Like so many traditional recipes, alfajores are claimed by many cultures and countries including Argentina, Peru, Brazil and Chile (though many South American countries claim this cookie as their own). This version of alfajores is inspired by many cherished family recipes, and we think it’s a lovely rendition.
What Are Alfajores?
Alfajores are sandwich cookies primarily found in Spanish-speaking countries, as well as southern France, the Phillipines and Brazil. They are made of shortbread-like cookies with a delicious filling of dulce de leche, made of milk and sugar, or sweetened condensed milk. Often, they are rolled in coconut, coated with powdered sugar or dipped in chocolate.
While Americans tend to think of dulce de leche as a universal term, it varies from country to country. For example, in Chile and Ecuador, they call it manjar, while other regions may call it doce de leite, arequipe, cajeta (a Mexican goat milk version) or manjar blanco.
I have heard that alfajores are enjoyed primarily at Christmas. However, based on personal experience, anecdotal evidence from friends and family, and the success of many year-round alfajor-based businesses, alfajores are eaten year-round!
Where Did Alfajores Originate?
It is theorized that alfajores were developed in the
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