Peruvian Alfajores with Manjar Blanco

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup manjar blanco

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until fully combined.
7. Form the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness.
9. Using a 3-inch (7.5 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
12. In a medium bowl, mix together the cornstarch and manjar blanco until smooth.
13. Spread a generous amount of the manjar blanco mixture on the flat side of half of the cookies.
14. Top with the remaining cookies and press lightly to secure.
15. Serve and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

• Alfajores are a traditional Peruvian dessert, usually served at special occasions.
• Manjar blanco is a delicious Peruvian confection made with milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
• The name “alfajores” comes from the Arabic word for “sweet” or “delicious”.