Alfajores Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (14 ounce) can dulce de leche

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease baking sheets.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
4. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles with a cookie cutter, and place onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
5. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks. Once cooled, spread a tablespoon of dulce de leche onto half of the cookies, and top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.

Interesting Facts

• Alfajores originated in Argentina, but are popular in many Latin American countries.
• Dulce de leche is made by reducing milk and sugar over low heat.
• Alfajores cookies can be filled with many different flavors, including chocolate and fruit jams.