Alfajores are traditional Middle Eastern treats that have Spanish and Latin American variations. These sweet treats can be made with honey, chocolate, coconut, corn and nuts. This recipe is a basic sandwich with a dulce de leche or a sweet and creamy filling. You can also substitute it with fruit jam if desired.

 

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Confectioners’ sugar, for serving (optional)

For the dulce de leche:

15 cups milk

1 vanilla bean

4-1/4 cups white sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

 

To make dulce de leche, pour the milk into a large saucepan under medium heat. Bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and strain the milk with a cheesecloth. Return the milk to the pan.

Slice the vanilla bean in half and place the seeds in the saucepan. Set the heat to medium-high. Add the sugar and stir until it is dissolved. When the milk is about to boil, stir in the baking soda and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 5-8 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Stir constantly until it becomes light brown. Remove from heat and place the pan in an ice bath (basin with ice cold water). Stir until the dulce de leche is cold. Transfer to airtight containers or jars. Refrigerate.

To make the alfajores, preheat the oven to 350. After, line 2 baking sheets using parchment paper or non-stick baking mats.

Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium sized bowl. Whisk and set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar in using an electric mixer set to medium speed for 1-2 minutes or until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time while mixing. Gradually add the flour as you continue to mix it in the mixer. After, pour in the milk, orange juice and vanilla. Continue to mix it for 1-2 minutes or until you form dough like mixture.

Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to get some dough. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets; 2 inches apart. Bake them for 10-14 minutes. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool.

Once the cookies have cooled completely, Spread some dulce de leche on a cookie and place another one on top of it. Repeat this for the remaining cookies.  Lightly sprinkle the alfajores with confectioners’ sugar before serving. You may store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

 

Photo Courtesy Of:  jamieanne