Vanilla Alfajores

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 ozbutter, softened
• 3 1/2 ozsugar
• 1egg
• 1egg yolk
• 7 ozcornstarch
• 3 1/2 ozall-purpose flour
• 1 tspbaking powder
• 1 tspvanilla extract
• 5 1/4 ozdulce de leche, for filling
• 1 3/4 ozcoconut flakes, for rolling the outside edges

Method

1. 1

   Cream the softened butter for about 1 minute, then add the sugar and cream for another 2 minutes.

2. 2

   Beat in the whole egg fully, then mix in the egg yolk.

3. 3

   Add the cornstarch, flour, baking powder and vanilla extract and mix until a dough forms. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

4. 4

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. 5

   Divide the dough in half, keeping one half in the fridge. Roll out the other half thickly on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rounds about 6cm in diameter. Repeat with remaining dough.

6. 6

   Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies should look very pale — do not overbake. Cool completely before filling.

7. 7

   Spread a teaspoon of dulce de leche on half the cookies. Sandwich with the remaining cookies. Roll the exposed sides of each alfajor in coconut flakes.