Ricotta Peach Cookies are as delightful to eat as they are beautiful to look at. These Italian-inspired treats are shaped to resemble peaches, with a creamy ricotta filling nestled inside tender, buttery cookies. Brushed with food coloring and rolled in sugar, they sparkle like real fruit, making them a stunning addition to any dessert table. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests, these cookies are an edible work of art.
Why You Will Love Ricotta Peach Cookies
- Beautiful Presentation: These cookies look like miniature peaches, making them a show-stopping dessert.
- Delicious Flavor: The ricotta filling is creamy and lightly sweet, enhanced with orange zest and vanilla bean paste, while the cookies themselves are tender with a hint of lemon.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a wedding, party, or holiday, these cookies are a memorable treat.
- Customizable: You can adjust the filling, coloring, or even add liqueur for a more sophisticated flavor.
Ingredients Notes For Ricotta Peach Cookies
Ricotta Filling
- 2 heaping cups ricotta cheese – creamy and slightly tangy, the star of the filling.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness to the ricotta.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste – for a rich vanilla flavor.
- 2 teaspoons orange zest – brightens the filling with citrusy notes.
Cookies
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled – the base of the cookies.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – provides a slight lift for tender cookies.
- 3 large eggs – adds structure and richness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – sweetens the dough.
- ½ cup full-fat milk – keeps the dough moist.
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled – adds richness.
- A small pinch of salt – enhances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – a subtle citrus note that complements the ricotta filling.
Assembly
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for coating the cookies.
- Red or pink food coloring – to give the cookies their peach-like appearance.
- 1 tablespoon rum, peach liqueur, or peach juice – for flavor and to dilute the food coloring.
- Mint leaves or other leaf decorations – for a realistic finishing touch.
How to Make Ricotta Peach Cookies
Prepare the Ricotta Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla bean paste, and orange zest until smooth and well combined.
- Cover the filling and chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the cookies.
Make the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, milk, melted butter, salt, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Cover the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Shape the chilled dough into small, evenly sized balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each ball.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool slightly before handling.
Assemble the Cookies
- While the cookies are still warm, use a small spoon or melon baller to carefully scoop out the centers of each cookie. Be gentle to avoid breaking them.
- Pair cookies of similar size to create matching halves.
- Fill one half of each pair with the prepared ricotta filling, then press the matching half on top, sealing the edges with a bit of the filling.
- In a small bowl, mix red or pink food coloring with rum, peach liqueur, or peach juice. Lightly brush this mixture onto the cookies to give them a peach-like blush.
- Roll the colored cookies in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
- Place a mint leaf or decorative leaf in the seam of each cookie for a realistic finish.
- Chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving
- Serve Ricotta Peach Cookies chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- These cookies are perfect for dessert tables, gift boxes, or as a sweet ending to a special meal.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cookies without the sugar coating and decoration for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and decorate before serving.
Variations
- Almond Ricotta Filling: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the ricotta filling for a nutty twist.
- Chocolate-Dipped Peaches: Dip the cookies partially in melted chocolate before rolling in sugar for a decadent variation.
- Different Colors: Experiment with yellow and orange food coloring for a more realistic peach look.
Helpful Notes
- Ensure Uniform Size: Shaping the dough into evenly sized balls ensures the cookies match well for assembly.
- Avoid Overfilling: Use just enough filling to hold the cookie halves together without oozing out.
- Work Quickly: The cookies are easier to shape and assemble while they are still slightly warm.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Giada De Laurentiis: Strain the ricotta cheese overnight for a firmer filling that holds up better in the cookies.
- Martha Stewart: Chill the assembled cookies on a wire rack for even cooling and to maintain their shape.
- Mary Berry: Use natural food coloring for a softer, more realistic peach hue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?
Yes, but the filling may be slightly less creamy. Whole-milk ricotta is recommended for the best texture. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. - What can I use instead of rum or liqueur?
Peach juice or orange juice works perfectly for a non-alcoholic option. - How do I prevent the cookies from breaking during assembly?
Be gentle when scooping out the centers and assembling. Work while the cookies are still slightly warm, as they are less likely to crack. - Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely! The cookies will still taste delicious without it, though they won’t have the traditional peach-like appearance.
These Ricotta Peach Cookies are a labor of love that pays off with every beautiful and delicious bite. Their unique look and flavor make them an unforgettable treat for any occasion!
