Alfajores are the Argentine version of French macarons. They are small sandwich cookies filled with various flavors. The cookies are made from crumbly butter cookies.
Alfajores originated in Arab culture. When the Moors traveled to Spain, they brought delicious recipes for alfajores.
While the Spanish explored Argentina, so did the cookies.
Alfajores can have various fillings: sweet jams, mousse, but they are usually cookies filled with dulce de leche.
Argentina consumes the largest amount of alfajores in the world. And Havanna alfajores are possibly the most famous brand worldwide. They are more than just a snack; they are an important part of Argentine culture.
If you immediately thought of packaged sandwich cookies from grocery stores when hearing "sandwich cookies and filling," clear that thought from your mind! There is no comparison.
The cookie itself is comparable to a butter cookie, but lighter than traditional butter cookies. The texture is crisp and delicate. It’s the cornstarch or maize starch in the dough that creates its unique texture.
Depending on where you buy them, alfajores can be filled with jam, chocolate, fruits, or nuts. In Argentina, dulce de leche reigns as the most popular filling. Their outer layer can also vary; typically dipped in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, meringue, or sprinkled with powdered sugar.
