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En Casa Cooking Space

En Casa Cooking Space

Sweet bites of delight for curious paletes

Christmas Macadamia Alfajores

23 December 2020 By Paula

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Macadamia alfajores covered in white chocolate and sprinkles on a white surface

These Christmas Macadamia Alfajores are the perfect treat for this special time of the year. Crumbly macadamia cookies with the smoothest dulce de leche in the center and covered in the richest Belgian white chocolate. A Latin American classic with a twist!

Macadamia alfajores covered in white chocolate and sprinkles on a white surface

If you haven’t heard of alfajores, well, my friend, you are missing out! Alfajores are the Latinamerican macaron. I’ve been on a mission to spread the love for these Argentinian cookies here in Australia through my online shop and Instagram (check them out if you still haven’t). But still, I haven’t shared a recipe with you all, in case you can’t try mine 😉

Why you’ll love this alfajores recipe

  • They are super easy to make, like all my recipes.
  • The cookies are so crumbly you can just eat them without turning them into alfajores. So this can be a double recipe 🙂
  • You can choose any dry nut you have at hand.
  • You don’t want to miss on the combination of flavours between dulce de leche, macadamia and white chocolate.
Alfajores cookies covered in white chocolate and red and green sprinkles on a silver small dish, on a white surface

What are macadamia nuts?

These small bites of delight are the perfect fusion of Argentina and Australia. Alfajores are as Argentinian as tango, soccer, mate (a tea with a straw) and asado (or BBQ), whereas macadamia is a clear synonym of Australia.

Macadamia trees are native to Australia (specifically, Queensland and New South Gales states). They take from 7 to 10 years to mature, added to the particular conditions for them to grow, makes them quite an expensive dry nut, but a game-changer in any recipe.

Their high content of healthy fats and rich buttery flavour lifts any cookies or cakes, and they are perfectly paired with white chocolate, raspberries and even mango.

What if I can’t find macadamia nuts?

There’s nothing to worry about if you can’t find macadamia or if they are too expensive. There best substitute would be pecans, but you can always go fo pistachios, as I did here. The combination of flavours between pistachios, white chocolate and dulce de leche is divine! Trust me! 😉

You can always choose from almonds, walnuts or even peanuts. Just have into account that the texture and flavours may change, as they all have different content of fats, which will undoubtedly affect the cookies.

macadamia and pistachios cookies on a wooden tray, on a white surface with some dry nuts around them

Tips to make these Christmas alfajores

  1. Unsalted butter at room temperature: It’s very important that the butter is at room temperature. This will help the cookies stay in shape and not spread too much.
  2. Sift the flour and cornstarch together: I always measure these ingredients together in the same bowl and then, sift them together. This will help mix them into the mixture, and also avoid having any big lumps in the alfajores. It also helps the cookies to be fluffier and not too dense.
  3. Dulce de Leche: Get the best quality dulce de leche you can find. It has to be thick and not runny at all. Otherwise, when you add the second cookie on top, the dulce de leche will spread and lose its shape.
  4. Macadamias: If you can’t find macadamias where you live, feel free to swap them with pistachios, almonds, pecans, walnuts, or any dry nuts you prefer.
  5. Don’t overmix: Make sure not to overmix the ingredients once you’ve added the flour.
  6. Roll the dough between baking paper: When all ingredients are well combined, using a rolling pin, roll the dough between two baking papers to the desired thickness. This will help to get even cookies after being chilled.
  7. Chill the dough: To avoid the alfajores cookies to spread, place the rolled dough in the fridge until it’s solid hard, at least for one hour. After this time, it’ll be easier to cut the cookies and they shouldn’t spread in the oven.
  8. Flour your cookie cutter: When cutting the cookies, “dip” the cutter into some flour. This will help get clear cut edges which won’t spread in the oven.

How can I decorate these macadamia alfajores

Once the cookies are filled with dulce de leche, it comes the creative and fun part: the decorating!! For the ones shown in these photos, I dipped one cookie on white chocolate and then added some festive sprinkles (red for macadamia and green for pistachios).

Other options are Christmas M&Ms, chopped nuts, edible paint or just leave as they are with the rich white chocolate “exposed”.

How can I store this alfajores

Alfajores have a long shelf life, around 4 weeks. There’s no need to put them in the fridge, unless you like cold cookies. In that case, be my guess!

Can I freeze these macadamia alfajores?

Definitely! You can freeze these macadamia alfajores for 3 months. Take into account the texture once thawed may change, but the flavours will be equally delicious!

More recipes with dulce de leche:

  • Boozy Chocolate and Dulce de Leche Truffles
  • Meringues and Dulce de Leche Cake Roll
  • Cakey Dulce de Leche and Cashew Brownies

Don’t forget to leave a comment down below if you try this recipe (and why not, an Uber-style rating? ★★★★★). It not only helps me but also other people that want to try it. You can also tag me on Instagram or Pinterest so I get to check your photos or send them to me privately if you are shy.

Macadamia alfajores covered in white chocolate and sprinkles on a white surface

Christmas Macadamia Alfajores

Paula Delapenna
These Christmas Macadamia Alfajores are the perfect treat for this special time of the year. Crumbly macadamia cookies with the smoothest dulce de leche in the center and covered in the richest Belgian white chocolate. A Latin American classic with a twist!
Print It Pin It
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 7 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Cookies
Servings 12 alfajores

Ingredients
  

  • 70 g unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 50 g granulated sugar
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
  • 100 g self-rising flour sifted
  • 150 g cornstarch sifted
  • Sprinkle of salt
  • 100 g macadamia nuts chopped (or any nut you prefer)
  • 25 ml cold water
  • 350 g dulce de leche
  • 150 g white chocolate optional

Instructions
 

  • In a big bowl, add the butter and the sugar. Using a spatula, mix until well combined. Add the eggs and the vanilla essence, and mix again.
  • Once well combined, add the sifted flour, cornstarch and salt, together with the chopped macadamia nuts and water. Fold until well combined.
  • Place the dough between two baking papers, and using a rolling pin, roll until it's 6 mm thick. Place in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.
  • Preheat your oven to 180 ˚C (350 ˚F) and spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray, or use a silicone sheet or baking paper.
  • Using a 6cm diameter cookie cutter, cut the cookies and place them on the cookie sheet making sure to leave to room between them. They shouldn't spread too much.
  • Bake for 6.7 min, until they are slightly golden brown. Let them cool completely.
  • To fill these alfajores, add the dulce de leche in a piping bag (or feel free to simply use a spoon) and pipe some dulce de leche (it's never too much, remember!) on one cookie.  Cover with another cookie and put some pressure to make them even.
  • Melt the white chocolate in the microwave, 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until it's completely melted. Grab the alfajores on one cookie and dip the bottom one on the white chocolate. Flip and place on a cookie sheet or large serving dish and sprinkle some festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Notes

  • MACADAMIAS: Replace them with your prefered nut: walnuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios...
  • DECORATION: Fell free to get creative! You can add some chopped nuts, festive M&Ms or just leave the white chocolate "exposed". 
  • STORAGE: Store them in an air-tight container for up to 4 weeks at room temperature, or you can easily freeze them for up to 3 months.
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Hola!

I’m Paula. Baker by legacy thanks to my grandma and mom, curious by nature. I’ll share all the go-to recipes I’ve learnt from my family back in Argentina and some others I’ve picked up along the way. Some decadent, some healthy-ish. Happy baking!

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Hola 👋🏼 In case we haven't met, I'm Paula, t Hola 👋🏼 In case we haven't met, I'm Paula, the everything behind En Casa (baker, photographer, cleaner, sales rep, marketing "expert", delivery driver, customer service and so much more).⁠
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I hardly ever post my face here, but I thought I would share 10 random things so you get to know me a bit better:⁠
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1. Originally from Olavarría 🇦🇷, I have lived in the US for a year and a bit (both Ohio and Colorado have a piece of my heart), then 10 years in Buenos Aires and 9 years in Melbourne ).⁠
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2. I've never been much of a beach person (mountains all the way!), but just moved to a beach town and loving and embracing this new life!!⁠
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3. I hardly ever wear make-up. If I do, the bare minimum... ⁠
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4. Even though I'm quite chatty, I'm also very shy in big groups or new situations/meeting new people. ⁠
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5. My love language is food.⁠
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6. I save all my money to travel (and probably buy food + plants + books 🤣). ⁠
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7. I'm a big sci-fi + Marvel nerd. I've recently finished watching all the Marvel movies chronologically (old COVID times...)⁠
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8. I shouldn't admit this but I prefer quince paste to dulce de leche any day of the week 🤫🤫⁠
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9. I love deep chats and all things self-development and growth. Always learning and evolving...⁠
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10. I'm a lone wolf 🤣, but still enjoy company if it's good vibes and meaningful. ⁠
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If you are still reading, THANK YOU!!! ❤️ And make sure to come say Hola! at my next market!! ⁠
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(Español en comentarios... demasiado largo)⁠
So excited to announce the upcoming markets!!⁠
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Can't wait to introduce Port to alfajores, pasta frola, and all yummy Argentinian baked goods. I don't think you know what's coming hahaha 😋⁠
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More info to come soon, but get your calendars out and if you are nearby, come say Hola! and get some delicious treats for the weekend. ⁠
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Que lindo volver a anunciar los próximos mercados!!⁠
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No veo la hora de presentarle a Port los alfajores, pasta frola y todas las delicias argentinas. Creo que no saben lo que les espera jajaja 😋⁠
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Más info prontito, pero si andan por la zona, pasen a saludar y comprar cosas ricas para el finde.⁠
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#alfajores #dulcedeleche #alfajoresdemaicena #alfajoresaustralia #alfajoresmelbourne #cookiesandwich #alfajoresartesanales #alfajoresargentinos #portmacquarie #portmacquariensw #midnorthcoast #discoverportmacquarie #iloveportmacquarie #visitportmacquarie #visitnsw #portmacquariefoodies #portmacquariecafe #portmacquarieeats #portmacquariebusiness
The most decadent chocolate cake 🍫 Chocolate s The most decadent chocolate cake 🍫

Chocolate sponge + chocolate frosting… perfection!!
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La torta de chocolate más rica de todas 🍫

Torta de chocolate + frosting de chocolate… la perfección misma!!
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#chocolatecake #chocolatefrosting #matildacake #chocolatelovers #tortadechocolate #portmacquarie #portmacquariensw #midnorthcoast #discoverportmacquarie #iloveportmacquarie #visitportmacquarie #visitnsw #portmacquariefoodies #portmacquariecafe #portmacquarieeats #portmacquariebusiness
Dulce de leche “Pionono” (aka, cake roll) One Dulce de leche “Pionono” (aka, cake roll)

One of the most popular desserts at the markets. Order it online, find the recipe in my blog or find it soon at the next market 🤫 
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Pionono de dulce de leche, todo un clásico ⭐️

Uno de los productos más populares en los mercados… Lo podés pedir online, cocinarlo con la receta en mi blog o lo encontrás en el próximo mercado prontito 🤫
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#dulcedeleche #pionono #pasteleriaartesanal #dessertsofinstagram #portmacquarie #portmacquariefoodies #portmacquariebusiness
A bit of summer in the shape of brownie ☀️...⁠
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A whole lot of colours and textures, all in one dessert 👌🏼⁠
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Fudgy brownie base + Dulce de leche + Fresh whipped cream + Fresh berries⁠
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Un poquito de verano en forma de brownie ☀️...⁠
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Muchos colores y texturas, todo en un solo postre 👌🏼⁠
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Base de brownie bien húmedo + Dulce de leche + Crema batida + Frutos rojos frescos⁠
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#browniecake #dulcedeleche #frutosrojos #postresartesanales #tortabrownie #pasteleriaargentina #brownies #portmacquarie #portmacquariensw #midnorthcoast #discoverportmacquarie #iloveportmacquarie #visitportmacquarie #visitnsw #portmacquariefoodies #portmacquariecafe #portmacquarieeats #portmacquariebusiness
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