How long can I store leftovers?

Store alfajores in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and dulce de leche a day in advance.

Can I substitute the dulce de leche with another filling?

Yes, try using chocolate ganache or a fruit jam as alternatives.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?

Dust your rolling surface and rolling pin with flour or cornstarch.

Can I make the dulce de leche in a pressure cooker?

Yes, but adjust cooking time to about 40 minutes, ensuring adequate water coverage.

Colombian Arequipe Alfajores with Dulce de Leche Filling

Name: Colombian Arequipe Alfajores with Dulce de Leche Filling
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 24 alfajores
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large egg yolks; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; Pinch of salt; Powdered sugar

Traditional Colombian cookies with a rich dulce de leche filling

These delicate, buttery cookies are sandwiched with sweet, creamy arequipe, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience perfect for dessert lovers.

1 h 30 min
24 alfajores
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large egg yolks

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups cornstarch

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Dulce de Leche Filling

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Pinch of salt

For Assembly and Topping

Powdered sugar

for dusting

Preparation

Making the Cookie Dough

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Yolks and Vanilla

Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, beating well to combine.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.

Preparing the Dulce de Leche Filling

Boil Condensed Milk

Immerse the unopened sweetened condensed milk can in a pot of water, ensuring it’s covered by at least 2 inches.

Ensure the can is always covered with water to prevent any risk of explosion.

Simmer Milk

Simmer for 2 hours, keeping a close eye on the water level, then remove and let cool completely.

Pro Tip: Make the dulce de leche a day ahead for ease.

Season Filling

Stir in a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.

Cooking Process

Chill the Dough

Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Bake the Cookies

Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into rounds, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Fill

Allow cookies to cool completely before spreading arequipe between two cookies.

Plating & Serving