Sweet Peach Cookies Recipe

Sweet Peach Cookies are charming, peach-shaped treats filled with chocolate custard and dipped in vibrant Alchermes liqueur. These eye-catching cookies are perfect for parties, special occasions, or just when you want to impress guests with something a little different. With their soft, cake-like texture and irresistible filling, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Fun & Unique: Their peach-like appearance makes them a conversation starter.
• Deliciously Filled: The surprise chocolate custard center adds a rich twist.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are ideal for celebrations and holiday platters.
• Soft & Flavorful: A tender, vanilla-scented dough with hints of lemon zest and liqueur.

What Are Sweet Peach Cookies?

Sweet Peach Cookies—also known as Pesche Dolci in Italian—are soft, dome-shaped cookies traditionally paired and filled to resemble miniature peaches. Originating from Italy, they’re a beloved celebration treat often served at weddings and holidays. They're soaked in Alchermes (a bright red herbal liqueur) for their signature hue, then coated in sugar to give them a dewy, peach-like finish. These cookies beautifully combine aesthetics with indulgent flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Peach Cookies

• Weigh your dough balls: Keep them at around 20g for uniform baking and easy pairing.
• Chill if sticky: If the dough feels soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping.
• Use a small spoon or melon baller: To hollow out the cookie centers without breaking them.
• Don’t over-dip: A quick swirl in the Alchermes will give the perfect color without sogginess.
• Use firm custard: A thicker filling will prevent leakage when pairing the cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Liqueur Instead of Alchermes?

Yes, though Alchermes gives the cookies their signature flavor and pink hue, you can substitute with a berry liqueur or even food coloring with simple syrup for a non-alcoholic version.

What Can I Use as a Filling?

Chocolate custard is traditional, but you can also use hazelnut spread, pastry cream, or fruit jam depending on your preference.

How Long Do Sweet Peach Cookies Last?

They stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature and up to 5 days in the fridge. See detailed storage info below.

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake and hollow the cookies a day in advance. Assemble and dip them the day of serving for the best texture and color.

Do They Really Taste Like Peaches?

Not exactly—these cookies look like peaches, but the flavor is more of a vanilla-chocolate profile with hints of citrus and liqueur.

Are Sweet Peach Cookies Difficult to Make?

Not at all! While they look intricate, the process is straightforward: mix, shape, bake, fill, dip, and roll.

How to Store Sweet Peach Cookies

Store assembled sweet peach cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If chilled, allow them to sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. Avoid stacking them tightly, as the sugar coating can cause sticking.

How to Freeze Sweet Peach Cookies

To freeze unfilled cookies:

• Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature, then fill and decorate as desired.

Freezing assembled cookies is not recommended as the liqueur and sugar coating may become soggy.

How to Make Sweet Peach Cookies

Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the milk and lemon zest.

Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually mix in sifted flour and baking powder until a soft, compact dough forms.

Shape the dough into small balls, about 20g each. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared tray.

Bake for 20 minutes until slightly golden but still pale. Let them cool on a wire rack.

Once cooled, gently hollow the flat bottom of each cookie using a small spoon or knife.

Fill one half with chocolate custard, then gently press a second half on top to form a peach shape.

Dip each peach into Alchermes, rotating it quickly to color the surface evenly without soaking the cookie.

Roll in sugar to coat completely. Let set for a few minutes before serving.