Description
Authentic Italian Peach Cookies, also known as Pesche Dolci, are delightful soft cookies shaped and colored to resemble ripe peaches. These charming treats feature a tender, buttery cookie base filled with a sweet apricot jam and are finished with a vibrant peach-colored coating and a touch of sugar, making them perfect for festive occasions or a charming dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Pinch of salt
Filling and Decoration
- 1/2 cup apricot jam (for filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- Red and yellow food coloring
- Almond slivers or fresh mint leaves (for stem decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and milk. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a soft dough. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small walnut-sized balls, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottom but still soft. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on wire racks.
- Assemble the Peaches: Once cooled, gently press two cookies together, sandwiching a teaspoon of apricot jam between them to form a ‘peach’. Repeat with all cookie pairs.
- Add Color and Texture: Mix granulated sugar with a few drops of red and yellow food coloring to create a peachy-orange colored sugar. Roll each peach cookie in this colored sugar to coat the exterior evenly.
- Finishing Touches: Use almond slivers or a small fresh mint leaf inserted at the top of each cookie to mimic a peach stem. Allow the colored sugar to set before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough ensures easier handling and better cookie texture.
- Use apricot jam or any other light-colored fruit jam to maintain the authentic peach color.
- For a deeper peach color, adjust the amount of food coloring gradually.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These cookies make an excellent gift or festive treat with their charming appearance.
