My grandmother’s Andalusian Alfajores are the stuff of family legend. Every time she’d visit, she’d bring a fresh batch, and we’d all crowd around the kitchen table, eagerly waiting for our turn to sink our teeth into those delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. The way the buttery shortbread melded with the silky dulce de leche, the slight crunch of the toasted coconut – it was a flavor explosion that still makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
Grandma would always share the same story as she watched us devour the Andalusian Alfajores. She’d tell us how her own grandmother had taught her the recipe, passed down through generations of her Andalusian family. The secret, she’d say, was in the technique – the way you fold the dough, the timing of the bake, the perfect tempering of the dulce de leche. And now, I’m excited to share that very same Andalusian Alfajores recipe with you.
Why This Andalusian Alfajores Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Andalusian Alfajores
What makes this Andalusian Alfajores recipe so special is the attention to detail that goes into every step. It’s not just about throwing together a few simple ingredients – it’s about mastering the art of creating that iconic texture and flavor. From the delicate shortbread base to the rich, gooey dulce de leche center, every element is carefully crafted to deliver a truly unforgettable experience.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of the shortbread, providing that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetening the dough and adding a lovely crunch to the finished Andalusian Alfajores.
- Egg yolks: Helping to bind the dough and creating a tender, crumbly shortbread.
- All-purpose flour: The structure that holds the Andalusian Alfajores together.
- Dulce de leche: The star of the show, this thick, creamy caramel filling is the heart and soul of the Andalusian Alfajores.
- Shredded coconut: Providing a delightful crunch and toasted flavor to the exterior of the cookies.
Step-by-Step Andalusian Alfajores Instructions
Preparing Your Andalusian Alfajores
Making Andalusian Alfajores is a bit of a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. The process takes some time, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be rewarded with the most heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Let’s dive in!
1- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, scraping down the sides as needed.
2- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
4- Bake the Andalusian Alfajores for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before assembling.
5- Once cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
6- Roll the assembled Andalusian Alfajores in the shredded coconut, pressing gently to adhere. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.
- Use a high-quality dulce de leche for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overfill the Andalusian Alfajores with the dulce de leche, or it may ooze out.
- Toast the shredded coconut lightly before coating the cookies for an extra boost of flavor.
Serving and Storing Your Andalusian Alfajores
Perfect Pairings for Andalusian Alfajores
Andalusian Alfajores are the perfect accompaniment to a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The rich, buttery shortbread and gooey dulce de leche pair beautifully with the bold flavors of a strong espresso or the soothing warmth of a fragrant herbal tea. They also make a lovely dessert course, especially when served alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Andalusian Alfajores can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving. If you’d like to get a head start, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before rolling and baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Andalusian Alfajores
Creative Andalusian Alfajores Variations
While the traditional Andalusian Alfajores are a true delight, you can also have fun with some creative twists on the classic recipe. Try swapping out the dulce de leche for a seasonal fruit preserve, like raspberry or fig. Or, for a little extra decadence, drizzle the assembled cookies with melted dark chocolate. You could even experiment with different nut-based fillings, such as a creamy hazelnut spread or a nutty praline.
Making Andalusian Alfajores Diet-Friendly
To make these Andalusian Alfajores a bit more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. For a lower-carb take, substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar-free sweetener, and use a sugar-free dulce de leche or a nut-based filling. And for a vegan spin, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free dulce de leche or nut butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a store-bought dulce de leche for the Andalusian Alfajores?
A: Absolutely! While homemade dulce de leche is delicious, a high-quality store-bought version will work perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to look for one that is thick and creamy in texture.
Q: How long do I need to chill the dough before rolling and cutting?
A: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up, making the dough easier to work with and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Q: Can I make the Andalusian Alfajores ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare these cookies in advance. The dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept chilled in the refrigerator. The assembled cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months, then thawed at room temperature before serving.
Q: How many Andalusian Alfajores does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 18-20 sandwich cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs.
Q: What’s the best way to avoid the dulce de leche oozing out?
A: To prevent the dulce de leche from oozing out, be sure not to overfill the cookies. Stick to about 1-2 teaspoons of filling per cookie sandwich. Additionally, allowing the cookies to cool completely before assembling will help the filling set up and stay in place.
Andalusian Alfajores
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Discover the delightful Andalusian Alfajores, a beloved Spanish cookie with a delicate, buttery texture and a dusting of powdered sugar. These classic treats are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon snack to a special dessert.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, egg, vanilla, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. 4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles.
5. 5. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. 6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges.
7. 7. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
8. 8. Dust the warm cookies generously with powdered sugar.
9. 9. Repeat steps 4-8 with the remaining dough.
Notes
These Andalusian Alfajores can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
Conclusion
Andalusian Alfajores are a true delight, a delicate and decadent cookie that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched streets of Andalusia. With their buttery shortbread, silky dulce de leche, and toasted coconut coating, these cookies are sure to become a new family favorite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking – your taste buds are in for a real treat!
