Pesche Dolci (Italian Peach Cookies) are a delicious treat that resemble peaches, both in shape and color, and are filled with a creamy, jammy center. These cookies are a popular Italian dessert, especially in Sicily, and make for a fantastic indulgence.
Here’s a recipe to make them:
### Ingredients:
**For the Cookies:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tbsp milk (optional)
– A pinch of salt
**For the Filling:**
– ½ cup apricot jam or peach jam (or any fruit jam of your choice)
– ¼ cup mascarpone cheese (optional for a creamy filling)
**For the Coating:**
– Orange or peach food coloring (optional)
– ½ cup sugar (for rolling)
– 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional, for flavor)
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
– Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. You may need to add a tablespoon of milk if the dough feels too dry.
– The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
2. **Shape the Cookies:**
– Roll the dough into small balls (about the size of a walnut).
– Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and gently flatten each ball with your fingers to form a rounded disc.
– Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
– Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
3. **Fill the Cookies:**
– Once the cookies have cooled, cut them in half horizontally, like a sandwich.
– Spread a spoonful of jam (and mascarpone if using) on the flat side of one cookie.
– Top with the other half of the cookie to form a sandwich.
4. **Coat the Cookies:**
– If you’re using food coloring, mix a few drops of orange or peach coloring with a little water.
– Dip the edges of the cookie sandwiches into the colored syrup to give them a peach-like hue. You can also add a touch of brandy or rum to the syrup for extra flavor.
– Roll the edges of the cookies in sugar to give them a sweet, sparkly finish.
5. **Final Touches:**
– Allow the cookies to rest for a few hours, preferably overnight, so the flavors meld together.
– Serve and enjoy your Pesche Dolci!
These cookies are a fun, festive treat perfect for celebrations or as a sweet addition to your coffee break. Let me know if you need any more tips!