Alfajores de Maicena
Delicate and crumbly cornstarch cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche, these Alfajores de Maicena are a beloved sweet treat in Chile, often dusted with powdered sugar.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Cornstarch
- 150 g All-purpose flour
- 200 g Unsalted butter(softened)
- 100 g Powdered sugar(plus more for dusting)
- 2 large Egg yolks
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Lemon zest(optional)
- 300 g Dulce de leche(for filling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- 2
Beat in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until well combined.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour.
- 4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- 5
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or until firm enough to handle.
- 6
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 7
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thickness. Cut out small rounds using a cookie cutter (about 4-5 cm or 1.5-2 inches in diameter).
- 8
Place the cookie rounds on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain pale.
- 9
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 10
Once cooled, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Gently press together.
- 11
Lightly dust the finished alfajores with powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The dough is very delicate; handle it gently.
- ✓Don't overbake the cookies, as they will become too hard.
- ✓Ensure the cookies are completely cool before filling with dulce de leche to prevent it from melting.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- Dip the edges of the filled alfajores in shredded coconut.
- Use a different filling like jam or chocolate ganache.