Easy Heart-Shaped Alfajores Cookies with Dulce de Leche

Alfajores are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are a classic in South American baking. Filled with rich dulce de leche and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly charming — especially when shaped into hearts for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or special treats.

This recipe is designed to be easy and approachable, giving you tender cookies and a luscious filling in under an hour, without compromising flavor or presentation.

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Why Alfajores Work

The magic of alfajores comes from texture and contrast:

• Cookies: Soft, buttery, and slightly crumbly, thanks to the cornstarch.
• Filling: Sweet, creamy dulce de leche binds the cookies together.
• Powdered sugar: Adds a delicate finish and a touch of elegance.

Unlike dense cookies, these melt in your mouth while maintaining enough structure for sandwiching, making them perfect for gifting or dessert platters.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup dulce de leche, for filling
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Ingredient Notes & Tips

• Butter: Softened, not melted, for tender cookies.
• Egg yolks: Give the cookies richness and help them bind.
• Cornstarch: Key for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Dulce de leche: Use store-bought or homemade; thick and spreadable works best.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla until combined.

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2. Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms.

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3. Chill Dough

Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate 15–20 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll and cut shapes.

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4. Roll & Cut

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut cookies. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

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5. Bake

Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are just lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

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6. Assemble Alfajores

Spread 1 teaspoon of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie. Sandwich with another cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies.

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7. Finish with Powdered Sugar

Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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Tips for Perfect Alfajores

1. Avoid overmixing dough — too much mixing makes cookies tough.
2. Use parchment paper — prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
3. Chill dough — makes it easier to cut perfect shapes.
4. Cool completely before filling — prevents dulce de leche from melting.

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Flavor Variations

• Chocolate-dipped: Dip edges in melted chocolate.
• Nutty twist: Add finely chopped nuts to the filling.
• Citrus hint: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough.
• Mini alfajores: Make bite-sized versions for party platters.

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Serving Suggestions

• Perfect with tea or coffee.
• Great as a romantic gift — wrap in parchment and tie with a ribbon.
• Serve on a dessert platter with fresh berries.