If you have a sweet tooth and a love for delicate treats, the Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies (Alfajores) Recipe is bound to become your new favorite indulgence. These exquisite sandwich cookies boast a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a luscious layer of homemade dulce de leche that brings a rich caramel sweetness to every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a craving, these alfajores feel like a little edible hug—soft, buttery cookies hugging a creamy, irresistible center that’s utterly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round, pale yellow dough disk with a soft and slightly uneven surface rests on a sheet of parchment paper, placed on a white marbled texture. The dough has a smooth yet thick texture with some visible small creases and slight imperfections around the edges, showing a hand-pressed, rustic look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the secret to creating the perfect Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies (Alfajores). Each component plays a vital role, from the smooth butter that ensures tenderness to the corn starch which gives these cookies their characteristic delicate crumb.

Sweetened condensed milk: The star ingredient that transforms into rich dulce de leche after gentle simmering, delivering that signature caramel flavor.
Unsalted cultured butter: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, creating a smooth and tender cookie base.
Granulated sugar: Provides just the right touch of sweetness and helps with the cookie’s golden edges.
Egg yolks: Enrich the dough, contributing moisture and structure for a soft cookie.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that complements the caramel beautifully.
Corn starch: Essential for that iconic delicate and crumbly texture unique to alfajores.
All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the dough, balancing tenderness with stability.
Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift, ensuring the cookies are light and airy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies (Alfajores) Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dulce de Leche

Begin by turning sweetened condensed milk into the luscious dulce de leche that will be the gooey heart of your alfajores. Removing the label and submerging the unopened can in simmering water for four hours is a slow-cooker’s dream come true. This gentle simmer transforms the milk into a golden, creamy caramel gold that you’ll want to savor on its own, but resist—there’s a cookie waiting!

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

While the dulce de leche does its magic, cream together butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, setting the stage for the soft cookie texture. Gradually beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, to meld everything into a cohesive, smooth batter. The addition of vanilla adds a fragrant warmth that will marry perfectly with the caramel filling.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Scrape down your bowl and stir in the corn starch, flour, baking powder, and salt. Be gentle here—mixing just until the dough comes together ensures your cookies stay delectably tender rather than tough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into two flat ovals and wrap them tightly in plastic. Refrigerate for at least an hour, which firms up the dough and makes it easier to roll out while also helping the flavors mellow and meld beautifully.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cookies

After chilling, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about an eighth of an inch thick—a careful balance between delicate and sturdy. Use a small round cookie cutter to form perfectly shaped rounds and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, ready for baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies at 350°F until their edges are just turning golden and they feel dry to the touch—about 8 minutes. Watch carefully; these delicate treats go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly.

Step 7: Assemble Your Alfajores

Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread about a teaspoon of the homemade dulce de leche on the backside of one cookie, then sandwich it with another. The sweet, creamy filling oozes slightly between the tender cookies for that classic alfajor look and irresistible taste.

How to Serve Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies (Alfajores) Recipe

There are several round cookies stacked on a white marbled surface with some crumbs and powdered sugar around. Each cookie is made of two light golden-brown layers with a thick, smooth caramel layer in the middle. The top cookie in the front has a dusting of powdered sugar. In the background, there is a blurred glass jar filled with caramel. The scene is bright and softly focused. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Presentation matters! Dusting your alfajores lightly with powdered sugar adds a charming and elegant finish that also gives a hint of extra sweetness. For a festive touch, you can roll the edges in finely shredded coconut or chopped nuts to add texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These alfajores pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a frothy, warm chai tea. The bitterness of the drinks balances the sweet caramel, making for a delicious, cozy break any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling adventurous or hosting a party, arrange your Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies on a pretty tiered platter with fresh berries or edible flowers. Another fun idea is to drizzle some melted dark chocolate over each sandwich cookie for an extra layer of indulgence that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cookies remain soft and the dulce de leche filling luscious, but they are best enjoyed fresh for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches by wrapping each cookie individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for a treat that tastes freshly made.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t typically necessary for alfajores since they’re enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if preferred, let them warm for a few minutes out of the fridge to slightly soften the filling and bring out the flavors even more.

FAQs

What makes alfajores different from regular sandwich cookies?

Alfajores stand out because of their soft, crumbly texture achieved by corn starch in the dough and the rich, creamy dulce de leche filling, which gives them a uniquely melt-in-your-mouth experience compared to firmer sandwich cookies.

Can I use store-bought dulce de leche instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While homemade dulce de leche is incredibly delicious and fresh, using store-bought will save time and still provide that signature caramel flavor in your Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies (Alfajores) Recipe.

Is it necessary to simmer the sweetened condensed milk for four hours?

Yes, the long, gentle simmer is what caramelizes the milk into luscious dulce de leche. It’s worth the wait for the depth of flavor and smooth texture you get from this traditional cooking method.

Can I make alfajores gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but you’ll need to experiment with ratios since flour alternatives differ in texture — corn starch remains the key to the cookie’s tenderness.

How should I roll the dough to avoid sticking?

Sprinkle your surface and rolling pin lightly with flour before rolling out the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. This helps prevent sticking while maintaining the delicate texture needed for perfect alfajores.

Final Thoughts

Making these Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies (Alfajores) Recipe is truly a rewarding kitchen adventure, producing tender, caramel-filled gems that are as delightful to eat as they are to share. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself, these classic treats never fail to bring smiles and sweet moments. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon discover why alfajores hold such a cherished place in hearts around the world.