How to make Alfajores de Maicena?

In Argentina we are proud of a lot of things: Tango, Messi, Maradona, beautiful landscapes and even the Pope, but if you ask us, food is definitely one of the things we are most proud of. The traditional dishes and pastries of our country are so simple and special we wish everyone in the world could have the opportunity to taste them. That is why today we bring you an easy, simple and perfect recipe to try at home and delight the palate of your loved ones. 

Alfajores are one of our most classic and famous pastries. Typically made of two layers of often soft and delicious cookies filled with creamy and milky smooth Dulce de Leche, they are usually covered in chocolate or sugar coated but these ones have such an amazing texture they don’t need to be covered with anything.

The Alfajores deMaicena have cookies made with cornstarch flour, which makes them melt into your mouth, and are simply decorated with shredded coconut

Here, the ingredients:

• 2 sticks (230g) butter – soft
• 1¼ (150g) Powdered sugar
• 1 3/4 cups (245g) All-purpose flour (preferably 0000)
• 2 cups (240g) Cornstarch
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• 5 egg yolks
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 10.6oz (300g) Dulce de leche
• 1/4 cup Desiccated coconut (optional)

The process:

• Place the all purpose flour (preferably 0000 remember it is better for pastries), cornstarch and baking powder in a bowl. Whisk it gently and set it aside.
• In a mixing bowl beat the butter and the powdered sugar until it becomes fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at the time, add vanilla extract, and beat until incorporated. Add the flour to the mixture gradually, and beat until smooth dough is formed. Shape the dough into a smooth disk. Wrap it and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.
• Line two baking trays with baking parchment and set aside.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (1/2cm) thickness. Cut out biscuits with a 2-inch (5cm) round or fluted cutter. Reroll leftover dough and cut more biscuits.
• Place the cookies on the baking sheets and put them back in the fridge for 30 min.
• Preheat your oven to 350F (180C)
• Bake one sheet at a time for 8-9 min. The cookies should stay pale on top, cool them completely.
• With a pastry bag or a spoon spread your favorite Dulce de leche over one cookie and gently close to make a sandwich. For a more special decoration and a sweeter touch roll the cookies in the desiccated coconut or dust them with powdered sugar.

These popular and time-honored types of alfajores are the perfect option to have with coffee or tea.

Do not forget that you can find almost all the ingredients here, at www.pampadirect.com. If you try this recipe remember to tag us in your Instagram posts or stories.