Name: Peach Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt; Peach or apricot jam (for filling); Vanilla pastry cream or thick custard (for filling); Red and yellow food coloring; Granulated sugar (for rolling); Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peach Cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. The combination of soft, cake-like cookies with jam and pastry cream filling is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Shaping and coloring the cookies to resemble peaches adds a fun and artistic element to the baking process. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or looking for a show-stopping dessert, Peach Cookies are a sophisticated and delicious choice that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Peach or apricot jam (for filling)
Vanilla pastry cream or thick custard (for filling)
Red and yellow food coloring
Granulated sugar (for rolling)
Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, beat together eggs and sugar until pale and thick.
Add sour cream, softened butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.
Gradually stir in the flour and salt, forming a soft dough.
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool.
Hollow out the center of each cookie half using a paring knife or melon baller.
Fill the hollow with peach jam and a small dollop of vanilla pastry cream, then sandwich two halves together.
Mix a few drops of red and yellow food coloring in separate bowls of water.
Dip each cookie lightly in the colored water to resemble peaches, then roll in granulated sugar.
Place cookies on a tray to dry, then garnish with mint leaves to resemble peach stems.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 24 cookies
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 14 minutes
Total time: 44 minutes
Calories: 120 kcal per cookie

Variations

Use raspberry or strawberry jam instead of peach or apricot for a different flavor.
For a lighter filling, use whipped cream or mascarpone cheese instead of pastry cream.
Add a hint of almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
If you prefer, dip the cookies in a chocolate coating or sprinkle them with powdered sugar instead of rolling in granulated sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh for a little longer. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing the cookies is not recommended as the texture may change, but the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes, you can substitute peach or apricot jam with other fruit jams like strawberry, raspberry, or even a citrus marmalade for a different flavor.

How do I make the filling ahead of time?

You can make the vanilla pastry cream or custard up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a more simple look, though the colors make them resemble peaches more closely.

Can I use a different filling instead of jam and pastry cream?

Certainly! You could use Nutella, lemon curd, or even mascarpone cheese mixed with honey for an alternative filling.

How do I store the cookies after they’ve been decorated?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They will last up to 3 days.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it into balls.

How can I make the cookies more festive?

For a more festive look, you can dust the cookies with edible glitter or use colored sugar instead of granulated sugar for a sparkly effect.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store them in a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I make the cookies smaller?

Yes, you can make smaller versions of these cookies, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly—shorten it to about 8-10 minutes.

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or even cream cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Peach Cookies are a delightful and elegant treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With their soft, cake-like texture, creamy filling, and colorful peach-inspired design, they’re perfect for any special occasion or festive gathering. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also offer a delicious balance of sweetness and texture that will make them a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Peach Cookies

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“Peach Cookies are a visually stunning and delicious treat, inspired by traditional Eastern European pastries. These cake-like cookies are filled with sweet jam and vanilla pastry cream, then shaped to resemble peaches. Rolled in sugar and garnished with mint, they’re a sophisticated and charming dessert perfect for any special occasion or festive gathering.”

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 44 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert, Holiday Treat
Method: Baking, Decorating
Cuisine: Eastern European, Festive
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick.
Add sour cream, softened butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.
Gradually stir in flour and salt, forming a soft dough.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool.
Hollow out the center of each cookie half using a paring knife or melon baller.
Fill the hollow with peach jam and a dollop of vanilla pastry cream, then sandwich the halves together.
Mix red and yellow food coloring with water in separate bowls.
Dip each cookie lightly in the colored water to resemble peaches, then roll in granulated sugar.
Place the cookies on a tray to dry and garnish with mint leaves to resemble peach stems.

Notes

You can substitute peach or apricot jam with raspberry, strawberry, or even citrus marmalade for a different flavor.

Skip the food coloring for a more simple look, though the colors make the cookies resemble peaches more closely.

For a festive touch, try using colored sugar or edible glitter for rolling the cookies.