ALFAJORES

 

i spent all day yesterday getting caught up on my work & baking various holiday treats, like these alfajores! i was quite late on the alfajore trend, only discovering these cookies a couple years ago when a co-worker brought them in for a holiday party. i am obsessed with shortbread cookies & dulce de leche.. how did i not know all this time there was a cookie that combined the two?! now i make sure to make these multiple times throughout the holiday season (to make up for all that lost time). something about the powdered sugar & the shredded coconut remind me of the perfect snow fall. ah snow.. where are you this year?! i'm sure the majority of you who hate winter are like WHAT, don't wish for snow! but the lack of snow in the city makes me so sad * insert tear drop emoji *. i guess for now i will have to continue making fake snow inside via dusted icing sugar. anyways, i hope you all had a lovely thanksgiving long weekend, survived black friday & aren't to full to start indulging in some christmas cookies! if you haven't had an alfajore yet, it's never too late (okay if you don't make them right this second.. it is).

ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup dulce de leche (store bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • powdered sugar, for dusting

directions

  • in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment beat butter & sugar until just combined. add vanilla.
  • sift in flour & salt, beat until dough comes together.
  • roll out on floured surface & shape into a disk. if the dough is a bit dry, add a teaspoon of water. wrap in plastic & refrigerate for one hour (or over night).
  • once the dough has chilled, roll out on a floured surface to ¼ inch thick. use desired size round cookie cutter (i used a lid!).
  • bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges JUST begin to lightly brown.
  • once cool enough to handle add a touch of dulce de leche to the bottom cookie & top with another. roll the gooey caramel edges in coconut & dust with powdered sugar!

these gorgeous maple measuring cups are featured in collaboration with polder's old world market. they are a family of maker's who handcraft & sign each piece of dreamware. they are also the only place where you will find hand carved wood measuring cups! if you are looking for a special gift this holiday season for a kitchen lover or avid baker, check out their website here! 

also featured: vermont rolling pins in french walnut