If you adore the sweet, delicate flavors of summer fruits tucked into buttery, soft cookies, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Italian Peach Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats blend the warmth of cinnamon sugar with the lightly nutty scent of almond extract and the luscious, jammy center of peach preserves. It’s a recipe that feels like sunshine on your plate, capturing the essence of stone fruits in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a sweet pick-me-up, these Italian peach cookies promise a little bite of happiness with every munch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is honestly the first fun step toward creating this delicious Italian Peach Cookies Recipe. Each element plays a special role, from the buttery richness that forms the base to the peach preserves that add a juicy surprise inside. The balance of vanilla and almond extracts brings depth, while the cinnamon sugar coating gives just the right touch of sweetness and spice to finish.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened butter adds rich, creamy texture and flavor to your dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly, helping it caramelize to a light golden color.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture to keep cookies tender yet sturdy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the peach preserves beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Gives a subtle nutty flavor that makes these cookies uniquely Italian.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise lightly for a soft, pillowy bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup peach preserves: The star ingredient for the luscious, fruity filling in every cookie.
- Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon: For rolling the warm cookies, creating a crackly, fragrant finish.
How to Make Italian Peach Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating your softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This is the secret to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then, beat in the eggs along with vanilla and almond extracts, which infuse the dough with lovely aromatic layers that will make your kitchen smell incredible.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Take a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients. Mixing gently will create a dough that’s just right for shaping — soft yet firm enough to hold its shape without being tough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking, which is essential for those perfect rounded cookies that can hold the peach preserves inside.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This non-stick layer will keep your cookies perfect on the bottom, preventing any browning or sticking, so the focus stays on that luscious texture.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies with Peach Preserves
Grab about a tablespoon of dough and gently flatten it in your palm. Spoon a teaspoon of peach preserves in the center, then carefully fold the dough over the preserves, sealing it inside. Roll it into a smooth ball. This step is pure joy — little packages of peach sweetness wrapped in buttery dough are about to come alive.
Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Place your shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them out nicely. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the bottoms turn a lovely light golden color. This gentle baking ensures the cookies stay soft with a delicate crust.
Step 7: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
Let the cookies cool just enough to handle, then roll each one in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This final layer adds a delightful crackle and a warm spicy note that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Italian Peach Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of powdered sugar dusting just before serving can make these cookies look even more tempting. You could also garnish with a thin slice of fresh peach or a sprig of mint for a lovely, fresh presentation that complements the peach preserves inside.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For a hot beverage, consider a cup of black tea or strong espresso — their bold flavors balance the sweet, fruity cookies perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special event, arrange these Italian Peach Cookies Recipe treats on a tiered serving platter decorated with fresh peach slices and edible flowers for a truly stunning display. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with rustic twine makes a charming homemade gift idea, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This short-term storage keeps them soft and fresh, allowing those wonderful flavors to come through with every bite.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the dough balls before baking. Arrange them on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready, simply bake from frozen with a couple of extra minutes added to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them overly soft or chewy instead of delightfully tender.
FAQs
Can I substitute other fruit preserves in this Italian Peach Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While peach preserves give these cookies their signature flavor, you can experiment with apricot, raspberry, or even blackberry preserves for a delicious twist.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking, which keeps the filling nicely contained.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
For sure! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but keep an eye on the dough’s consistency—it might need a touch more liquid or binding agent.
How long do Italian Peach Cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 3 days. For longer freshness, freezing dough or baked cookies is ideal.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract on hand, you can omit it or replace it with an additional half teaspoon of vanilla extract. The cookies will still be delicious, though the subtle nuttiness might be less pronounced.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about biting into a cookie that holds a sweet surprise right in the center, and this Italian Peach Cookies Recipe delivers that promise in every soft, cinnamon-kissed bite. It’s a charming recipe that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment of pure joy. Trust me, once you make these, peach season will never feel quite complete without them.
Print
Italian Peach Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Italian Peach Cookies are delightful bite-sized treats featuring a tender buttery dough filled with sweet peach preserves. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, these cookies offer a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and a lightly crisp exterior. Ideal for a tea time snack or dessert, they combine classic Italian flavors in a simple yet elegant cookie.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Coating
- 1 cup peach preserves
- Granulated sugar, for coating
- Ground cinnamon, for coating
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to combine thoroughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up, which will make it easier to handle.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Form Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly in your palm, place about 1 teaspoon of peach preserves in the center, then fold the dough over the preserves and roll into a smooth ball, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Coat Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on a rack, then roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to coat the surface while warm, enhancing the flavor and providing a delicate crunch.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and makes handling easier.
- Seal the dough well around the preserves to avoid leaking while baking.
- The cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and adjust baking powder accordingly.
