Alfajores Cookies Recipe

5 from 1 vote

These Alfajores cookies are absolutely delicious! Melt-in-your-mouth cookies filled with dulce de leche make the perfect sandwich cookie in the world! Alfajores originated in South America (Alfajores de Maicena), and if you’ve never tried them, it’s a must.

homemade alfajores cookies filled with dulce de leche and coated with coconut flakes

We’re all familiar with classic cookies like butter cookies and peanut butter cookies, but these alfajores cookies have been flying under the radar for so many people, and that’s a shame because they’re one of my favorite cookies in the world (and I’ve had a cookie or two in my life 😂).

Alfajores: Video Recipe 📹

Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make the best Alfajores.

Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box 👇

What Are Alfajores?

9 alfajores cookies standing in a raw

Alfajores cookies are beloved sandwich cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite. Originating from Spain and brought to Latin America, alfajores are especially popular in Argentina and Peru. The classic alfajores Argentino version is made from two soft, delicate biscuits filled with creamy dulce de leche, creating a treat that’s rich, tender, and utterly irresistible.

While alfajores cookies are often associated with Argentina (hence the term alfajores Argentino), Peru also boasts its own take on these iconic sandwich cookies. The Argentinian version is typically rolled in desiccated coconut or dusted with powdered sugar, while the Peruvian version might include a hint of anise or a thicker filling.

Another well-known variation is alfajores de maizena (or alfajores de maicena), made with a combination of cornstarch and flour for an even softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether enjoyed with coffee or as a festive treat, alfajores cookies are a classic dessert across Latin America and beyond.

What Is Dulce de Leche?

Dulce de leche is the star of any authentic alfajores cookie recipe. This creamy, caramel-like filling is made by slowly simmering sweetened milk until it thickens and turns a deep golden brown. The taste is rich, smooth, and slightly toasty—perfect for spreading between two soft cookies.

You can make dulce de leche at home by simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk or by slowly cooking milk and sugar together. It’s versatile and can be used beyond just alfajores cookies!

What to Do With Leftover Dulce de Leche

If you find yourself with extra dulce de leche, don’t worry! Here are a few delicious ways to use it:

Tips and Tricks for the Best Alfajores Cookies

To make sure your homemade alfajores come out perfect every time, here are my top baking tips:

  1. Don’t overbake – The cookies should stay pale on top and just set on the bottom.
  2. Chill the dough – Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures a tender crumb.
  3. Use high-quality butter – It makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
  4. Roll evenly – Aim for 1/4-inch (1/2cm) thickness to ensure even baking.
  5. Let cookies cool fully – Assemble the sandwich cookies only when they are completely cool.
  6. Fill generously – Pipe plenty of dulce de leche between the cookies for that indulgent, melt in your mouth bite.
  7. Decorate – Roll the sides in shredded coconut or dust with powdered sugar for an authentic finish.

Variations and Substitutions

There are many ways to customize your alfajores recipe:

  • Chocolate alfajores – Dip the assembled cookies in melted dark or milk chocolate.
  • Nutty twist – Add finely ground almonds or walnuts to the dough.
  • Gluten-free option – Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend while keeping the cornstarch.
  • Citrus flavor – Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing note.
  • Spices – Infuse with cinnamon or cloves for a spiced version inspired by Peru.
  • Different fillings – Try Nutella, jam, or even a caramel spread if you don’t have dulce de leche.

How to Store

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Refrigerator: Extend their shelf life by refrigerating them for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  • Freezer: Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Assemble with dulce de leche once thawed.
a bitten Alfajor cookies filled with dulce de leche
The best alfajors cookies

Alfajores Cookies Recipe

These Alfajores cookies are absolutely delicious! Melt in your mouth cookiest hat filling with dulce de leche makes the perfect sandwich cookie in the world!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
DIFFICULTY Easy
Course Dessert
Cuisine Argentine
Servings 20 cookies
Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 â…“ cups (165 g) Flour
  • 1½ cups + 1 tablespoon (200 g) Cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1 cup (120 g) Powdered sugar
  • 10 tablespoons (150 g) Butter softened cut into cubes
  • 3 Egg yolks large (or 4 medium)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • Pinch Salt
  • 1 jar (400 g) Dulce de leche read notes

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 160C (325F). line 2 baking trays with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl cream together softened butter and powdered sugar. Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and mix until combined and smooth.
  • Add cornstarch, flour, salt, baking powder and mix until incorporated.
  • Shape the dough into a smooth disk, wrap it and Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.
  • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (1/2cm) thickness. Cut out biscuits with a 2-inch (5cm) cookie cutter or a glass. Reroll leftover dough and cut more biscuits.
  • Place on prepared baking tray and bake for about 8-10 minutes, the cookies should stay pale on top. Allow to cool completely.
  • Transfer the dulce de leche into a piping bag and pipe over one cookie, gently close and create a sandwich.
  • For decoration roll the cookies in desiccated coconut or dust with powdered sugar.

Video

Notes

Dulce de Leche: For the best alfajores, use high-quality dulce de leche, preferably the kind produced in Argentina, usually sold in glass jars. It should be thick, rich, and creamy—not too runny.
Storage: Alfajores cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 2 months—just thaw and fill with dulce de leche when ready to serve.
Chill the Dough: Be sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and will help the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Don’t Overbake: Alfajores should be soft and pale. Bake just until set (8-10 minutes) and avoid browning them to maintain that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Watch the Video: Visual learner? Don’t miss the step-by-step video tutorial included in this post! It will guide you through the process of making perfect alfajores cookies from scratch.
Have Questions?: If you run into any issues or are curious about substitutions, make sure to scroll down to the FAQ section where I answer common questions about this alfajores recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 97mgPotassium: 14mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 214IUCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically generated and thus we can not guarantee it is 100% accurate.
Keyword dulce de leche

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my alfajores cookies spread too much in the oven?

This usually happens if the dough was too warm or too soft. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly (at least 1 hour) before rolling and cutting. Also, check that your butter isn’t overly soft when starting the dough.

What can I use instead of dulce de leche for filling alfajores cookies?

While dulce de leche is traditional, you can use other fillings if needed. Popular alternatives include thick caramel sauce, Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit jams like raspberry or fig. Just make sure the filling is thick enough to hold the sandwich cookies together without oozing out.

Can I freeze alfajores?

You can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Once thawed, fill them with dulce de leche before serving. It’s not recommended to freeze fully assembled alfajores as the dulce de leche can affect the texture when thawed.

4 Comments

  1. Hi can I bake this cookie without egg or can u suggest me the substitute ?
    Thanks

    March 22, 2024
    1. Hi! I couldn’t find where to use the baking soda in the instructions.

      February 8, 2025
      1. Together with the baking powder.

        February 9, 2025
  2. 5 stars
    I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN ARGENTINA – THESE ALFAJORES ARE TOP DRAWER!!
    THANK YOU – EXCELLENT JOB AND SO….EASY TO MAKE – THE CANNED DULCE DE LECHE FROM THE LOCAL SAFEWAY MARKET (SPANISH FOOD AISLE) WORKS PERFECT.

    March 16, 2025
5 from 1 vote

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