since that day, I have made Chilean Alfajores countless times, sharing them with friends and family who are always amazed by their delicious taste. Each time I bake a batch, I am reminded of Maria and the special bond we formed over a shared love of cooking.

The recipe for Chilean Alfajores has become a treasured part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the rich traditions and flavors that have shaped my love for cooking. I am grateful to Maria for introducing me to this delightful dessert and for teaching me the importance of preserving family recipes for future generations to enjoy.