Oh, let me tell you about these Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling and Vibrant Decorations Recipe—it’s one of those treats that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. I absolutely love how the delicate peach-flavored cookie pairs perfectly with that luscious apricot dulce de leche filling, creating a sweet and tangy surprise in every bite. They’re not just beautiful; they bring a nostalgic touch to any teatime or special occasion, whenever you want to impress without stress.

When I first tried this Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling and Vibrant Decorations Recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients come together to make such a sophisticated dessert. You’ll find that the vibrant red and orange decorations not only catch the eye but also add a delightful texture with the sugar crystal coating. Honestly, these cookies make for a fun project when you want to get a little creative in the kitchen and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when sharing with friends and family.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unique Flavor Pairing: The peach cookie base combined with apricot dulce de leche filling offers a fresh twist on classic cookies.
  • Elegant Presentation: Vibrant red and orange decorations make these cookies pop for any gathering or gift.
  • Fun & Family Friendly: Great for baking with kids or hosting cookie decorating get-togethers.
  • Reliable & Easy To Follow: Clear steps that ensure success even if you’re baking cookies for the first time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling and Vibrant Decorations Recipe was selected to create a delicate yet rich cookie experience—you’ll want to pick fresh and high-quality items for the best results.

  • Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for a tender cookie.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with that slight crisp shell.
  • Softened Butter: Provides richness and keeps the cookies soft and flavorful.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moistness and a tiny tang to keep things interesting.
  • Mayonnaise: Sounds unusual, but it keeps cookies super moist and tender—trust me on this!
  • Baking Powder: Leavens the dough for a light texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The cookie’s foundation for structure and chew.
  • Baking Soda diluted in Lemon Juice: A little acidity boost that enhances the flavor and texture beautifully.
  • Cream Cheese: Essential for smooth, creamy filling.
  • Dulce de Leche: Sweet caramel flavor that pairs divinely with apricot.
  • Apricot Jam: Adds fruity tang and sweetness to the filling.
  • Cool Whip: Lightens the filling for a fluffy texture.
  • Milk: Used for diluting food coloring to create vibrant decorative dips.
  • Red and Orange Food Coloring: Gives those eye-catching shades perfect for festive cookies.
  • Sugar (for dredging): Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the decoration.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that you can easily customize this Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling and Vibrant Decorations Recipe to suit different preferences or celebrations—feel free to make it your own!

  • Filling Swap: I sometimes substitute the apricot jam with peach preserves for an all-peach experience that’s equally delicious.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut cream cheese and dairy-free cool whip to make these suitable for friends with dietary restrictions.
  • Decoration Twist: Instead of dipping, you can pipe colorful royal icing designs on top for a more delicate and artistic finish.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough to bring cozy warmth to the cookies, especially during fall.

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

Step 1: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients for a Silky Base

Start in a large bowl by whisking the eggs with granulated sugar until smooth and slightly thickened—this is the sweet base of your cookie dough. Next, stir in the softened butter so it blends evenly, then add the sour cream, mayonnaise, and the baking soda diluted in lemon juice. I discovered the mayo addition when I needed extra moisture in my cookie dough, and it’s a game changer—trust me, it keeps the cookies beautifully tender without a mayo flavor at all.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Knead to Soft Dough

Mix the baking powder into your all-purpose flour separately, then gradually add the flour mixture into your wet ingredients. Now comes the fun part: knead everything together by hand until you get a soft, playdough-like dough that holds together nicely. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but it should remain pliable and easy to shape.

Step 3: Bake and Hollow Out the Cookie Centers

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll your dough into heaping teaspoon-sized balls and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden and set. While still warm, carefully carve out the centers of the cookie bottoms with a small spoon or melon baller—this hollow is perfect for filling later. Be gentle so you don’t crack the cookie edges.

Step 4: Prepare the Luxurious Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling

Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until silky smooth—that’s your creamy base. Stir in the dulce de leche followed by apricot jam for that fruity caramel blend. Finally, fold in cool whip and beat for about a minute to get a light, fluffy texture that’s easy to pipe or spoon. My family goes crazy for how this filling contrasts the soft cookie with its creamy sweetness.

Step 5: Fill, Assemble, and Chill Before Decorating

Spoon the filling into each hollowed-out cookie half, then sandwich together with another half to form a perfect cookie “peach.” Pop them into the fridge for at least 2 hours—the chill helps the filling set and makes it easier to dip later without any messy drips.

Step 6: Prepare Vibrant Dips and Sugar Coating

Mix half a cup of milk with your red and orange food colorings separately until you get medium tones—you want them bright but not neon. I like using Wilton Christmas red mixed with a drop of Spectrum super red for a deep shade, and Wilton creamy peach for the softer orange dip. Having two contrasting colors brings those vibrant decorations to life.

Step 7: Dip, Sugar Coat, and Chill

Dip one cookie half into the orange dye and the other half into the red dye, then set on paper towels until the glaze sets slightly. For an extra beautiful crystalized look, dredge the cookies in sugar once or even twice—this crunchy coating is my favorite finishing touch. Store them in the fridge to keep colors bright and filling firm until serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling and Vibrant Decorations Recipe

  • Gentle Hollowing: Carve out centers while cookies are warm but not hot to avoid cracks and keep cookie edges intact.
  • Mayonnaise Moisture Boost: Don’t skip the mayo; it creates softness that lasts days after baking.
  • Layer your colors: Dilute food coloring with milk for smooth dips; pure dye can be too thick and clumpy.
  • Double Sugar Dip: For extra sparkle and crunch, coat cookies in sugar twice after dipping and let dry completely.

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

Small round peach-shaped desserts are shown on a metal tray. Each dessert has two halves with a light orange bottom and a pink-red top, covered in sugar crystals that give a rough texture. The two halves are placed together with a creamy pale filling visible in the middle layer. Some desserts have two small green leaves on top, adding a fresh look. The metal tray has a slightly worn and shiny surface with water droplets. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of edible gold dust onto the sugar coating for a touch of elegance when serving at parties—it catches the light beautifully. If you don’t have gold dust, a few finely chopped fresh peach slices on the side make a lovely natural garnish that ties the flavors together.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a light herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, which balances their sweetness with a fresh finish. For brunch, I often serve them alongside yogurt parfaits or fresh fruit bowls for a colorful, refreshing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these peach cookies in a circular pattern on a cake stand, alternating red and orange halves like a vibrant flower. You can also tie pairs in delicate cellophane bags with a peach ribbon to gift as charming party favors—neighbors always ask for my recipe afterward!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling and Vibrant Decorations in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the filling firm and cookies fresh. They stay delicious up to 5 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to freeze these, I recommend freezing the cookie halves and filling separately before assembly. Freeze on parchment-lined trays, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge and fill just before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these are best served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary—though if you want to slightly soften the filling, leave cookies at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as that can cause the sugar decoration to melt.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular jam instead of apricot jam in the filling?

    Absolutely! While apricot jam complements the dulce de leche beautifully, you can substitute peach, apricot-ginger, or even raspberry jam depending on your taste preference. Just make sure it’s a smooth jam for easy mixing and a creamy filling texture.

  2. What if I don’t have cool whip for the filling?

    If you don’t have cool whip, you can whip some heavy cream until stiff peaks form and fold it into the filling instead. This will maintain the light, fluffy texture without changing the flavor much.

  3. Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

    To make this Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling and Vibrant Decorations Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep an eye on dough consistency as you might need a little more or less flour for perfect texture.

  4. How do I get the vibrant colors without the cookie getting soggy?

    Diluting the food coloring with milk helps create a thin glaze that dries quickly on the cookie surface. Allow the dipped cookies to rest on paper towels until the glaze sets before dredging in sugar and refrigerating. This prevents sogginess and keeps the crunch intact.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling and Vibrant Decorations Recipe enough—it’s truly one of my go-to picks when I want to bake something extraordinary but straightforward. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, gifting friends, or just treating yourself on a quiet evening, these cookies bring smiles and a little sparkle to any moment. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the joy of creating these charming beauties in your own kitchen!

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Peach Cookies with Apricot Dulce de Leche Filling and Vibrant Decorations Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 108 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 28 whole cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these colorful Peach Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery dough with a unique tangy twist from sour cream and mayonnaise, filled with a luscious apricot dulce de leche cream cheese filling. Finished with a vibrant, sugar-crystal coating tinted with red and orange hues, these cookies are perfect for festive occasions or whenever you want a sweet, fruity treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Peach Cookies:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 Tbsp softened butter
  • 2 Tbsp heaping sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp heaping mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 heaping teaspoon baking soda diluted in 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Apricot Dulce De Leche Filling:

  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 2 Tbsp softened butter
  • 5 oz dulce de leche
  • 2 Tbsp apricot jam
  • 3 oz cool whip

Decoration:

  • 1 cup milk
  • Red food coloring
  • Orange food coloring
  • 3/4 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly frothy. Stir in the softened butter, then add the sour cream, mayonnaise, and the diluted baking soda mixture, whisking thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the baking powder with the all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring and then kneading gently until the dough comes together with a soft, playdough-like consistency.
  3. Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into heaping teaspoon-sized balls and arrange them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden and set.
  4. Hollow the Cookies: While the cookies are still warm, carefully carve out the centers of the bottoms to create a hollow space for the filling.
  5. Make the Cream Filling: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add in the dulce de leche and apricot jam, mixing well. Finally, fold in the cool whip and beat for about one minute until the filling is light and fluffy.
  6. Assemble the Cookies: Fill each hollowed-out cookie bottom with the apricot dulce de leche cream filling and sandwich with another cookie half. Place assembled cookies in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until firm enough to handle for decorating.
  7. Prepare the Decorative Dyes: Dilute half a cup of milk each with red and orange food coloring separately, adjusting the amount of coloring to achieve medium shades of red and orange. (The recipe uses Wilton Christmas red and Spectrum super red for the red dye, and Wilton creamy peach for the orange dye.)
  8. Dip and Decorate: Dip one cookie half into the orange dye and the other half into the red dye. Lay the dipped halves on paper towels to set. Once dry, dredge the cookies in sugar for a sparkling, crystallized finish. For extra crystallization, repeat the sugar dredging step. Refrigerate the finished cookies before serving.

Notes

  • Use softened butter for smoother incorporation into both dough and filling.
  • Be careful when hollowing the cookies while warm to avoid cracking.
  • Adjust food coloring amounts as needed to achieve your desired vibrant colors.
  • Chilling the filled cookies is crucial to prevent the filling from oozing during dipping and decorating.
  • The sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and sweetness complementing the soft cookie and creamy filling.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and decoration.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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