This is a simple and easy Alfajores Cookies Recipe ( also known as Dulce de Leche Cookies). The delicate buttery cookies are sandwiched with dulce de leche and are so delicate and flavorful.

These cookies along with our Tiramisu Tartlets and the Snowball Cookies are holiday favorites.

Alfajore cookies coated in powdered sugar.
Is dulce de leche and caramel the same thing?
Yes and no. Caramel is water and sugar while dulce de leche is milk and sugar. They both do have a similar color.

Alfajores Cookies Recipe-

What are Alfajores Cookies? Alfajores Cookies originate from Argentina. Though there are different variations of the cookies like fruit, jams, and chocolate, dulce de leche is the most common filling and so delicious.

So I have a SERIOUS love for Dulce De Leche, like borderline unhealthy, ha! The creamy caramel-like sauce just makes all recipes better and this cookie is no exception.

The most delicious butter cookies that are melt-in-your-mouth soft and have a slightly crispy texture sandwiched with the rich dulce de leche – a perfect combination.

Ingredients needed to make dulce de leche cookies.

What You’ll Need:

The ingredients for the Alfajores Cookies are so simple and you most likely already have them on hand.

  • Butter- Unsalted butter that’s brought to room temperature.
  • Flour- Any all-purpose flour will work.
  • Leavening Agent- The baking soda, baking powder, and salt will ensure the cookie rises and keeps its shape.
  • Sugar- Traditional granulated sugar will work. We don’t like the cookie overly sweet but if you want a really sweet cookie, add ½ cup sugar instead of the ⅓ cup indicated.
  • Vanilla- Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookie.
  • Milk- This will keep the cookie dough from drying and softens the cookie.
  • Filling- Dulce de leche is used as the filling.
Step by step photos of how to make dough.

How to Make Alfajores Cookies-

These dulce de leche cookies are so great for the Holidays, especially to make with your kids.

  1. Prep Oven & Baking Sheet– Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Once combined, sift the flour through a sieve.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients- Beat butter and sugar until creamy, and add the milk and vanilla.
  4. Combine Both- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix with a dough hook until incorporated.
  5. Roll Out Dough- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Flour the surface and roll the dough out until it’s about ¼ of an inch in thickness. (You’ll want to keep your rolling pin floured, the dough will easily stick.)
  6. Shape Dough- Once rolled out, take a cookie cutter that’s two and a half inches in diameter like THIS and make about 18-20 cookies per part. (Note: You’ll get less than 20 but then you’ll remove the rounds and make a few more cookies with leftover dough.) For the second part, once the disks have been made, cut a hole in the center, we just used the end of a piping tip. 
  7. Bake Cookies- Transfer the cookie rounds onto your lined baking sheet and bake for 11-13 minutes, or until golden in color.
  8. Assemble Cookies- Once the cookies have completely cooked, take the whole disks and add about 1 ½ teaspoon of the dulce de leche and spread it evenly. Top with the disks that have a whole in the center. Repeat with remaining cookies and dust with powdered sugar.
  9. Serve and Enjoy, friends.

Pro tip-

For the Holidays, you can use mini holiday cutouts like THESE for the hole in the middle to make it festive.

Before and after of cookie dough in baking pan.

Make-Ahead:

These cookies may easily be made in advance. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  • Make the filling: Cook your condensed milk, we make ours Instant Pot, it’s so easy that way.
  • Make cookies: Prepare and bake the cookies, they can be made up to two days in advance.
  • Assemble: Assemble cookies and enjoy.

Variations & Substitutions-

If you don’t have dulce de leche or want a different filling, here are some great fillings to try:

  • Chocolate is coved by dipping half of the cookie into melted chocolate.
  • Nutella hazelnut spread
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Any flavor jam
  • Poppy seed filling
  • Your favorite frosting

Storing-

  • Room temp- Store the cookies at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze- The cookies may be frozen in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Alfajores Cookies Recipe (Dulce de Leche Cookies)

Author: Valentina
Print
5 from 1 vote
These Alfajores Cookies are so easy to make. Two butter cookies sandwiches with dulce de leche
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • cup sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  • Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking powder. Once combined, sift the flour through a sieve.
  • Beat the butter and sugar until creamy, add the milk and vanilla and mix until incorporated.
  • Add the flour mixture and with a dough hook (or by hand) mix until incorporated.
  • Divide the dough into two equal parts. Flour surface and rolling pin and roll the dough out until it’s about ¼ of an inch in thickness.
  • Take a cookie cutter that’s two and a half inches in diameter and make about 18-20 cookies per part. (Pro tip: You’ll get less than 20 but then you’ll remove the rounds and make few more cookies with leftover dough.)
  • Repeat with second disk then cut make a hole in the center, we just used the end of a piping tip.
  • Transfer the cookie rounds onto your lined baking sheet and bake 11-13 minutes, or until golden in color.
  • Cool cookies completely and take the whole disks and add about 1 ½ teaspoons of the dulce de leche and spread it evenly. Top with the disks that have a whole in the center. Repeat with remaining cookies and dust with powdered sugar.
  • Serve and Enjoy, Friends.

Nutrition

135kcal Calories12g Carbs1g Protein9g Fat6g Saturated Fat0.4g Polyunsaturated Fat2g Monounsaturated Fat0.4g Trans Fat24mg Cholesterol31mg Sodium26mg Potassium0.3g Fiber3g Sugar285IU Vitamin A10mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Alfajores Cookies Recipe (Dulce de Leche Cookies)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 135 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Trans Fat 0.4g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 24mg8%
Sodium 31mg1%
Potassium 26mg1%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 0.3g1%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 285IU6%
Calcium 10mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)