Classic Argentinian Alfajores With Dulce de Leche

If you love soft cookies, creamy caramel filling, and delicate powdered sugar desserts, these Classic Argentinian Alfajores With Dulce de Leche are the perfect treat to make at home. Alfajores are soft sandwich cookies filled with rich dulce de leche, then lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful bakery-style finish.

These cookies are famous in Argentina and loved for their melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cookies are tender, buttery, lightly sweet, and often made with cornstarch, which gives them a delicate crumb. The dulce de leche filling adds creamy caramel flavor that makes every bite feel soft, rich, and dreamy.

At Honey Drizzle Diaries, we love desserts that look elegant but feel comforting. These alfajores are perfect for tea time, coffee breaks, holidays, dessert trays, gifting, brunch tables, or anytime you want a sweet treat that feels special.

Why You’ll Love These Alfajores

These alfajores are soft, delicate, and filled with sweet dulce de leche. They look beautiful on a dessert plate but are surprisingly simple to make.

You’ll love this recipe because it is:

Soft and melt-in-your-mouth
Filled with creamy dulce de leche
Perfect for tea, coffee, or dessert
Beautiful for gifting
Classic Argentinian-inspired
Easy to make at home
Light, buttery, and elegant

The cookie itself is not too sweet, which makes the dulce de leche filling shine.

What Are Alfajores?

Alfajores are sandwich cookies popular in Argentina and many parts of Latin America. The classic Argentinian version is often made with soft cornstarch cookies filled with dulce de leche.

Some alfajores are rolled in coconut, some are covered in chocolate, and some are simply dusted with powdered sugar. This version keeps the look classic and elegant with soft cookies, creamy dulce de leche, and powdered sugar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

1 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, optional

For the Filling

1 cup dulce de leche

For Finishing

Powdered sugar for dusting
Shredded coconut, optional

Ingredient Notes

Cornstarch

Cornstarch gives alfajores their signature soft and delicate texture. It helps the cookies feel light and crumbly.

Butter

Use softened unsalted butter for a rich flavor and tender cookie dough.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar keeps the cookies soft and delicate. It also creates a smoother texture than granulated sugar.

Egg Yolks

Egg yolks add richness and help bind the dough without making the cookies tough.

Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche is the creamy caramel-like filling that makes alfajores so special. Use a thick dulce de leche so it does not run out of the cookies.

Lemon Zest

A little lemon zest is optional, but it adds a delicate brightness that balances the sweetness.

How to Make Classic Argentinian Alfajores

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Set aside while you prepare the butter mixture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth, creamy, and pale.

This step helps create a soft cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Add vanilla extract and lemon zest if using.

Mix until creamy.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, because the cookies should stay tender.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a flat disc and wrap it in plastic wrap.

Chill for 30 to 45 minutes. This makes the dough easier to roll and cut.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.

Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles.

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 175°C or 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

The cookies should stay pale and soft, not golden brown.

Let them cool completely before filling.

Step 8: Add Dulce de Leche

Spread or pipe dulce de leche onto the flat side of one cookie.

Top with another cookie and press gently to create a sandwich.

Step 9: Finish

Dust the alfajores with powdered sugar.

If desired, roll the edges in shredded coconut.

Step 10: Serve

Serve with coffee, tea, latte, or hot chocolate.

These cookies taste even better after resting for a few hours because the dulce de leche softens the cookies slightly.

Tips for the Best Alfajores

Use thick dulce de leche so the filling stays in place.

Do not overbake the cookies. They should stay pale and soft.

Chill the dough before rolling to make it easier to handle.

Let the cookies cool fully before filling.

Use a piping bag for a neat bakery-style filling.

Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for the prettiest look.

Easy Variations

Coconut Alfajores

After filling the cookies, roll the edges in shredded coconut.

Chocolate-Dipped Alfajores

Dip half or all of each sandwich cookie in melted chocolate.

Mini Alfajores

Use a smaller cookie cutter for bite-sized treats.

Lemon Alfajores

Add extra lemon zest to the dough for a brighter flavor.

Chocolate Alfajores

Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate cookie version.

Salted Dulce de Leche Alfajores

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the dulce de leche before sandwiching.

What to Serve With Alfajores

Alfajores pair beautifully with coffee and tea. Serve them with a dark mocha latte, hazelnut latte, lavender London Fog, cappuccino, espresso, iced coffee, hot chocolate, or chai latte.

They also look beautiful on dessert boards with berries, shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles, macarons, and mini cakes.

For brunch, serve them with pastries, fruit, and warm drinks.

Make-Ahead Tips

Alfajores are perfect for making ahead because the texture gets even better after a little resting time.

You can bake the cookies one day ahead and fill them the next day.

You can also assemble the alfajores and store them in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days before serving.

Storage Tips

Store alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

Let refrigerated alfajores come to room temperature before serving so the filling softens.

You can also freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does alfajores mean?

Alfajores are sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche or other sweet fillings. They are especially popular in Argentina.

Can I use caramel instead of dulce de leche?

Dulce de leche is best because it is thicker and creamier. Regular caramel sauce may be too thin.

Why are my alfajores dry?

They may have been overbaked or the dough may have been overmixed. Bake only until pale and set.

Can I make them without cornstarch?

Cornstarch gives the classic texture, so it is highly recommended.

Can I cover them in chocolate?

Yes. Chocolate-covered alfajores are delicious and very popular.

Final Thoughts

These Classic Argentinian Alfajores With Dulce de Leche are soft, delicate, creamy, and perfect for anyone who loves elegant cookies. The tender cornstarch cookies melt in your mouth, while the dulce de leche filling adds rich caramel sweetness.

They are beautiful for holidays, gifting, tea time, brunch, dessert trays, or cozy coffee breaks. If you want a dessert that feels classic, sweet, and bakery-style, these alfajores are one to save.

Quick Recipe Card