How long can I store leftovers?

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

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, the dough can be prepared a day in advance, and the alfajores can be assembled and stored for flavors to develop.

Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?

Absolutely, store-bought dulce de leche is convenient and works perfectly for this recipe.

What can I substitute if I don't have cornstarch?

Potato starch can be used as a substitute to maintain the tender texture.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.

Glazed Peruvian Alfajores with Honey-Caramel Center

Name: Glazed Peruvian Alfajores with Honey-Caramel Center
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 24 alfajores
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Cornstarch; Powdered sugar; Baking powder; Salt; Unsalted butter, room temperature; Large egg yolks; Pure vanilla extract; Dulce de leche; Honey; Sea salt; Powdered sugar; Milk; Unsweetened shredded coconut

A Sweet and Delicate Treat from Peru

Delight in these tender, melt-in-your-mouth Peruvian alfajores filled with a luscious honey-caramel center and glazed with a light sugar coating. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert or a sweet snack.

1 h 45 min
24 alfajores
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour

2 cups

Cornstarch

1 cup

Powdered sugar

1/2 cup

Baking powder

1 teaspoon

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Unsalted butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cups

Large egg yolks

Pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

For the Honey-Caramel Filling

Dulce de leche

1 cup

Honey

2 tablespoons

Sea salt

Pinch

For the Glaze

Powdered sugar

1 cup

Milk

2-3 tablespoons

For the Garnish

Unsweetened shredded coconut

1/4 cup

Preparation

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Combine dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Cream butter and add yolks

In a large bowl, cream butter until fluffy, then add egg yolks and vanilla extract.

Form the dough

Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to avoid sticking. Pro Tip: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper for an even thickness.

Making the Honey-Caramel Filling

Combine dulce de leche and honey

In a small bowl, combine dulce de leche and honey.

Mix until smooth

Mix well until smooth.

Season and set aside

Add a pinch of sea salt and set aside.

Cooking Process

Rolling Out Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a round cookie cutter.

Baking the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Timing: Bake for 10-12 minutes per batch at 350°F (175°C). Dough prep chill time: 30 minutes.

Filling the Alfajores

Once cooled, spread honey-caramel filling on half of the cookies and sandwich with the other half.

Plating & Serving