Pecan Alfajores, A South American Cookie Recipe

Alfajores are a beloved South American cookie, known for their delicate, crumbly texture and rich caramel filling—a pairing of buttery biscuits and sweet “dulce de leche” that’s been cherished for generations. Traditional versions lean heavily on wheat flour, but this homemade take swaps in coconut flour and pecans to keep things gluten-free and full of warm, nutty flavor.

These pecan-coconut alfajores are refined yet rustic: their dough is ground pecan and coconut flour, matched with a bit of butter (or a dairy-free substitute), vanilla, and sweetened with sugar. After chilling, slicing, baking until golden on the edges, the cookies are sandwiched together with caramel. The result is a cookie that melts in your mouth, with just enough chew and crunch.

If you enjoy baking gifts, cookie trays, or just making something a little special, these cookies stand out—elegant, festive, and impressively homemade.

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How to Make Pecan Alfajores, A Homemade Caramel-Filled Cookie (Paleo-Friendly-ish / Gluten-Free-ish)

Note: This version is gluten-free (uses coconut flour) and can be adapted dairy-free if the butter is swapped for a dairy-free alternative. It’s not strictly paleo unless those swaps are made.

Recipe Details

Yield: 20 cookies
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

• Scant ½ cup coconut flour
• 1 1/2 cups roughly chopped raw pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 6 tablespoons softened butter (or dairy-free butter for non-dairy version)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg white
• Caramel sauce or dulce de leche for filling (make your own or use store-bought, ensuring it fits your dietary needs)

Recipe Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine coconut flour, pecans, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Process until the pecans are very finely ground.
2. Add softened butter, vanilla extract, and egg white; pulse until the dough comes together into a cohesive mass.
3. Shape the dough into a log about 1½-inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in parchment paper and chill in the fridge for 2 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the chilled log into ¼-inch rounds. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for about 9-11 minutes, until cookies are golden brown around the edges. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before handling.
7. To assemble: turn half of the cooled cookies upside down, spoon a small dollop of caramel sauce in the center, spread slightly outward, then top with the remaining cookies to create cookie sandwiches.
8. Let the filled alfajores rest until set before storing or serving.

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Pecan Alfajores Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per alfajor (recipe yields approximately 12 cookies).

Serving Size	1 alfajor cookie
Calories	≈ 190 kcal
Protein	≈ 2 g
Carbs	≈ 18 g
Sugar	≈ 10 g
Fiber	≈ 1 g
Fat	≈ 13 g

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Variations & Tips for Making These Pecan Cookies

• Nut swap: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different nut flavor.
• Cookie shape variation: Use smaller cookie cutters for bite-sized alfajores or shape into rounds instead of scalloped edges.
• Salted dulce de leche: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the caramel filling for a salted caramel effect.
• Fruit twist: Add finely chopped figs or dried cherries into the dough for extra texture and flavor notes.
• Dusting flair: Instead of powdered sugar, try fine coconut sugar or cinnamon sugar for a rustic topping.
• Make ahead & storing: Store in an airtight container layered with parchment paper. The cookies soften over time, so they’re best eaten within 2–3 days.

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What Goes Best with These Cookies

• Maté or yerba mate tea — traditional South American pairing with cookies.
• Black coffee or espresso — bitterness pairs well with sweet filling.
• Vanilla bean ice cream — serve alfajores over ice cream for dessert fusion.
• Fresh berries or citrus slices — acidity brightens flavors.
• Sweet dessert wine or port — pairs well for a more adult dessert experience.

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When to Share with Family & Friends

• Holiday cookie trays or exchanges — elegant, filled cookies stand out.
• Afternoon tea or dessert tables — refined and beautiful for gatherings.
• Latin or South American themed dinners — cultural dessert matching menu themes.
• Birthday or special occasion desserts — unique option alongside classic cakes.
• Editions for gifting — package in small boxes with ribbon as edible gifts.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont