Alfajores Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick) (at room temperature)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons warm water
• 2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 8 ounces Dulce De Leche (homemade or store bought )
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• powder sugar (optional)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and kosher salt. Set aside

2. 2

   In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add yolks and beat to combine. Then the vanilla extract, water and lemon zest beat until just combined.

3. 3

   Add flour mixture, and mix on low speed until the dough just comes together.

4. 4

   Wrap the dough in plastic and chill until firm, at least 2 hours.

5. 5

   Heat oven 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

6. 6

   Remove dough from plastic wrap and place on a lightly floured surface, flour a rolling pin and roll out to about ¼ inch thick. Cut the dough with a 2 inch cookie cutter.

7. 7

   Place cookies on prepared sheet pans about about 1 inch apart.

8. 8

   Bake for about 9 minutes or until firm and edges are pale golden and the middle of the cookie is firm.

9. 9

   Transfer baking pan to a rack and allow to cool completely before removing from baking sheet.

10. 10

    Spread 1 tablespoon of dulce de leche onto the back of half the cookies. Place a second cookie on top and gently press to create a sandwich and repeat.

11. 11

    Roll sides in coconut and dust generously with powdered sugar if you like before serving.