Traditional Italian Peach Cookies with Jam

One of the most beautiful Italian desserts with a sweet surprise inside: Italian Peach Cookies, also known as Pesche Dolci.

These soft, cake-like cookies are filled with apricot jam, dipped in fruit syrup, and rolled in sugar to look just like real peaches.

A classic treat from Nonna’s kitchen, perfect for holidays, celebrations, and especially kids’ parties.

For a child-friendly version, simply replace the cognac with fruit syrup.

⏱️ Cooking Times & Servings

• Prep Time: 45 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Servings: 9 peach cookies

DOWNLOAD PEACH COOKIES RECIPE IN PDF HERE:

PeachCookies

🛒 Ingredients (U.S. Measurements)

• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ cup apricot jam (or peach or apple jam)

• 2 tablespoons cognac or peach liqueur (optional)

• 3 tablespoons red fruit syrup or berry syrup

• Fine white granulated sugar, for coating

👩‍🍳 Instructions

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.

• Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Add to the dough and mix gently.

• Knead lightly until a soft dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.

• Divide the dough into balls of about ½ oz (15 g) each. Place on a baking sheet and gently flatten to form half-spheres.

• Bake at 390°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. The cookies should remain pale, not browned.

• While still warm, use a teaspoon to carefully hollow out the center of each cookie half. Fill with apricot jam. If using, mix a small amount of cognac into the jam.

• In a small bowl, mix the red fruit syrup with 1 tablespoon of cognac (or keep alcohol-free). Add a drop or two of red or pink food coloring if desired. Dip each cookie half briefly into the syrup, then roll in granulated sugar.

• Sandwich two halves together to form a peach. Place in paper cups and decorate with leaves if desired.

💡 Tips & Tricks

• Do not overbake—the cookies should stay light to mimic real peaches.

• Hollow the cookies gently to avoid cracking.

• For kids, use only fruit syrup and jam.

• Let the assembled cookies rest for a few hours for the best flavor and texture.

🧾 Nutritional Facts (per serving – approx.)

• Calories: 280 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 36 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 13 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Sugar: 18 g

• Fiber: 1 g

PESCHE DOLCI

Enjoy making and sharing these Pesche Dolci—a true taste of Italy! 🇮🇹💕🍑

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 9 peach cookies

Notes

Ingredients 

• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup apricot jam (or peach or apple jam)
• 2 tablespoons cognac or peach liqueur (optional)
• 3 tablespoons red fruit syrup or berry syrup
• Fine white granulated sugar, for coating

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Add to the dough and mix gently.
4. Knead lightly until a soft dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into balls of about ½ oz (15 g) each. Place on a baking sheet and gently flatten to form half-spheres.
6. Bake at 390°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. The cookies should remain pale, not browned.
7. While still warm, use a teaspoon to carefully hollow out the center of each cookie half. Fill with apricot jam. If using, mix a small amount of cognac into the jam.
8. In a small bowl, mix the red fruit syrup with 1 tablespoon of cognac (or keep alcohol-free). Add a drop or two of red or pink food coloring if desired. Dip each cookie half briefly into the syrup, then roll in granulated sugar.
9. Sandwich two halves together to form a peach. Place in paper cups and decorate with leaves if desired.

Keyword Italian peach cookies, pesche dolci recipe, Italian cookies, Nonna cookies, traditional Italian desserts, peach shaped cookies, apricot jam cookies, Italian party desserts, homemade Italian sweets, peach pastries, pesche dolci,

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