Alfajores de Maicena
Introduction:
Alfajores de Maicena are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies from Latin America, traditionally filled with “dulce de leche” (caramel-like filling) and rolled in coconut. These tender shortbread-like cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion and are commonly enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of cornstarch (maicena) and flour gives these alfajores their characteristic soft and crumbly texture, while the dulce de leche filling provides a sweet, creamy contrast.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Margarine | 125 grams |
| Powdered sugar (glas, impalpable) | 150 grams (1 ¼ cups) |
| Egg yolks | 3 |
| Brandy (Coñac) | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour (without leavening) | 280 grams (2 cups) |
| Cornstarch (maicena) | 100 grams (1 cup) |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon zest (grated) | Zest of 1 lemon |
| Milk (if necessary) | ½ cup |
| Dulce de leche (manjar) | As needed for filling |
| Shredded coconut | As needed for rolling |
Nutritional Information (per alfajor, approximately):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fats | 6g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Instructions:
-
Preheat the oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s ready when your cookies are shaped and placed on the tray. -
-
Mix the wet ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat together the margarine and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolks one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the brandy and vanilla extract. Grate the zest of one lemon and add it to the mixture, giving the cookies a subtle citrus flavor. -
Combine the dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. If the dough feels too dry, add the milk little by little until the dough reaches a soft, manageable consistency. The dough should not be sticky but soft enough to roll. -
Roll out the dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until it’s about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. You can choose any size you prefer, but keep them uniform for even baking. -
Prepare for baking:
Place the cut-out circles on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them as they will slightly expand during baking. -
Bake the cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should remain pale in color and only slightly golden around the edges. Be careful not to overbake them, as they should stay soft and delicate. -
Cool and assemble:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. When the cookies are cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Roll the edges of the filled cookies in shredded coconut to finish. -
Serve and enjoy:
Alfajores de Maicena are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Their delicate texture and sweet, creamy filling make them an irresistible treat!
Tips for Perfect Alfajores:
- Avoid overmixing the dough, as this could make the cookies tough instead of tender.
- Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out can help with handling, making the dough less sticky and easier to work with.
- Dulce de leche can be homemade or store-bought, but make sure it is thick enough to hold the cookies together without oozing out too much.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or frozen for longer preservation.
Conclusion:
Alfajores de Maicena are a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The soft, buttery cookies pair perfectly with the rich dulce de leche filling, while the coconut adds a subtle chewiness. Whether for a special celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these alfajores are sure to impress!
