Argentinian Alfajores are delicate sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut or powdered sugar. These sweet treats are a quintessential part of Argentine cuisine and are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee. Pair them with a side of chipas for a sweet and savory snack combination. The soft, crumbly texture of the alfajores and the chewy, cheesy chipas create a delightful contrast, making them a perfect pairing for any time of day.
Trying the Argentinian Alfajores was a delightful experience during our visit to Argentina. These traditional treats are beautifully presented, showcasing their delicate, two-layered structure. Each Argentinian Alfajor is typically filled with a generous layer of dulce de leche, which adds a creamy and sweet contrast to the soft, crumbly cookie layers. The cookies are often dusted with powdered sugar or coated in chocolate, giving them an inviting and classic look.
The appearance of the Argentinian Alfajores reflects their rich heritage and straightforward preparation. The cookies are usually rounded and neatly sandwich the creamy filling in between, with a light dusting of icing sugar or a glossy chocolate coating. This presentation highlights the treat’s simple elegance and makes it visually appealing, capturing the essence of Argentine desserts.
Sampling the Argentinian Alfajores offered a true taste of Argentine sweet treats. The combination of soft, crumbly cookies and rich dulce de leche filling was a standout, creating a well-balanced dessert experience. Each Argentinian Alfajor not only impressed with its taste but also with its neat and appealing appearance, making it a highlight of our culinary exploration in Argentina.
Ingredients For the Argentinian Alfajores Recipe
For the cookies:
All-purpose Flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted Butter
Granulated Sugar
Egg Yolk
Vanilla Extract
For the filling:
Dulce de leche
For the topping:
Powdered Sugar
Cooking Instructions For the Argentinian Alfajores Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. Use a 2-inch (5cm) cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- To assemble the alfajores, spread about 1 tablespoon of dulce de leche onto the bottom of one cookie.
- Place another cookie on top and gently press down to sandwich the filling.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
- Dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
5 Reasons to Love Argentinian Recipe
1. Rich Grilling Tradition
Reason: The art of grilling, or asado, is deeply ingrained in Argentinian culture. The emphasis on high-quality beef and simple seasoning lets the natural flavors shine, making each bite satisfying.
2. Diverse Flavors
Reason: Argentinian cuisine offers a wide variety of flavors, from the tangy chimichurri sauce to the sweet richness of dulce de leche. This diversity means there’s always something new and exciting to taste.
3. Family Atmosphere
Reason: Every dish in Argentina tells a story, reflecting the country’s history and cultural influences. Whether it’s a traditional empanada or a comforting bowl of locro, each meal connects you to the country’s vibrant heritage.
4. Fresh, Local Ingredients
Reason: Argentinian food emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, from the beef to the vegetables used in salads. This focus on quality ensures that each dish is flavorful and nourishing.
5. Community and Family
Reason: Meals in Argentina are more than just about food; they are a way to bring people together. The communal experience of sharing an asado or a family dinner creates strong bonds and lasting memories.
10 Tips for Cooking Traditional Argentinian Recipes
1. Select the Best Beef Cuts
Tip: Choose cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or flank for traditional Argentinian dishes. Look for well-marbled meat for optimal flavor.
Why: The quality of the beef is crucial in Argentinian cuisine, where grilling (asado) is central. Well-marbled meat ensures tenderness and juiciness.
2. Use Hardwood Charcoal for Grilling
Tip: Opt for hardwood charcoal instead of briquettes when grilling. It burns hotter and imparts a smoky flavor to the meat.
Why: The type of charcoal used can significantly affect the taste of grilled dishes, a key element in Argentinian cooking.
3. Marinate with Simple Ingredients
Tip: Use basic marinades of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs for meats. Avoid overpowering the natural flavor of the meat.
Why: Argentinian cuisine values the natural taste of ingredients. Simple marinades enhance the flavor without overwhelming it.
4. Cook Empanadas with a Golden Crust
Tip: Brush empanadas with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Why: A golden crust not only improves the texture but also adds an appealing visual aspect, making the empanadas more appetizing.
5. Serve Chimichurri as a Condiment
Tip: Prepare chimichurri using fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, vinegar, and olive oil. Serve it alongside grilled meats.
Why: Chimichurri is a staple in Argentinian cuisine, complementing the rich flavors of grilled meats with its tangy and herbaceous profile.
6. Cook Milanesa to a Crispy Perfection
Tip: Fry breaded beef or chicken cutlets in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Why: The crispiness of Milanesa is key to its appeal. Proper frying ensures a crunchy exterior while keeping the meat tender inside.
7. Prepare Locro for a Hearty Meal
Tip: Slow-cook a mix of corn, beans, pork, and chorizo for several hours. Season with paprika, cumin, and bay leaves.
Why: Locro is a traditional stew enjoyed during national celebrations, and its long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and hearty dish.
8. Use Fresh Ingredients for Salads
Tip: Include fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and boiled eggs in salads. Dress with olive oil, vinegar, and salt.
Why: Fresh ingredients are essential in Argentinian salads, providing a crisp and refreshing contrast to heavier meat dishes.
9. Achieve the Perfect Dulce de Leche Consistency
Tip: Cook sweetened condensed milk slowly, stirring frequently until it thickens and turns a caramel color.
Why: Dulce de leche is a beloved dessert component in Argentina. Its smooth, rich texture enhances pastries and sweets like alfajores.
10. Serve Wine to Complement the Meal
Tip: Pair Argentinian dishes with Malbec wine, known for its deep flavor and smooth finish.
Why: Wine is a vital part of Argentinian dining culture. A well-chosen wine enhances the dining experience by complementing the flavors of the food.
5 FAQ For the Argentinian Alfajores Recipe
Q: What is the steaks Argentinian Alfajores recipe?
A: The steaks Argentinian Alfajores recipe refers to the classic Argentinian dessert made with two soft cookies filled with dulce de leche and often coated in chocolate or powdered sugar, not involving actual steak.
Q: What ingredients are used in the steaks Argentinian Alfajores recipe?
A: The steaks Argentinian Alfajores recipe uses ingredients like flour, cornstarch, butter, sugar, eggs, and dulce de leche to create the soft, crumbly cookies with a rich filling.
Q: How do you make the steaks Argentinian Alfajores recipe?
A: To make the steaks Argentinian Alfajores recipe, you prepare a dough from flour, cornstarch, butter, and sugar, bake the cookies until golden, and then sandwich them with a thick layer of dulce de leche.
Q: Can you add a twist to the steaks Argentinian Alfajores recipe?
A: Yes, you can add a twist to the steaks Argentinian Alfajores recipe by dipping the finished cookies in melted chocolate or adding coconut flakes around the edges for extra flavour.
Q: How long do cookies made with the steaks Argentinian Alfajores recipe last?
A: Cookies made with the steaks Argentinian Alfajores recipe can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container, though they are often enjoyed fresh due to their delicate texture.
Argentinian Alfajores
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling Pin
- 2-inch cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1 cup dulce de leche
For the topping:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. Use a 2-inch (5cm) cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- To assemble the alfajores, spread about 1 tablespoon of dulce de leche onto the bottom of one cookie.
- Place another cookie on top and gently press down to sandwich the filling.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
- Dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
1 comment
This was a really nice cookie recipe and it was really easy to make.
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