Italian Peach Wedding Cookies (Pesche)
These delightful Italian Peach Wedding Cookies, known as Pesche, are a nostalgic treat inspired by Italian wedding traditions. Passed down through generations, this beloved recipe encapsulates the joy of family gatherings and special celebrations. Originating from a small village in Italy, these cookies are shaped like juicy peaches and feature a luscious filling, traditionally made with creamy custard or sweet peach preserves. The beautiful presentation and unique assembly method make them a showstopper at any event, creating a perfect blend of flavor and charm. Whether enjoyed at weddings or cozy get-togethers, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your table.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2 cups (Granulated)
Eggs
8 large (Beaten)
Vegetable Oil
2 cups (None)
Flour
8 cups (Sifted, add more if needed for dough consistency)
Baking Powder
2 tablespoons (None)
Peach Preserves
As needed (For filling)
Peach Brandy
As needed (For coloring and dipping)
Red Food Coloring
Few drops (For coloring brandy)
Granulated Sugar
As needed (For rolling cookies)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your cookie sheets.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
3
Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to add more flour until the dough is firm enough to handle.
4
Scoop out portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls, ensuring they are slightly flattened on the bottom for even baking.
5
Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned on the bottom.
6
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly. While still warm, use a small pointed knife to create a pocket in the flat side of each cookie.
7
Fill each pocket with peach preserves, spreading a small amount on the flat sides before joining two cookies together to form a peach shape.
8
To create a lovely 'blush' on the cookies, mix a few drops of red food coloring with the peach brandy, then dip each assembled cookie in the colored brandy.
9
Roll the dipped cookies in granulated sugar for a sweet finish.
10
For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing with artificial leaves to resemble peach stems.
11
Note: For a traditional twist, if making on the day of serving, fill the cookies with fresh pastry cream and seal with melted dark chocolate.
Nutrition Information
24g
Carbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Peach Wedding Cookies?
Known as Pesche, these are nostalgic Italian treats shaped like juicy peaches, traditionally served at weddings and family celebrations.
What does the name 'Pesche' mean?
'Pesche' is the Italian word for peaches, which refers to the unique shape and appearance of these cookies.
How many calories are in one Italian Peach Wedding Cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the carbohydrate content of these cookies?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the primary ingredients for the cookie dough?
The dough is made from sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, sifted flour, and baking powder.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 large beaten eggs.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much vegetable oil is used in the dough?
The recipe requires 2 cups of vegetable oil.
What is the traditional filling for Pesche cookies?
Traditionally, they are filled with peach preserves or creamy custard.
How do you form the cookie shapes before baking?
Scoop the dough and roll into 1-inch balls, flattening the bottoms slightly for even baking.
How long should the cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
When is the best time to hollow out the cookies?
You should use a small pointed knife to create a pocket while the cookies are still warm.
How do you assemble the peach shape?
Fill the pockets with peach preserves and join two cookies together at their flat sides.
How is the 'blush' effect created on the cookies?
Mix a few drops of red food coloring with peach brandy and dip the assembled cookies in the mixture.
What is used for the final sugar coating?
After dipping in the brandy mixture, roll the cookies in granulated sugar for a sweet finish.
Can I use fresh pastry cream as a filling?
Yes, for a traditional twist, you can fill the cookies with fresh pastry cream if serving them on the same day.
How do you seal the cookies if using pastry cream?
When using pastry cream, you can seal the cookie halves together using melted dark chocolate.
What can be used to garnish the cookies?
Artificial leaves can be added to the cookies to resemble peach stems for an elegant presentation.
What should I do if the cookie dough is too soft?
Gradually add more flour until the dough is firm enough to roll into balls.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of sifted flour, with more added as needed for consistency.
What is the origin of this cookie recipe?
This recipe originated from a small village in Italy and has been passed down through generations.
Is peach brandy necessary for this recipe?
Yes, peach brandy is used for both flavoring and creating the signature peach-colored dip.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheets?
Yes, the instructions recommend lightly greasing the cookie sheets before placing the dough balls.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of baking powder.
What type of sugar is used in the dough?
The dough uses 2 cups of granulated sugar.
How many ingredients are in the total list?
There are 9 ingredients listed: sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, flour, baking powder, peach preserves, peach brandy, red food coloring, and granulated sugar.
What cultural significance do these cookies have?
They are traditional Italian wedding cookies that represent the joy of family gatherings and celebrations.
Are these cookies suitable for events other than weddings?
Yes, they are perfect for cozy get-togethers and any special occasion where a unique dessert is desired.
How do you achieve the realistic peach look?
By joining two cookies, dipping them in red-tinted brandy, and coating them in sugar to mimic the skin of a peach.
What is the first step in the assembly process?
The first step is preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing the cookie sheets.