Italian Peach Cookies (Pesche Dolci)

Italian Peach Cookies (Pesche Dolci)

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)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cookies:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   • Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
   • Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, flattening slightly.
   • Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Once the cookies are cool, use a small knife or a melon baller to hollow out the bottom of each cookie to create a cavity for the filling.
   • Fill each cavity with a small amount of pastry cream or vanilla pudding and a bit of peach or apricot jam.
3. Assemble the Peaches:
   • Pair the filled cookies together to form peach shapes, pressing gently to adhere.
   • If using peach schnapps, dip each peach cookie into the schnapps to moisten (alternatively, use orange juice).
   • Mix a few drops of red and yellow food coloring with water in separate bowls to create peach-colored hues. Lightly brush the cookies with the food coloring to give them a peach-like appearance.
4. Decorate:
   • Roll the colored cookies in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
   • Place a fresh mint leaf or a candied leaf on top of each cookie for garnish.
5. Serve:
   • Arrange the peach cookies on a serving platter or in decorative paper cups.

These Italian Peach Cookies are perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat to impress your guests. Enjoy!