Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines charm, nostalgia, and a burst of fruity sweetness, the Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful Ukrainian-inspired cookies captivate with their soft, buttery texture carved out and generously filled with a luscious apricot dulce de leche cream. Once soaked and coated in a stunning sugar glaze tinted with warm reds and oranges, they perfectly mimic the look and feel of ripe peaches. Every bite is a harmonious dance of creamy filling and moist cookie—a celebration of both taste and visual appeal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and color that these peach-shaped cookies are known for. From simple pantry staples to a few special additions, every element contributes to creating this unforgettable dessert.

• 2 eggs: The foundation for moisture and structure in the cookie dough.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance richness.
• 8 tablespoons softened butter: Brings tenderness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (heaping): Introduces subtle tanginess and moistness.
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (heaping): Helps keep the cookies incredibly soft and moist.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides gentle lift to keep the cookies light.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The bulk that turns these into soft, pliable cookies.
• 1 heaping teaspoon baking soda diluted in 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Reacts to give a subtle rise and tender crumb.
• 2 ounces cream cheese: For a smooth, slightly tangy base in the filling.
• 2 tablespoons softened butter (for filling): Adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
• 5 ounces dulce de leche: Provides a luscious caramel flavor that’s dreamy in combination with apricot.
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam: Fresh, fruity sweetness tying the filling to the cookie’s peach theme.
• 3 ounces Cool Whip: Lightens the filling to a fluffy, airy texture.
• 1 cup milk: Used in the bright and sugary decoration soak for the peach-like finish.
• Red and orange food coloring: Key for the authentic-looking peach blush effect.
• 3/4 cup sugar (for decoration): Creates the sparkling crystal coating that catches the eye.

How to Make Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by whisking together the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and slightly fluffy. Then, stir in the softened butter, followed by the sour cream, mayonnaise, and the mixture of baking soda diluted in lemon juice. Each of these ingredients layers moisture and richness to the dough, ensuring the cookies stay soft after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder before adding them gradually to your wet mixture. Knead gently until the dough forms a soft, workable consistency, resembling playdough. This texture is what lets us carve the cookies while still warm later on.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll dough into heaping teaspoon-sized balls and place them spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes until they’re light golden and ready to be sculpted.

Step 4: Hollow Out the Cookie Centers

While the cookies are still warm and pliable, carve out a small hollow in the bottom center of each cookie. This will create the perfect little cavity to nestle the luscious filling that makes this snack so special.

Step 5: Make the Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling

Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually incorporate the dulce de leche and apricot jam, followed by folding in the Cool Whip. This combination yields a bright, fluffy filling full of caramel sweetness and fruity brightness.

Step 6: Fill and Chill the Cookies

Spoon the filling into the hollowed centers, then sandwich two cookie halves together gently. Chill the assembled cookies for at least two hours to allow the filling to set firmly, making them easier to dip and decorate.

Step 7: Create the Peach-Like Decoration

Mix 1/2 cup of milk with red and orange food coloring separately until you get medium shades of each color. Dip one half of each cookie into the orange mixture and the other half into the red, then place them on paper towels. Coat immediately in sugar for a crystalized effect. For extra sparkle and crunch, dredge them in sugar a second time before refrigerating until ready to serve.

How to Serve Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies always look stunning on their own, but you can ramp up the presentation with a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or a tiny fresh peach slice on the side to complement the flavor theme. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a whimsical snowy finish for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling Recipe pairs perfectly with a cup of rich black tea or a cappuccino. The creamy filling balances nicely alongside slightly bitter coffee, and fresh berries on the side add an elegant, fresh contrast to the sweet, buttery cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these peach cookies on tiered dessert plates for an eye-catching centerpiece at gatherings. You can also carefully pack them into clear cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon, turning them into adorable edible gifts that reflect the love and craft poured into them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once chilled, store your peach cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their shape and filling texture. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, ensuring you can enjoy these treats at your own pace.

Freezing

These peach-shaped delights freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Wrap them carefully to protect the decoration. When thawed in the fridge overnight, they maintain their signature softness and flavor.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a warmer bite, let them sit out for about 30 minutes to lose the chill without affecting their delicate structure or filling.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dulce de leche for the filling?

Absolutely! Homemade dulce de leche can add a unique depth of flavor to your filling. Just ensure it’s smooth and thick enough to hold its shape when mixed with the other ingredients.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dough?

Yes, you can replace mayonnaise with an equal amount of additional sour cream or Greek yogurt, which will maintain the moisture and tender texture of the cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from cracking when carving?

Make sure to carve out the centers while the cookies are still warm and pliable right after baking. As they cool, they become more brittle and harder to shape without breaking.

Can I make the filling dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, try using vegan cream cheese, non-dairy butter, and a dairy-free whipped topping. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and sweet.

How long should I chill the cookies before decorating?

Chilling the assembled cookies for at least two hours is crucial to firm up the filling so the cookies stay intact when dipped and decorated.

Final Thoughts

Making the Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling Recipe is like creating little edible treasures that bring both smiles and compliments. The combination of soft dough, luscious filling, and sparkling, colorful decoration makes every step worth it. I encourage you to dive in and try this recipe yourself—you’ll find it’s a wonderfully rewarding way to impress friends or treat yourself with a beautiful, flavorful dessert.

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