Italian Peach Cookies (Pesche Dolci)

Introduction

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Italian Peach Cookies, also known as Pesche Dolci. These delightful treats resemble peaches, filled with creamy goodness and coated in sugar for a sweet finish. Perfect for special occasions or as a unique dessert to impress your friends and family.

Why Make This Recipe

If you enjoy trying new and creative desserts, these Italian Peach Cookies are a must-try. They are not only visually appealing but also offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures. The process of making these cookies is fun and rewarding, resulting in adorable peach-shaped treats that are sure to be a hit.

How to Make Italian Peach Cookies

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk
• For the Filling:
  • 1 cup pastry cream or vanilla pudding
  • 1/2 cup peach or apricot jam
• For Decoration:
  • 1/2 cup peach schnapps or orange juice (for soaking)
  • Red and yellow food coloring
  • Granulated sugar (for coating)
  • Fresh mint leaves or candied leaves (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cookies:
   • Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet.
   • Mix dry ingredients, add butter, incorporate wet ingredients, form balls, flatten, and bake.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Hollow out cookies, add pastry cream and jam.
3. Assemble the Peach Cookies:
   • Pair filled cookies, dip in schnapps, color with food coloring.
4. Decorate:
   • Coat with sugar, garnish with mint or candied leaves.
5. Serve:
   • Display on a platter or in decorative cups.

How to Serve Italian Peach Cookies

Serve these adorable peach cookies as a charming centerpiece on your dessert table or as a delightful treat after a meal. They are best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee to complement their sweet flavor.

How to Store Italian Peach Cookies

Store the peach cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the filling fresh. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Tips to Make Italian Peach Cookies

• Ensure the cookies are completely cool before filling to prevent the filling from melting.
• Use a small utensil to hollow out the cookies for a neat and tidy cavity.
• Experiment with different filling flavors such as lemon curd or Nutella for a unique twist.

Variation

For a fruity twist, try filling the cookies with raspberry jam or lemon curd instead of peach or apricot jam. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the peach schnapps with another liquid? Yes, you can use orange juice or a flavored syrup for a non-alcoholic option.
2. Can I make the cookies ahead of time and fill them later? Yes, you can bake the cookies in advance and fill them just before serving to keep them fresh.
3. Can I freeze the cookies for later consumption? It is not recommended to freeze the filled cookies as the texture may change. It is best to store them in the refrigerator for a few days.