Alfajores (Argentinian Dulce de Leche Cookies)

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp butter, (unsalted)
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/8 tsp lemon zest, (fresh)
• 1/2 Tbsp brandy
• 1/2 c cornstarch
• 1/4 c+ 2 Tbsp unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 8 oz Dulce de Leche*

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer. Add the egg yolk, lemon zest, and brandy. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

2. 2

   In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, and baking powder. Sift the dry mixture into the butter mixture and beat over low speed until the mixture looks like even, wet crumbs.

3. 3

   Using your hands, knead the mixture just until it forms a dough that will hold together. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour, up to 3 days, to let the flavor develop.

4. 4

   When you are ready to bake your cookies, preheat your oven to 350F.

5. 5

   Roll the dough ¼ inch thick and cut it into circles using a 1 ¾ inch cookie cutter (or the mouth of a shot glass), Re-roll any dough scraps and cut additional cookies. You should have 24 cookie dough rounds. Place the cut dough onto a baking sheet, ½ inch apart.

6. 6

   Bake the cookies for 12-13 minutes, until they are firm, but just before they start to turn a light golden brown. (These cookies are traditionally white.)

7. 7

   When the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 1 minute on the baking sheet. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. 8

   When the cookies cool to room temperature, place roughly 1 tsp of Dulce de Leche on one cookie and top it with a second cookie. Press down gently and evenly, so that the cookies do not crumble.

9. 9

   (If desired, sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar or dried coconut.)

10. 10

    Enjoy the cookies immediately to really appreciate the crisp and creamy texture contrast, or store for up to 1 week in an air-tight container for the cookies to absorb some flavor and moisture from the Dulce de Leche.