A South American Delight 🌽🍪

If you’ve ever tasted alfajores, you know they are little bites of pure joy. But have you heard about the delightful twist called Corn Alfajores? These treats bring the magic of cornstarch into play, creating a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie sandwich filled with luscious dulce de leche. Originating from South America and steeped in history, Corn Alfajores have won hearts across Argentina, Peru, and Chile.

Their story begins centuries ago, rooted in Andalusian influences brought to the Americas by Spanish colonists. Over time, the traditional recipe evolved, embracing cornstarch (or maicena) as the star ingredient to give the cookies a tender, crumbly texture unlike any other cookie. If you want to explore the rich legacy behind alfajores, check out the history of alfajores in Andalusia.

These cookies aren’t just delicious—they are a cultural icon. From family gatherings to festive celebrations, Corn Alfajores embody warmth and tradition. The Argentine brand Havanna has made them famous worldwide, but nothing beats a homemade batch made with love.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Corn Alfajores 🌟

To create these irresistible treats, gather the following ingredients:

• Cornstarch (Maicena) 🌽

• All-purpose flour 🍚

• Baking powder 🥄

• Unsalted butter 🧈

• Granulated sugar 🍬

• Eggs 🥚

• Vanilla extract 🍦

• Dulce de leche (milk caramel spread) 🍯

• Optional: shredded coconut for coating 🥥

How to Make Corn Alfajores: Step-by-Step Guide 👩‍🍳

1. Prepare the dough
   In a bowl, sift together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. This mix forms the base of the light, tender cookie.

2. Cream butter and sugar
   Beat unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This adds sweetness and richness.

3. Add eggs and vanilla
   Incorporate eggs one at a time, then pour in vanilla extract. Mix well to combine all flavors.

4. Combine dry and wet ingredients
   Gradually fold the flour-cornstarch mixture into the wet ingredients. Knead gently to form a soft dough, careful not to overwork it.

5. Chill the dough
   Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps with rolling and maintains the cookie’s delicate texture.

6. Roll and cut
   On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 0.5 cm thick. Use a round cutter to stamp out even circles.

7. Bake
   Place the circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden but still soft.

8. Assemble with dulce de leche
   Once cooled, sandwich two cookies with a generous spread of dulce de leche between them. Roll the edges in shredded coconut if you like.

Tips & Tricks for Alfajor Perfection 💡

• Use cornstarch generously to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.

• Don’t overbake; cookies should remain pale and soft, not crunchy.

• Chill the dough well — it prevents sticking and keeps the cookies’ shape.

• For a smoother filling, warm dulce de leche slightly before spreading.

• Experiment by adding a splash of cognac or lemon zest for a subtle twist.

Creative Variations & Substitutions 🎨

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend alongside cornstarch.

• Vegan Alfajores: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of regular eggs.

• Flavor Twists: Try chocolate-dipped alfajores or fill with jam or Nutella instead of dulce de leche.

• Coatings: Instead of coconut, roll the edges in crushed nuts or powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions: Make It Shine! ✨

Corn Alfajores are perfect with afternoon tea or coffee. Serve them on a pretty plate dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pair with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert spread. They also make fantastic homemade gifts, wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon.

The homemade touch makes these cookies irresistible and a testament to South America’s rich culinary heritage. If you want to try a classic take on alfajores, here’s a traditional Argentine recipe to inspire you.

Final Thoughts

Making Corn Alfajores at home is both rewarding and delicious. Their tender crumb, sweet caramel filling, and cultural charm make them a must-try for any dessert lover. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and create your own batch today! 🎉

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below and share your tips or photos. And don’t forget to share this article with fellow sweet tooths! 🍪💛✨