Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche (Alfajores)

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Servings: 24
Yield: 24 servings

Description

These Alfajores gluten-free sandwich cookie treats are very popular in Latin cultures. The recipe is simply made with cornstarch and dulce de leche.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups cornstarch
1 cup gluten-free all-purpose baking flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
3 egg yolks
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (11 1/2 ounce) jar dulce de leche
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Directions

1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2 Whisk cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and baking soda together in a large bowl; set aside.
3 Beat butter and sugar together in a separate bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Whisk in egg yolks, one at a time, until well combined, adding lemon zest and vanilla extract with last yolk. Fold into flour mixture with a spoon, mixing until dough holds together and forms a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
4 Roll dough out to about ¼-inch thickness; cut with a small round cookie cutter and place on the prepared baking sheets.
5 Bake in the preheated oven until set but not browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer immediately to cool on a wire rack.
6 Spread flat underside of 1 cookie with 1 teaspoon dulce de leche. Sandwich together with another cookie until filling comes out on the sides; roll sides in shredded coconut. Repeat with remaining cookies, dulce de leche, and coconut.