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Whimsical Peach Cookies: Indulgent Treats with a Twist Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 124 reviews

Whimsical Peach Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies with a unique combination of dulce de leche filling, nutty pecans, and a vibrant peachy pink gradient coating made from natural carrot and beet juices. These indulgent treats are soft, flavorful, and visually stunning, perfect for special occasions or an eye-catching dessert platter.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough

  • 2 large Eggs (can use medium eggs)
  • 1 cup Sugar (brown sugar can be used)
  • ½ cup Milk (or sour cream; almond milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup Butter (melted and cooled; margarine is acceptable)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (almond extract can be swapped)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (whole wheat flour can be a healthier option)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt (omit if on sodium-restricted diet)

For the Filling

  • 1 cup Dulce de Leche (caramel sauce works in a pinch)
  • ½ cup Chopped Pecans (walnuts can be used, or omit for nut-free)

For the Coloring and Coating

  • ¼ cup Freshly Squeezed Carrot Juice (natural coloring agent)
  • ¼ cup Freshly Squeezed Beet Juice (essential for peachy pink hue)
  • ½ cup Granulated Sugar (coconut sugar can be swapped for healthier touch)
  • 4–6 leaves Mint or Lemon Balm Leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Whisk Eggs and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, to incorporate air and create a light texture.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add melted and cooled butter, milk (or sour cream), and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix well to form a smooth base for the dough.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a smooth dough forms without overmixing.
  5. Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for expansion during baking.
  6. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Hollow Out Cookie Halves: Once cooled, carefully hollow out the flat side of each cookie half using a melon baller or spoon to create a cavity for the filling.
  8. Prepare the Filling: Mix dulce de leche, chopped pecans, and cookie crumbs until thick and spreadable for the filling.
  9. Fill Cookies: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the dulce de leche mixture into each hollowed cookie half, then press together with another cookie half to sandwich the filling.
  10. Create Color Gradient: Dip each assembled cookie briefly in carrot juice to coat, then brush with beet juice to add a peachy pink gradient color.
  11. Coat and Garnish Cookies: Roll the coated cookies in granulated sugar for a shiny finish. Garnish with a mint or lemon balm leaf as desired.
  12. Dry and Set: Let the coated and garnished cookies dry for about 30 minutes before serving to set the colors and finish.

Notes

  • To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute milk with almond milk and butter with margarine.
  • For a nut-free version, omit pecans or replace with finely chopped seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
  • If you prefer a richer filling, use caramel sauce if dulce de leche is not available.
  • Whole wheat flour can substitute all-purpose flour for a healthier version, but expect a denser texture.
  • The natural coloring from carrot and beet juices not only adds visual appeal but also keeps the coating healthier compared to artificial dyes.
  • Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before hollowing and filling to prevent breakage.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to prolong freshness.

Keywords: peach cookies, dulce de leche cookies, nut-filled cookies, colorful cookies, dessert cookies, homemade cookies, festive cookies

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/whimsical-peach-cookies-indulgent-treats-with-a-twist-recipe/