Pepas Argentinas (argentinian cookies)
Ditch the ordinary and dive into the world of "Pepas," Argentina's beloved bite-sized delights. These little cookies are more than just your average treat – they're a taste of tradition, a celebration of simple flavors, and the perfect partner to a steaming cup of mate.
Imagine this: a melt-in-your-mouth, crumbly shortbread cookie cradling a generous dollop of sweet, gooey dulce de leche. Pepas are like tiny flavor explosions, offering a delightful contrast between the buttery cookie and the rich, caramel goodness of dulce de leche. Each bite is a mini adventure for your taste buds, leaving you wanting more.
But Pepas are more than just delicious; they're incredibly easy to make. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques needed! Just a few basic ingredients, some love, and a little patience (because waiting for them to bake is the hardest part!)
They're also incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap the classic dulce de leche for your favorite jam, Nutella, or even a dollop of lemon curd. Get creative and personalize your Pepas to match your taste buds' desires.
So next time you're looking for a fun and flavorful baking project, look no further than Pepas. These Argentinian gems are sure to become a new favorite. They're perfect for afternoon tea parties, after-school snacks, or simply a delightful treat to enjoy with a good book and a cup of coffee. Get ready to fall in love with the simple charm and deliciousness of Pepas – Argentina's little cookie with a big heart (and flavor)!
- 270 grams All purpose flour
- 1 Egg
- 1 Egg yolk
- 125 grams Butter (Room temperature)
- 125 grams Sugar (Median size)
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 1 Lemon (Zest of one Lemon)
- 50 grams Jam (of your liking, I prefer strawberry jam)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Incorporate the eggs by one to the butter and sugar mixture. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
In a separate bowl, add together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Shape the dough into a log and plastic wrap it. Let it rest in the fridge for 15 min.
Then, make 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball. Fill the indentations with jam or jelly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For a more intense lemon flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough.
If you don't have a lemon, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest instead.
For a fun twist, try filling the indentations with different flavors of jam or jelly, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
Pepas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Calling all busy bees and flavor explorers! I'm a trilingual whirlwind (Argentina born, Brazilian by blood, and currently living it up in Brussels, Belgium). Don't let the fancy titles fool you, I'm a corporate girly by day and a passionate home cook by night (well, most nights – adulting is hard!). While I may not be a chef, I'm on a mission to conquer quick, home made, and delicious meals for myself and my partner. My travels and amazing colleagues from all corners of the globe have filled my recipe book with a rainbow of flavors, but you'll often find me dipping into my Argentinian and Italian roots for inspiration. So, buckle up and get ready for a culinary adventure – with a healthy dose of practicality for busy folks like us!