If you love Peruvian food—like delicious chicken chaufa or classic lomo saltado—you know there’s nothing like pairing it with a refreshing Inca Kola. And to wrap up the culinary experience with a sweet touch, a good dessert is always a great idea.
Among the most beloved and iconic Peruvian treats are alfajores, which have a unique preparation style that sets them apart from the Argentine version. Want to try making them? Keep reading and discover how to make alfajores at home.
Ingredients to Make Alfajores
This recipe is simpler than it seems. Gather the following ingredients, put on your apron, queue up your favorite playlist, and get baking:
200g all-purpose flour
300g cornstarch
200g room-temperature butter
2 cups sugar
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 medium egg yolks
500g dulce de leche (manjar)
You may also like: How to make Peruvian-Chinese Lomo Saltado at home
How to Make Alfajores at Home: Step-by-Step
1. Mix the dry ingredients
Start by sifting the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder into a large bowl. This not only removes lumps but also makes the dough lighter.
2. Prep the wet ingredients
In another bowl, mix the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand whisk or electric mixer until smooth. Once the mixture is lump-free, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Combine dry and wet ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. This will help keep the dough smooth and manageable. Once fully combined, cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
4. Roll and cut the dough
After resting, lightly dust your work surface with flour or cornstarch to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough until it’s about 2–3 mm thick. Cut into 4–6 cm circles using a cookie cutter, glass, or cup.
Place the dough circles onto a floured or parchment-lined baking tray to prevent sticking.
5. Bake the alfajores
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes—keep an eye on them, as they can bake quickly. When they begin to puff up slightly, remove them and let cool completely.
6. Fill and decorate your alfajores
Once cool, generously fill with dulce de leche and sandwich with another cookie. For a final touch, dust with powdered sugar or coat the edges in shredded coconut.
Extra Tips for Perfect Alfajores
This recipe is beginner-friendly, but here are a few extra tips to level up your alfajores:
Use unsalted butter: It helps balance the sweetness and keeps the flavor smooth.
Stick with white sugar: Brown sugar holds more moisture and can affect the texture.
Chill the cookies: Refrigerate the dough circles for 10 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape.
Try a chocolate coating: For a twist on the traditional recipe, dip them in melted chocolate—but reduce the dulce de leche to avoid overwhelming sweetness. Balance is key!
Now that you know how to make this delicious Latin dessert, it’s time to impress your friends and family with your baking skills—and create sweet, unforgettable moments together.
Craving something sweet already?
Visit Chifa Du Kang in Miami and experience the flavor of authentic Peruvian-Chinese cuisine. You can also check out our online menu or order delivery and enjoy a one-of-a-kind food experience at home.
