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Heart-Shaped Alfajores with Dulce de Leche Filling

Heart-Shaped Alfajores with Dulce de Leche Filling
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Heart-Shaped Alfajores with Dulce de Leche Filling are tender, buttery Latin American cookies sandwiching a rich and creamy dulce de leche center. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for special occasions or cozy treats, featuring a delightful heart shape that adds a romantic and charming touch. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a bakery-quality sweet with versatile customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup (150g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling and Finishing

  • 1 cup (about 300g) dulce de leche
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting or coating (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour with cornstarch to ensure a smooth, tender dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining just until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overmix, which could toughen the cookies.
  2. Chill and Roll Out the Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll out. Once chilled, lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for those adorable shapes that give this recipe its name and charm.
  3. Bake the Alfajores: Place the heart-shaped dough pieces on a lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake—the cookies should remain pale and tender. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
  4. Assemble with Dulce de Leche Filling: Spread a generous spoonful of creamy dulce de leche onto the bottom side of one cookie, then sandwich it gently with another cookie on top. Press lightly to help the filling spread evenly without squishing out. For an extra touch, roll the edges of the sandwich in powdered sugar, coconut, or crushed nuts if desired.

Notes

  • Use butter that’s softened but not melted to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
  • Refrigerate dough to prevent spreading and keep the heart shapes intact while baking.
  • Roll dough evenly for consistent baking and cookie thickness.
  • Mix dough ingredients gently to maintain tenderness and avoid tough cookies.
  • Choose a high-quality dulce de leche for the richest and creamiest filling.
  • Store assembled alfajores in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: alfajores, dulce de leche, heart-shaped cookies, Latin American dessert, buttery cookies, dulce de leche filling, gluten free alfajores

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/heart-shaped-alfajores-with-dulce-de-leche-filling/