Alfajores are a beloved treat in many Latin American countries, and Snow Alfajores, in particular, bring a festive twist to this classic cookie. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich cookies are filled with a rich dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar, resembling a fresh blanket of snow. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and beautiful presentation.
Why You’ll Love Snow Alfajores
- Delicate and Buttery: The cookies have a tender, crumbly texture that practically melts in your mouth, thanks to the cornstarch in the dough.
- Rich Filling: The dulce de leche filling adds a sweet, creamy contrast to the delicate cookies, making each bite a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Beautiful Presentation: The snowy coating of powdered sugar gives these alfajores a festive look, making them an ideal treat for holidays and special gatherings.
- Versatile: While traditional alfajores are filled with dulce de leche, you can experiment with different fillings like Nutella, fruit preserves, or even a chocolate ganache.
Ingredients for Snow Alfajores
For the Cookies:
- Cornstarch: 2 cups (250g)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¼ cups (150g)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (225g), at room temperature
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g)
- Egg Yolks: 3
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Lemon Zest: From one lemon
For the Filling:
- Dulce de Leche: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
For Dusting:
- Powdered Sugar: For coating
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (round, about 2 inches in diameter)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Recipe for Snow Alfajores
1. Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
2. Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
3. Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles, re-rolling the scraps as needed. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake them, as they should remain pale. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
5. Assemble the Alfajores
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the bottom side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich them together. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
6. Dust with Powdered Sugar
Place the assembled alfajores on a tray or parchment paper. Generously dust them with powdered sugar, making sure to coat them evenly to achieve the “snowy” effect.
Tips for the Best Snow Alfajores
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle, resulting in clean-cut cookies.
- Use a Light Touch: When assembling the alfajores, handle the cookies gently to avoid breaking them. They are delicate and can crack easily.
- Make Your Own Dulce de Leche: While store-bought dulce de leche works fine, making your own can elevate the flavor of these alfajores. Simply simmer a can of sweetened condensed milk for 2-3 hours until it turns golden and thick.
- Storage: Store alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for longer shelf life, though they should be brought to room temperature before serving.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Chocolate Alfajores: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist.
- Coconut Alfajores: Roll the edges of the filled alfajores in shredded coconut after assembling for a tropical flavor.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: Snow alfajores are delightful with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat for an afternoon break or a cozy dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
2. Can I freeze alfajores?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before assembling with the filling and dusting with powdered sugar.
3. What can I use instead of dulce de leche?
If you prefer, you can fill the alfajores with Nutella, fruit preserves, or a simple buttercream.
4. Why did my cookies spread during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out.
5. How do I prevent the cookies from cracking?
Handle the cookies gently, especially when sandwiching them with dulce de leche. Also, make sure not to overbake them as this can make them more brittle.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Snow Alfajores are a delightful treat that combines the delicate texture of cornstarch cookies with the rich, creamy filling of dulce de leche. They’re perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress both in taste and appearance. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is simple enough to follow and yields impressive results.
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