Alfajores are a popular sweet treat in South America, especially in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. They are made with two round cookies filled with a dulce de leche filling, and then covered in chocolate.
The history of alfajores is believed that they originated in Spain. The word “alfajor” is derived from the Arabic word “al-h’afir,” which means “honeycomb.”
Alfajores were first brought to South America by Spanish colonists in the 16th century. They quickly became popular, and today they are a staple of South American cuisine.
There are many different variations of alfajores, but the basic ingredients are always the same. The cookies are made with a simple dough that is rolled out and cut into circles. The dulce de leche filling is made from sweetened condensed milk that is cooked until it thickens and caramelizes. Alfajores are a delicious and decadent treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are also a great way to enjoy the flavors of South America.
Here is a simple recipe for alfajores:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 2-inch cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely.
- To make the dulce de leche filling, open the can of sweetened condensed milk and pour it into a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. The dulce de leche will thicken and caramelize.
- Remove the dulce de leche from the heat and let it cool completely.
- Once the cookies and dulce de leche are cool, spread a layer of dulce de leche on one side of each cookie.
- Sandwich the cookies together with the dulce de leche in the middle.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Dip the tops of the alfajores in the melted chocolate.
- Place the alfajores on a wire rack to cool and set.
- Enjoy!
Alfajores are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
