Peruvian Alfajores with Manjar Blanco
Peruvian Alfajores are delightful sandwich cookies filled with a rich, creamy Manjar Blanco, a traditional caramel-like sauce. These sweet treats are perfect for sharing or as a special dessert!
Plan and shop
Save this recipe for real-life cooking
Build a local shopping list or place this recipe into a weekly meal plan. No account is required.
Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
- 3
In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- 4
Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- 5
Gradually add the flour and cornstarch mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- 6
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles.
- 7
Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- 8
Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- 9
Once cooled, spread a generous layer of Manjar Blanco on the bottom of one cookie, and sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
- 10
Finally, dust the filled alfajores with powdered sugar before serving.
Cook notes
Tips
For a richer flavor, let the butter come to room temperature before creaming it with sugar.
Cool cookies completely to avoid melting the Manjar Blanco when filling.
If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour while rolling it out.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container to keep cookies fresh and soft.
- Refrigerating Alfajores can prolong shelf life but may alter texture.
- For long-term storage, freeze assembled Alfajores for up to 2 months.
Substitutions
- Use margarine instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option.
- Replace Manjar Blanco with homemade dulce de leche if preferred.
- You can use all-purpose gluten-free flour in place of regular flour.
What to Serve With
- A cup of Peruvian coffee for a delightful pairing.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas.
- Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Common Mistakes
- Avoid overbaking the cookies; they should be lightly golden, not brown.
- Ensure the cookies are completely cool before adding Manjar Blanco to prevent it from melting.
- Don't skip the dusting of powdered sugar, as it adds a sweet finish.
Recipe FAQ
What is Manjar Blanco?
Manjar Blanco is a traditional Peruvian caramel sauce made from sweetened condensed milk, similar to dulce de leche.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before rolling it out and baking.
How should I store leftover Alfajores?
Store leftover Alfajores in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
A light, editable placeholder for future partner recommendations. No real affiliate links are enabled yet.
Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases when enabled. Read the Affiliate Disclosure.
Cook along weekly
Want more illustrated recipes like Peruvian Alfajores with Manjar Blanco?
Join the World Recipe Letter for global home-cooking ideas and visual recipe guides.
Join the World Recipe Letter
Get 5 illustrated recipes every week.
No account needed. Unsubscribe when email delivery is connected.
Cook next
You might also like
More flavors from the same country or nearby pantry style.
Lomo Saltado
A sizzling beef stir-fry with onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, vinegar, fries, and rice.
Classic Ceviche
Fresh white fish cured in lime with red onion, aji, cilantro, sweet potato, and corn.
Aji Amarillo Chicken
Juicy chicken in a creamy aji amarillo sauce with lime, garlic, and cilantro.