Classic Peruvian Alfajores

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie.

Add Egg Yolks, Zest, and Vanilla

Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract. The egg yolks add richness and moisture, while the lemon zest and vanilla enhance the flavor.

Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Add Milk (if needed)

If the dough seems too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). Chilling the dough prevents it from spreading too much during baking.

Roll Out and Cut Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining dough, re-rolling scraps as needed.

Bake the Cookies

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assemble the Alfajores

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the bottom of one cookie and top with another cookie. Gently press down to adhere.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

Dust the assembled alfajores generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 100g of product):
Calories: 400-450
Fat: 20-25g
Saturated Fat: 12-15g
Cholesterol: 80-100mg
Sodium: 100-150mg
Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Sugar: 25-30g
Protein: 4-6g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition:
Alfajores are a dessert and should be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content. Consider using a homemade dulce de leche with less sugar, or look for lower-sugar alternatives. Serving size is important – one or two alfajores is a reasonable portion. This recipe contains gluten and dairy, so it's not suitable for those with allergies or intolerances. You may find alternative recipes online using gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter/milk, but results can vary.