Italian Peach Cookies

Italian Peach Cookies, or Pesche Dolci, are stunning, peach-shaped treats filled with luscious pastry cream, Nutella, or jam. These soft, cake-like cookies are dipped in peach liqueur or fruit juice, coated in sugar, and decorated with fresh mint or leaves for a realistic appearance. They are perfect for special occasions, holidays, or as an eye-catching dessert at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually stunning: These cookies look just like real peaches.
• Soft and delicious: A tender, cake-like texture with a creamy filling.
• Customizable: Fill with pastry cream, Nutella, or jam.
• Perfect for celebrations: Great for weddings, holidays, or tea parties.
• Traditional Italian treat: A beloved dessert with a long history in Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup pastry cream or vanilla custard (or Nutella/jam for variation)

For Decoration:

• ½ cup peach liqueur (or apricot juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• ½ cup milk
• Red and yellow food coloring
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• Fresh mint or real peach leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Shape & Bake:

1. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
2. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Allow them to cool completely before handling.

Assemble the Peaches:

1. Using a small knife or spoon, hollow out a small center in each cookie.
2. Fill with pastry cream, Nutella, or jam.
3. Sandwich two cookies together, pressing gently to create a peach shape.

Color & Decorate:

1. In a bowl, mix peach liqueur (or apricot juice) with milk.
2. In two separate small bowls, add red and yellow food coloring to create two separate dyes.
3. Lightly dip each cookie into the color mixtures, blending for a natural peach-like effect.
4. Roll the colored cookies in granulated sugar.
5. Let them dry for at least 1 hour before serving.

Serve & Enjoy:

1. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or real peach leaves for a realistic touch.
2. Serve and enjoy these beautiful, delicate Italian cookies.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 peach cookies
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 15 minutes
• Assembling & Drying Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Alcohol-Free Version: Use apricot juice or peach nectar instead of liqueur.
• Different Fillings: Try ricotta cream, chocolate ganache, or lemon curd.
• Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of almond or rum extract to the dough.
• Larger Peaches: Make slightly bigger cookies for a more dramatic presentation.
• Chocolate Twist: Dip the edges in melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and assemble when needed.
• Room Temperature: Best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture.

FAQs

What are Italian Peach Cookies?

Pesche Dolci are Italian cookies shaped like peaches, filled with cream or jam, and coated in sugar for a realistic look.

Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead and store them unfilled for up to 3 days. Assemble them before serving for freshness.

What’s the best filling for these cookies?

Pastry cream is traditional, but Nutella, jam, or lemon curd also work beautifully.

How do I get the perfect peach color?

Lightly dip the cookies in the red and yellow dye mixtures, blending the colors for a natural gradient effect.

Can I make these cookies without alcohol?

Yes, use apricot juice or peach nectar instead of peach liqueur.

How do I hollow out the cookies without breaking them?

Use a small spoon or a paring knife to gently carve out the centers. Go slowly to avoid cracking the cookies.

Can I add fresh peaches to the filling?

Yes, finely chopped fresh peaches can be mixed with custard or jam for extra fruitiness.

Do I need to refrigerate these cookies?

If using pastry cream, refrigeration is recommended. For jam or Nutella fillings, they can be stored at room temperature for up to a day.

Can I make mini versions of these cookies?

Yes, just roll smaller dough balls and reduce baking time by a few minutes.

How do I prevent the cookies from getting too soft?

Let them dry completely after decorating before storing to maintain a slightly crisp texture.

Conclusion

Italian Peach Cookies are a delightful, visually stunning treat that tastes just as amazing as they look. With a soft, cake-like texture, a creamy or jam-filled center, and a sugar-coated peach-like appearance, these cookies are perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or just to enjoy with coffee, this traditional Italian dessert is sure to impress. Try them today and bring a touch of elegance to your dessert table!