Rasberry Jam Cookies – Pepas: A Taste of Argentine Sunshine

There’s something truly magical about a cookie that transports you across continents and back in time. For me, Rasberry Jam Cookies, or “Pepas” as they’re known in Argentina, are exactly that. I remember the first time I encountered them, not in a bustling Buenos Aires bakery, but in the quiet kitchen of a dear friend whose grandmother hailed from the Pampas. The aroma, a delicate dance of butter and sweet jam, filled the air, promising pure comfort. Each bite was a revelation – a tender, crumbly cookie yielding to a burst of vibrant raspberry. It’s a simple cookie, yes, but one imbued with a deep sense of tradition and homemade love, a testament to how a few humble ingredients can create something so utterly delightful.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Servings: Approximately 75 cookies or more (depending on size)
• Yield: 75 cookies or more
• Dietary Type: Standard (can be adapted)

Ingredients

This recipe, adapted from the brilliant Maru Botana, is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor.

• 1 ½ cups butter (350 g, softened to room temperature for easier creaming)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (500 g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (*)
• ½ cup toasted almond, chopped (*)
• 1 ¼ cups confectioners’ sugar (150 g)
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 11 ounces raspberry jam (or any other jam or jelly you love!)

Indicates ingredients with my personal touch, feel free to stick to the original if you prefer.

Equipment Needed

To bring these delightful Pepas to life, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
• Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Creating these charming jam cookies is a straightforward process, yielding a treasure trove of deliciousness.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F (180° C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden hue.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground ginger (if using). This dry mix forms the foundation of our cookie dough.
3. Cream Butter and Dry Mix: Add the softened butter to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream them together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4. Incorporate Almonds: Stir in the toasted, chopped almonds (if using). Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the crumbly mixture.
5. Blend in Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the bowl while continuing to mix. Blend until the mixture is well combined.
6. Add Wet Ingredients: Now, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until a cohesive dough begins to form.
7. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. The dough should become smooth and pliable. Be careful not to overwork it, which can lead to tough cookies.
8. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a log approximately 1 inch wide. Wrap each log tightly in plastic film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is essential for making the dough easier to handle and slice.
9. Slice the Cookies: Once chilled, unwrap the dough logs. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into ½-inch thick cookies.
10. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sliced cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie to allow for a slight spread during baking.
11. Create the Indentation: Using your finger or the back of a small spoon, gently press the center of each cookie to create a small indentation. This well will hold our delicious jam filling.
12. Fill with Jam: Carefully fill each indentation with raspberry jam (or your chosen jam/jelly). Don’t overfill, as the jam can bubble over during baking. I often like to use a few different jam flavors in a single batch for a burst of variety!
13. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350° F (180° C), or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
14. Cool on a Rack: Once baked, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly and develop their signature crispness.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Butter Temperature is Key: Using room temperature butter is paramount. It should be soft enough to yield to gentle pressure but not melted. This ensures it creams properly with the sugar and flour, creating a tender dough.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Over-kneading can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Chill for Control: The chilling step is non-negotiable. It firms up the butter, making the logs easier to slice cleanly and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
• Jam Variety is the Spice of Life: While raspberry is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment! Apricot, strawberry, blackberry, or even a tart plum jam can be wonderfully delicious.
• Uniform Indentations: Try to make your indents as uniform as possible for even baking and a beautiful presentation. A small measuring spoon can be a handy tool for this.
• Watch for “Lightly Golden”: The goal is a gentle hue, not a deep brown. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after removal from the oven.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Rasberry Jam Cookies, or Pepas, are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing their delicate flavors to truly shine. They are magnificent alongside a steaming cup of coffee, a soothing cup of tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a traditional mate, Argentina’s beloved herbal infusion. Their delightful crumbly texture and sweet, fruity center make them a perfect companion for any beverage.

To keep them fresh and delicious, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container or a cookie tin at room temperature. They will maintain their delightful quality for up to 5-7 days. If you find yourself with an abundance (which is unlikely, as they disappear quickly!), they can also be frozen for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	84.8 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	4.5 g	6%
Saturated Fat	2.5 g	12%
Cholesterol	18.6 mg	6%
Sodium	39.3 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	10.3 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	4.1 g	16%
Protein	1.1 g	2%

Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic Rasberry Jam Cookie is a star in its own right, here are a few ways to add your personal flair:

• Almond-Free Pepas: If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t have almonds on hand, simply omit them. The cookies will still be delicious!
• Citrus Zest: For a brighter, more complex flavor, add the zest of ½ a lemon or orange to the dough along with the vanilla.
• Spiced Pepas: If you enjoyed the ginger, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warmer, more autumnal profile.
• Different Jams: As mentioned, the possibilities are endless! Try apricot, plum, strawberry, or even a mixed berry jam. A tart currant jelly can also be a delightful contrast to the sweet cookie.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate can add an extra touch of indulgence.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, you would need to experiment with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may differ slightly, but it’s definitely achievable.

FAQs

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: This is usually due to the butter being too soft or melted. Ensure your butter is at room temperature but not greasy. Also, making sure the dough is well-chilled before slicing is critical.

Q: Can I use fresh berries instead of jam?
A: While you could potentially use a very thick berry compote, it’s not ideal. Jam provides a concentrated flavor and sweetness without adding too much moisture, which can affect the cookie’s texture.

Q: How do I get the classic “dimple” in the center of the cookie?
A: A gentle press with your thumb or the rounded end of a spoon before filling with jam is the easiest way. Ensure the indentation is deep enough to hold the jam without overflowing.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be made, shaped into logs, wrapped, and refrigerated for up to 2 days. This can actually improve the flavor development.

Q: Are these cookies suitable for a bake sale?
A: Absolutely! Their compact size, lovely appearance, and delicious taste make them a perfect treat for bake sales. They also hold up well for transport.

Final Thoughts

There’s a profound joy in baking cookies that are both simple and sophisticated, and Rasberry Jam Cookies – Pepas – embody this perfectly. They are a reminder that the most memorable flavors often come from the most unassuming ingredients, treated with care and respect. Whether you’re looking for a delightful afternoon tea treat, a charming addition to a dessert platter, or simply a taste of pure, unadulterated comfort, these Pepas are sure to win hearts. I encourage you to try this recipe, infuse it with your own creativity, and share the delicious results with those you cherish. May each bite bring you as much happiness as it brings me.