Alfajores de Maicena

Recipe provided by Austin Personal Chef: Carlos Crusco Ingredients:
  • 7 oz. butter
  • 7 oz. sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp. Cognac, Brandy or even Cointreau will work
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 lemon – zest only
  • 1 whole egg
  • 3 yolks
  • 1.75 cups Maicena (corn starch)
  • 5 oz. all-purpose flour (and more when kneading/forming the dough)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 pinch of sea salt
  • Dulce de leche – homemade (see recipe)
  Directions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 375°C and prepare a parchment covered sheet pan.
  2. In the bowl of a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light in color and fluffy. Scrape down sides of bowl.
  3. Add Brandy, extract, zest, and continue mixing at medium speed until combined.
  4. Add egg and yolks, one at a time, until well combined and fluffy.
  5. Add dry elements (corn starch, flour, baking powder, & salt – previously sifted) in batches.
  6. When dough is formed cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for one hour minimum.
  7. On a floured worktop, roll out dough (1/4 “thick), and cut small or large circles with a cookie cutter or use the bottom of a shot glass (floured on edges).
  8. Move to parchment covered sheet pan. Bake until slightly golden (about 10-12 minutes).
  9. Transfer cookies to wire rack until cool. Spread some dulce de leche on one of the cookies. Place the other cookie on top. Press lightly but firm.
  10. Roll the edge of the cookies on some of the toasted coconut flakes. Enjoy with an espresso!