Name: Italian Peach Cookies
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup peach or apricot jam (for filling); 1/2 cup pastry cream or sweetened ricotta (optional, for filling); 1/2 cup peach liqueur or Alchermes (for dipping); 1/2 cup water (for syrup); Red and yellow food coloring; 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating); Fresh mint leaves or whole cloves (for garnish, optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are a true showstopper—light, fluffy, delicately sweet, and fun to make. Their realistic peach shape and sugary coating make them stand out on any dessert table. You’ll love the contrast between the soft outer cookie, the creamy or fruity filling, and the sparkling sugar shell. Plus, they’re entirely customizable with your favorite fillings and colors.

Ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Plant-based milk
Neutral oil or melted vegan butter
Vanilla extract
Lemon zest (optional)
Vegan custard, jam, or chocolate spread (for filling)
Peach liqueur or juice (optional, for dipping)
Red and yellow food coloring (plant-based)
Granulated sugar (for rolling)
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for decoration)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, milk, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet, spaced apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until just set but not browned. Let cool completely.
Once cooled, hollow out the flat side of each cookie using a small spoon or knife.
Fill one half with jam, custard, or chocolate spread, then press another half on top to form a peach shape.
Mix peach liqueur or juice with food coloring (a touch of red and yellow).
Dip each cookie quickly into the colored syrup, then roll in granulated sugar.
Optional: Insert a mint leaf between the cookie halves to resemble a peach stem.
Let them rest for a few hours to absorb the moisture and soften slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–15 peach cookies (6–8 whole peaches).
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Assembly Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Chocolate lovers: Use vegan chocolate ganache or Nutella-style spread as the filling.
Fruit-forward: Fill with peach, apricot, or raspberry jam for a bright, fruity center.
Almond twist: Add a few drops of almond extract to the dough or filling.
Liqueur infusion: Dip the cookies in peach schnapps or amaretto for an adult version.
Color gradient: Use a small brush to apply the red and yellow coloring for a more realistic look.

Storage/Reheating

Store Italian Peach Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
They can also be made ahead and stored overnight to allow the flavors and moisture to blend.
Freezing is possible before filling or after fully assembled—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
No reheating is needed; these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Are Italian Peach Cookies actually made with peaches?

No, they are named for their peach-like appearance, not their ingredients, though they can be flavored with peach liqueur or jam.

Can I make them without food coloring?

Yes, but the color is what gives them the “peach” effect. You can use natural plant-based colorings if preferred.

What’s the best filling to use?

Vegan custard, fruit jams, or chocolate spreads all work well. Choose based on your flavor preference.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Do I have to hollow the cookies?

Yes, to allow space for the filling and to form the peach shape, you’ll need to hollow each cookie slightly.

Can I skip the liqueur?

Absolutely. You can use peach juice or a mix of water and flavoring extract instead.

How do I get the cookies to stick together?

Use a thick layer of filling to hold the halves together. Press gently until secure.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They are moderately sweet, but the sugar coating and filling add richness. You can reduce sugar in the dough if desired.

How can I make them more realistic looking?

Brush the coloring on lightly instead of dipping, and use mint leaves or cloves as “stems” for decoration.

Can children help make these?

Yes! Kids can help with rolling dough, assembling the cookies, and dipping them in sugar—it’s a fun and interactive baking project.

Conclusion

Italian Peach Cookies are a whimsical, eye-catching treat that combines creativity and tradition in one delightful bite. With their soft texture, flavorful fillings, and vibrant look, they’re sure to impress at any celebration or family gathering. Once you try them, you’ll understand why these cookies are loved across generations and cultures.