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
Scale
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.
