Italian Peach Spice Cookies

These cookies are like little bites of fall. Warm spices, soft texture, and a sweet peachy twist. One bite and it’s like a cozy hug.

They’re soft, a little chewy, and smell so good while baking. I made a batch last week and wow… gone fast.

If you want something a little different but super easy, try these. Italian Peach Spice Cookies are sweet, simple, and kinda fancy too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of fresh peaches and warm spices gives these cookies a distinct, comforting flavor that you won’t find in your typical sugar cookie.
• Perfect for Fall and Winter: The rich cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors make these cookies ideal for chilly weather, but the peach sweetness keeps them light and refreshing.
• Family Favorite: Once you try these cookies, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and some simple spices.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time, chill it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you need them.
• Peachy Perfection: Fresh peaches take these cookies to the next level, making them far superior to plain spice cookies.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Oven: You’ll need it preheated to bake your cookies.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet to hold your cookies as they bake.
• Parchment Paper: For easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
• Medium Bowl: For mixing your dry ingredients.
• Large Bowl: For creaming the butter and sugar and mixing the wet ingredients.
• Whisk: To combine the dry ingredients properly.
• Spoon or Cookie Scoop: To form evenly-sized cookie dough balls.
• Wire Rack: To cool the cookies once they’re baked.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these wonderful cookies (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• 2 Large Ripe Peaches: Fresh, juicy peaches are essential for bringing the fruity flavor to the forefront of this cookie recipe.
• 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of any cookie recipe.
• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar: For the perfect balance of sweetness in the dough.
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
• 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (softened): The butter provides richness and tenderness to the cookies.
• 1 tsp Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a perfect soft texture.
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda: Assists in the leavening process, helping the cookies spread out slightly.
• 1/4 tsp Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: A warm, comforting spice that adds a lot of depth to the flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a hint of sweetness and warmth.
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves: A small amount of cloves brings an aromatic spice that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• 1 Large Egg: To bind everything together and give structure to the dough.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Adds a light, sweet finish to the cookies once they’re baked and cooled.

Variations for Italian Peach Spice Cookies

• Add a Touch of Almond Extract: If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle nutty note.
• Add Pecans or Walnuts: Chopped nuts add a crunchy texture and a savory element that pairs wonderfully with the peach and spices.
• Use Frozen Peaches: If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can substitute frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before using.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Frost the Cookies: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try frosting the cookies with a cream cheese frosting or glaze for an added layer of sweetness.
• Peach Jam Filling: For an extra peachy twist, fill the centers of the cookies with a dollop of peach jam before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peaches

The first step in making these delicious cookies is to prepare your fresh peaches. Start by peeling the peaches—use a paring knife to carefully remove the skin. Once the peaches are peeled, cut them into small chunks or finely dice them. The diced peaches will release some juice, which will help make the dough more moist, but be sure to blot the pieces dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices are what will give your cookies that irresistible fragrance and flavor. Set the dry ingredients aside for now.

3. Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can do this using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer. The butter and sugar should be fully combined with no lumps remaining.

Once the butter and sugar are well-creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Then, gently fold in the diced peaches. You should end up with a slightly lumpy dough with bits of juicy peaches throughout.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and full of peach chunks.

5. Chill the Dough

It’s a good idea to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape and prevent spreading too much. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge while you preheat your oven.

6. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cookies once they’re baked, and also ensure they don’t stick.

7. Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Once the dough has chilled, use a spoon or cookie scoop to form balls of dough about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, as the cookies will spread slightly as they bake.

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges and the centers have set. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking. The cookies should be soft and slightly puffy.

9. Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a lovely, sweet finish.

How to Serve Italian Peach Spice Cookies

These cookies are fantastic on their own with a cup of tea or coffee, but you can also serve them in a variety of fun ways:

• For a Festive Touch: Serve these cookies as part of a holiday cookie platter. The peachy sweetness and spice will complement other classic holiday cookies like gingerbread and sugar cookies.
• With Ice Cream: Try pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The warm spices and peaches will make a perfect match for the creamy ice cream.
• In a Cookie Gift Box: Package these cookies in a beautiful gift box and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re a perfect treat for friends and family, especially during the holidays.
• On a Cookie Platter: These cookies will stand out as a unique offering on any dessert table or cookie platter. The combination of flavors is sure to delight your guests.

Storing Italian Peach Spice Cookies

• Unbaked Dough: You can store the unbaked dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Baked Cookies: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze baked cookies by wrapping them individually and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 Cookie)
Calories	160 kcal
Protein	1 g
Carbohydrates	25 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	13 g
Sodium	70 mg

Conclusion

These Italian Peach Spice Cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The tender texture and fruitiness from the peaches make these cookies a refreshing treat that still packs in all the cozy, warm flavors we love during the fall and winter months. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a comforting snack, these cookies will not disappoint. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll bring a little taste of Italy to your kitchen. Happy baking!