Italian Peach Cookies: A Beautiful and Delicious Dessert

Sweet Memories Wrapped in a Cookie

Imagine holding a cookie that looks like a ripe, juicy peach. Its soft, sugar-coated exterior glimmers under the light, and when you take a bite, you’re greeted with a burst of sweet peach buttercream. Italian Peach Cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes. These cookies are stunningly beautiful and taste as good as they look.

Whether you’re hosting a special gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a fun baking project, Italian Peach Cookies are the perfect choice. They may look intricate, but with step-by-step instructions, you’ll find they’re surprisingly simple to make.

Let’s dive into the process and bring these charming cookies to life in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Italian Peach Cookies

Italian Peach Cookies aren’t just cookies—they’re little works of art. Here’s why they’re worth the effort:

• Visually Stunning: These cookies are shaped and decorated to look like real peaches, making them a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
• Delightfully Sweet and Fruity: The peach buttercream filling adds a fruity burst of flavor that perfectly complements the soft cookie exterior.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a wedding, baby shower, or holiday celebration, these cookies add a touch of elegance.
• Fun to Make: Shaping and decorating the cookies is an enjoyable activity, and kids will love helping out with the food coloring and sugar coating.

Ingredients for Italian Peach Cookies

Before you begin, gather the ingredients for both the cookies and the peach buttercream filling.

For the Cookies

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
All-purpose flour	3 ½ cups	Forms the structure of the cookies
Baking powder	1 Tbsp.	Helps the cookies rise slightly
Kosher salt	¼ tsp.	Enhances the overall flavor
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup	Adds richness and softness
Granulated sugar (divided)	2 cups	1 cup for the dough, 1 cup for coating
Large eggs (room temp.)	2	Adds moisture and structure
Vanilla extract	2 tsp.	Adds warmth and flavor
Whole milk (divided)	¾ cup	Used in both the dough and decoration
Red food coloring	A few drops	For coloring the “peaches”
Yellow food coloring	A few drops	For coloring the “peaches”
Mint or basil leaves	Optional	For decoration

For the Peach Buttercream

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Unsalted butter	¼ cup	Forms the creamy base of the filling
Vanilla extract	½ tsp.	Adds a sweet note to the buttercream
Kosher salt	A pinch	Balances the sweetness
Powdered sugar	1 cup	Makes the filling smooth and sweet
Peach preserves	2 Tbsp.	Provides fruity flavor and moisture

How to Make Italian Peach Cookies

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your Italian Peach Cookies look and taste perfect.

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar on medium speed until creamy and light, about 3–4 minutes.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

• With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
• Increase the speed to medium and mix until fully combined.

5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Milk

• With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with ¼ cup of milk each time. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.

6. Shape the Cookies

• Using a 1-teaspoon measuring spoon, scoop scant teaspoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Roll the dough between your palms to form smooth balls, then gently press them into rounded disks.

7. Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops spring back when touched.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.

8. Hollow Out the Cookies

• While the cookies are still slightly warm, use a small knife to cut a ¼-teaspoon-sized circle into the underside of each cookie. Scoop out a small hole using a ¼-teaspoon measuring spoon.

Making the Peach Buttercream

The peach buttercream filling is what brings these cookies to life.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt on medium speed until smooth.
• Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar.

2. Add the Peach Preserves

• Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the peach preserves.
• Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.

Assembling the Cookies

Now it’s time to turn the cookies into realistic-looking peaches!

1. Fill and Sandwich the Cookies

• Spread a small amount of peach buttercream into each hollowed-out hole on the underside of the cookies.
• Spread a thin layer of buttercream on the bottoms of the cookies and press two cookies together to form a sandwich.

2. Color the Cookies

• Divide the remaining ½ cup of milk into two small bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and yellow food coloring to the other.
• Briefly dip one side of the cookie sandwich into the yellow milk and the other side into the red milk. Let any excess milk drip off.

3. Coat in Sugar

• Roll each dipped cookie in the remaining granulated sugar until fully coated.

4. Add the Finishing Touches

• Place a small mint or basil leaf between the two cookies to resemble a peach stem.

Tips for Perfect Italian Peach Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature butter, eggs, and milk ensures the dough comes together smoothly.
• Don’t Skip the Sugar Coating: Rolling the cookies in sugar gives them their signature sparkle and sweetness.
• Work Quickly with Food Coloring: Dip the cookies briefly to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
• Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount Per Cookie
Calories	150
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3.5g
Carbohydrates	23g
Sugar	16g
Protein	2g

FAQs About Italian Peach Cookies

1. Can I use store-bought peach preserves?

Yes, store-bought peach preserves work perfectly for the buttercream filling.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, freeze the assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. What other flavors can I try?

You can experiment with different preserves like raspberry or apricot for a unique twist.

5. Are these cookies difficult to make?

Not at all! While they require a few steps, the process is straightforward and beginner-friendly.

6. Do I have to use mint or basil leaves?

No, the leaves are optional and purely decorative. You can also use plastic leaves but remember to remove them before eating.

Conclusion: Bring a Touch of Elegance to Your Baking

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious, Italian Peach Cookies are the answer. These cookies are perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress someone with your baking skills. Their soft texture, fruity filling, and beautiful presentation make them a dessert that everyone will remember.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake these delightful little peaches. You’ll love the process—and the results even more!

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