Argentina’s culinary scene has earned global acclaim with the alfajor being named the world’s best cookie in a recent ranking by Taste Atlas, a renowned culinary guide that compiles user ratings and reviews from food enthusiasts around the world.
The alfajor stood out for its distinct structure—two round, crumbly cookies enclosing a rich filling of dulce de leche or jam, often coated with chocolate or dusted with powdered sugar. According to Taste Atlas, the cookie’s unique combination of textures and flavors made it the top choice in the ranking.
The name “alfajor” comes from the Arabic word al-hasú, meaning “filled,” and although the treat originated in Andalusia, Spain, it was in Latin America, particularly Argentina, that the alfajor truly flourished.
The ranking, titled “The 100 Best Cookies in the World,” was updated on April 27, 2025, and based on 15,592 user ratings. To ensure reliability, Taste Atlas verified 10,002 of these votes, filtering out bots and nationalist bias, and prioritizing input from users considered culinary experts.
Following the alfajor in the top five were the melomakarona, a honey-soaked Greek cookie, which took second place. These semolina cookies, sprinkled with walnuts, are deeply rooted in ancient traditions and remain a popular holiday treat in Greece.
The classic American chocolate chip cookie claimed third place, beloved for its perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, with a chewy texture that pairs well with milk, coffee, or tea.
The fourth position went to the stroopwafel, a Dutch cookie invented in the late 18th century in Gouda. These thin waffles are filled with a caramel syrup made of sugar, butter, and cinnamon, a creation attributed to baker Gerard Kamphuisen.
In fifth place were Mexico’s marranitos, small ginger-flavored sweet breads shaped like pigs. Made with molasses, cinnamon, and allspice, these treats are a staple in Mexican baking.
Beyond sweets, Argentina also saw success in the Taste Atlas rankings. Argentine empanadas, a beloved street food, secured the 36th spot in the list of the 50 Best Street Foods in the World. The guide noted the diversity of empanada styles across Argentina, with variations in fillings and preparation methods that reflect the country’s regional flavors. Empanadas are traditionally filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, but sweet versions with dulce de leche or quince paste are also popular.
Related topics:
