Traditional cornstarch alfajores with coconut coating

Cornstarch Alfajores Recipe – Soft, Sweet & Easy

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Introduction

If you’ve ever tasted traditional Argentine pastries, you know that alfajores hold a special place in South American hearts — and kitchens. These tender sandwich cookies, filled with rich dulce de leche and rolled in shredded coconut, are a true delicacy.

This cornstarch alfajores recipe is famous for its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. What’s even better? You don’t need to be an expert baker. With a few simple steps, you can prepare them at home for birthdays, holidays, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients for cornstarch alfajores recipe

  • 250 g margarine (softened)

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 3 egg yolks

  • 200 g all-purpose flour (Harina 0000)

  • 300 g cornstarch

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

  • 400 g dulce de leche for filling

  • Shredded coconut, for decoration

How to Make cornstarch alfajores recipe

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, cream the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. (Make sure the margarine is at room temperature.)

  2. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing after each addition.

  3. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla extract if desired.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

  2. In another bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.

  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft, smooth dough forms. Avoid over-kneading.

3. Chill and Shape

  1. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

  2. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 5 mm thickness.

  3. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or small glass.

4. Bake the Cookies

  1. Arrange the circles on a floured baking sheet.

  2. Bake for 5–7 minutes, until just lightly golden on the edges (not brown).

  3. Let cool completely before filling.

5. Assemble the Alfajores

  1. Spread dulce de leche over one cookie and top with another to form a sandwich.

  2. Press the edges gently, then roll in shredded coconut so it sticks to the dulce de leche.

  3. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Gluten-Free Cornstarch Alfajores

Many people love alfajores but can’t enjoy them because of gluten intolerance. This gluten-free version is just as tender and delicious. The secret? Replacing wheat flour with a pre-mixed gluten-free blend.

cornstarch alfajores recipe

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Alfajores

  • 200 g gluten-free flour mix

  • 300 g cornstarch

  • 30 g skim milk powder

  • 150 g butter, softened

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • Pinch of salt

  • 100 g powdered sugar

  • 3 egg yolks

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Lemon zest

  • 400 g dulce de leche (for filling)

  • Shredded coconut (for coating)

Directions

  1. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: gluten-free mix, cornstarch, baking powder, milk powder, and salt.

  2. In another bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. Add yolks one by one, then mix in vanilla and lemon zest.

  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until dough forms.

  5. Chill, roll, cut, and bake as above.

  6. Fill with dulce de leche and coat the edges with coconut.

Tips for Perfect cornstarch alfajores recipe

  • Soft Dough: Don’t overmix — this keeps the cookies tender.

  • Chill Time: Resting the dough helps it hold shape while baking.

  • Filling: Use thick dulce de leche for the best texture.

  • Decoration: Coconut is classic, but you can dip the edges in chocolate too!

cornstarch alfajores recipe with coconut coating
Sweet alfajores filled with dulce de leche and coated in coconut

Internal & External Links

Nutrition Facts (per alfajor)

  • Calories: 180 kcal

  • Protein: 2.5 g

  • Fat: 8 g

  • Carbohydrates: 24 g

  • Sugar: 12 g