Alfajores de maicena are soft, delicate cookies filled with sweet dulce de leche. These treats are very popular in South America, especially in Argentina.
They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and are rolled in shredded coconut for extra flavor. With this alfajores de maicena recipe, you can make bakery-style cookies at home.
What is Alfajores De Maicena Recipe?
Alfajores de maicena recipe is a classic Argentine cookie recipe made with cornstarch (maicena), flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.
The dough creates soft, crumbly cookies that melt in your mouth. Once baked, the cookies are sandwiched together with a thick layer of dulce de leche in the middle.
To finish, the edges are rolled in shredded coconut, giving them their signature look and taste.
They are sweet, delicate, and usually enjoyed with coffee, tea, or served at celebrations.
This recipe is famous across South America but is most closely tied to Argentina’s dessert culture.
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter (round)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients List
- 1 cup cornstarch (maicena)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche (for filling)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for coating)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
Step 3:
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and creamy.
Step 4:
Add egg yolks, vanilla, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Mix well.
Step 5:
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until dough forms.
Step 6:
Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 7:
Cut circles with a round cookie cutter. Place them on the baking sheet.
Step 8:
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but not browned.
Step 9:
Cool cookies on a wire rack before filling.
Step 10:
Spread dulce de leche on one cookie and sandwich with another.
Step 11:
Roll edges in shredded coconut for the classic finish.
Recipe Tips
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if too soft to handle.
- Do not overbake; cookies should stay pale.
- Use high-quality dulce de leche for the best taste.
- Store alfajores in an airtight container to keep fresh.
- Add powdered sugar dusting for a bakery look.
Serving Ideas for Alfajores De Maicena Recipe
- Traditional Style: Serve with coffee or tea.
- Festive Style: Dust with powdered sugar for holidays.
- Gift Idea: Pack in decorative boxes as homemade treats.
Conclusion
This alfajores de maicena recipe gives you soft, crumbly cookies with a sweet filling.
They are simple to make yet taste elegant and special. Enjoy them with family, serve at parties, or give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Servings: 12 cookies
Calories: ~150 per cookie
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Argentine
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
