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May 12, 2019

Keto Alfajores – Sugar-Free Recipe

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Is it even possible? Can low carb and sugar free alfajores be a real thing. Oh yes, I have done it and I am so delighted by these delicious keto caramel sandwich cookies. Absolutely divine. This post is sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill.

A stack of alfajores, a South American caramel sandwich cookie

Can you believe I created a low carb alfajores recipe?

Okay hang on, do you even know what alfajores are? Perhaps we need to tackle that subject before we get into this glorious keto caramel cookie recipe. Cleary some of you are familiar with them, since you’ve been asking me for this alfajores recipe ever since I published my sugar-free dulce de leche recipe.

But others may not be so familiar with them, so let’s start at the beginning.

First, let me be clear that the term alfajores is the plural, so it’s referring to the whole big batch of cookies. When you want to discuss a single cookie, that would be an alfajor. Isn’t my Spanish fabulous? These might be some of the only words I know, but they are very very important words.

Sugar free dulce de leche being spread on keto cookies for alfajores

What are Alfajores?

These cookies are fabulous and you need to incorporate them immediately into your keto desserts lexicon.

In essence, they are a kind of delicate shortbread cookie sandwich with an amazing dulce de leche filling. They originated in Spain but are extremely popular in South America. One bite and you’ll know why.

Although I’ve never actually had a conventional alfajor, but my keto version was so good, I have to assume that the real thing is also swoon-worthy.

Traditional South American alfajores are made with cornstarch and flour, which is obviously isn’t going to fly for the keto diet. But beyond that little discrepancy, I did my best to stay as true to the original as I possibly could.

Of course, as is always the case with a popular classic recipe, there are many regional variations and small twists. I consulted any number of alfajores recipes before working out how to make my own.

Close up of low carb alfajores cookies on a plate

Tips for a Keto Alfajores Recipe

I knew I needed reliable keto flours to give this delicate cookie the right consistency, so of course I turned to Bob’s Red Mill. I really find their almond flour and coconut flour to be exceptional. The combination of these two is what helps create a tender shortbread-like texture.

The cookies aren’t meant to rise very much, so using baking soda instead of baking powder helps keep them from being overly cakey.

Adding a bit of brandy may seem like an unusual step for a cooking but several traditional recipes I consulted included it. I decided to go with it, but it’s not required. A bit of water would work just as well.

The lemon zest, along with the vanilla, gives the alfajores a uniquely light flavor. I recommend including the lemon zest no matter what.

And using powdered sweetener is critical to getting that tender shortbread texture, without any residual grittiness. Please be sure it is an erythritol sweetener, as other sweeteners will make the cookies too soft and cakey.

Don’t roll the dough too thinly. I’ve seen some alfajores that have some thicker cookies and some thinner ones as well. But 1/4 inch thick is about as thin as you want it. Otherwise they cook and brown too quickly and don’t have that incredibly delicate, melt in your mouth texture.

They will seem very soft as they come out of the oven. Don’t panic, this is normal for keto cookies. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Then you’re going to have a delightfully delicious time filling those tender rounds with my sugar-free dulce de leche. Did I mention you want to make that ahead of time? Don’t worry, that part is easy. Just be sure to make it ahead and refrigerate it for a while. Otherwise it’s so soft, it tends so squish right out of your cookies.

Finally, take a little more powdered sweetener and lightly dust your cookies.

And finally, pick one up and bite into it. Now you will understand why I had to make a keto-friendly alfajores recipe!

Two alfajores on a plate with a cup of espresso in behind.

More Delicious Keto Sandwich Cookies

Maple Cream Sandwich Cookies

Chocolate Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies

Strawberry Cream Sandwich Cookies

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Chocolate Mousse Sandwich Cookies

Sugar free alfajores with a filling of low carb dulce de leche

Close up of low carb alfajores cookies on a plate
Print

Keto Alfajores

Hard to believe that alfajores can be sugar free and low carb! A healthy low carb sandwich cookie made with sugar free dulce de leche
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword alfajores, alfajores recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 18 cookies
Calories 177kcal

Ingredients

Cookies:

  • 1 3/4 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup powdered Swerve Sweetener
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 tbsp brandy (or water)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp freshly grated lemon zest

Filling:

  • 3/4 cup sugar free dulce de leche (refrigerated)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325F and line a large baking sheet with parchment or a silicone liner. 
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sweetener until well combined. Beat in the egg yolks, then beat in the brandy, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
  • Beat in the flour mixture until the dough comes together. Gather the dough into one big ball and transfer to a silicone mat or a large piece of parchment paper. Shape into a disc and cover with another piece of parchment, then roll out to 1/4 inch thick. 
  • Cut with a 2 inch round cookie cutter and gently lift with an offset spatula. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. You should get about 36 cookies. 
  • Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until just barely golden. The cookies will still be quite soft but will firm up as they cool. Let cool completely.
  • Once cool take one cookie and spread the bottom with about 2 teaspoons of chilled dulce de leche. Top with another cookie and sprinkle with powdered sweetener. Repeat with remaining cookies and remaining dulce de leche. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.8g | Protein: 3.3g | Fat: 16.4g | Fiber: 1.7g
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Filed Under: Cookies, Low Carb Tagged With: almond flour

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Nutritional Disclaimer

Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.

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Carolyn PortraitLooking for the best low carb recipes? You've come to the right place! I'm Carolyn, a major carnivore and an unrepentant sweet tooth. Here you will find all you need to enjoy the low carb keto lifestyle to the fullest! Read more

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