Description
These Italian Peach Cookies are delightful, buttery treats filled with sweet peach preserves and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. With a soft texture and flavorful almond and vanilla notes, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and easy to prepare at home.
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
- Yellow food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- 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, stirring until just combined to form the dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape cookies: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of peach preserves in the center, fold the dough over the filling, and roll gently into a ball ensuring the preserves are sealed inside.
- Bake the cookies: Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookie bottoms turn lightly golden brown.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to tint the sugar mixture.
- Coat the cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, roll each one gently in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated, adding a festive touch and extra sweetness.
Notes
- For an extra festive look, you can add yellow food coloring to the dough or peach preserves before filling.
- Be sure to seal the cookie dough well around the preserves to prevent leaking during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure easy cookie removal and even baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze the uncoated baked cookies and coat with cinnamon sugar after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian peach cookies, peach preserves cookies, buttery cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, holiday cookies
