Name: Italian Peach Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup peach preserves; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Red food coloring (optional); Yellow food coloring (optional, not used in instructions)

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Introduction

These Italian Peach Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a tender buttery dough filled with sweet peach preserves. Soft and fragrant, they’re perfect for sharing with family or enjoying alongside your afternoon tea.

The image shows small round peach-shaped sweets placed in white cupcake liners with a green leaf decoration on top of each. Each sweet has two textured halves that blend soft pink and light yellow colors, coated in granulated sugar that gives a sparkling effect. The sweets sit on a white, scalloped-edge plate with a slight pink tint, all set on a vibrant, colorful floral cloth over a white marbled surface. In the background, a white ceramic container holds more similar sweets piled inside, creating a cozy and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1 cup peach preserves
Yellow food coloring (optional)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Red food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well to combine.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
Step 3: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a teaspoon of peach preserves in the center, fold the dough over, and roll it into a smooth ball.
Step 6: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 7: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to the sugar mixture for a festive touch. Roll the cooled cookies in the cinnamon sugar until well coated.

Tips & Variations

For a more vibrant color, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the dough before chilling.
Substitute peach preserves with apricot or raspberry preserves for a different fruit flavor.
Make the cookies extra almond-scented by adding a little more almond extract.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow them to come to room temperature or warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows a rectangular metal baking tray on a white marbled surface filled with small round cookies arranged in a neat grid. There are four rows and eight columns of thumbprint cookies, each with a golden-brown baked edge and a dark brown filling in the center, having a slightly chunky texture. On the right side of the tray, there is a column of seven sandwich cookies, each made of two light golden rounds with a faintly visible filling between them, smooth and rounded on top. The cookies contrast with the light tray and white marbled surface, highlighting their warm colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam instead of peach preserves?

Yes, you can easily substitute peach preserves with any fruit jam or jelly you prefer, such as apricot, raspberry, or strawberry. Just make sure the jam is thick enough to hold its shape while baking.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping helps prevent excessive spreading. Also, avoid flattening the dough too thin when enclosing the preserves.