Chilean Alfajores

Ingredients and Weight:

For the Cookies: * All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g) * Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (30g) * Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) * Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) * Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) * Unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes: 1 cup (2 sticks/225g) * Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) * Egg yolk: 1 large * Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)

For the Dulce de Leche Filling: * Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (14 ounces/396ml) * Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60ml) * Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30g)

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 10-12 minutes per batch

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

For the Cookies: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 4. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 5. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla extract. 6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. 7. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 8. Roll out each half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch. 9. Cut out rounds of dough using a 2-inch (5cm) round cutter. 10. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. 11. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Dulce de Leche Filling: 1. In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and butter. 2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. 3. Continue simmering for about 20-25 minutes, or until mixture thickens and turns golden brown. 4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

To Assemble the Alfajores: 1. Spread a thin layer of dulce de leche on the flat side of half of the cookies. 2. Top with a second cookie, flat side down. 3. Dust with powdered sugar or dip the edges in melted chocolate, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Serving Size: 1 alfajor (2 cookies)
• Calories: 300
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 4g

Dish Characteristics:

• Sweet and flavorful
• Buttery and crumbly cookies
• Creamy and rich dulce de leche filling
• Chilean-inspired dessert

User Comments:

• "These alfajores are absolutely delicious! The cookies are perfectly crisp and the dulce de leche filling is to die for."
• "I love the combination of the buttery cookies and the sweet and creamy filling. It's a perfect treat for any occasion."
• "These alfajores are so easy to make, even for a beginner baker. They're also a great way to introduce American guests to Chilean cuisine."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Do not overmix the cookie dough, as this will result in tough cookies.
• Let the dulce de leche filling cool slightly before assembling the alfajores, as hot filling can melt the cookies.
• If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of potato starch.
• Alfajores can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.