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Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the egg is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently with a spatula or the mixer at low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it feels too dry, add a tiny bit of milk (1-2 teaspoons) until it’s manageable.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Using a fork, gently flatten each ball into a disc shape. You can also use your fingers to shape them into little rounds or oval shapes.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them toward the end to prevent overbaking. The cookies will still be soft when they come out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Fill
Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can fill them with your favorite filling. If you’re using dulce de leche, spread a thin layer on one cookie, then sandwich it with another. Alternatively, you can use fruit jam, chocolate ganache, or even lemon curd for a zesty twist.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)
For a finishing touch, you can lightly dust the tops of the filled cookies with more powdered sugar before serving. This adds a touch of sweetness and gives them an elegant look.
Tips for Perfect Maizena Alphajors
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures that the butter mixes evenly into the dough, giving the cookies their light texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Customize the Filling: While dulce de leche is the classic filling, feel free to get creative! You can fill these cookies with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or even a nut butter like almond or hazelnut spread.
Variations of Maizena Alphajors
- Chocolate Maizena Alphajors: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough to make a chocolate version of these cookies. You can still fill them with dulce de leche or use a chocolate filling for even more chocolatey goodness.
- Lemon Maizena Alphajors: For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough and fill the cookies with lemon curd. These cookies will have a tangy, refreshing flavor that balances the sweetness of the cornstarch base.
- Nutty Alphajors: Mix in some chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) into the dough for a crunchy surprise in every bite. You can even sprinkle some on top of the filling for added texture.
Why Maizena Alphajors Are the Perfect Treat
- Light and Buttery: These cookies are incredibly light and delicate, with a buttery flavor that is hard to beat.
- Versatile: You can fill them with whatever you like, making them easily adaptable for different tastes and occasions.
- Great for Gifting: Packaged in a cute box or tin, these cookies make for an impressive homemade gift. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or as a thoughtful gesture for a friend or loved one.
- Easy to Store: Maizena Alphajors stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container, and they also freeze well. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Conclusion
Maizena Alphajors are the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and texture. Their light, delicate crumb, combined with the sweet filling, makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a new dessert to add to your baking repertoire, preparing for a special event, or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy these delightful cookies that are bound to become a favorite in your home!
Happy baking! 🍪
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