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Whimsical Peach Cookies with Dulce de Leche Filling

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4.3 from 22 reviews

Whimsical Peach Cookies are delightful treats that combine soft, fluffy sponge cake-like cookies with a rich and creamy Dulce de Leche and pecan filling. These visually stunning cookies are dipped in natural carrot and beet juices to achieve a beautiful peachy pink gradient, then coated with sugar for a shiny finish and garnished with fresh mint or lemon balm for an elegant touch. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking an indulgent yet charming sweet experience.

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. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a stand mixer, whisk the 2 large eggs and 1 cup of sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step incorporates air to give the cookies a light texture.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the egg and sugar mixture, add the melted and cooled ½ cup butter, ½ cup milk (or sour cream), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt, then gradually add this to the wet ingredients. Stir until a smooth dough forms without overmixing.
  5. Form Cookie Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, spacing them apart adequately on the prepared baking sheet to allow for expansion during baking.
  6. Bake the Cookies: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Remove and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Hollow the Cookie Halves: Once cooled, carefully hollow out the flat side of each cookie half with a spoon or small melon baller to create a cavity for the filling, being careful not to break the cookie.
  8. Prepare the Filling: Mix 1 cup dulce de leche with ½ cup chopped pecans and some cookie crumbs until thick and spreadable.
  9. Fill and Assemble Cookies: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the hollowed cavity of each cookie half, then press two halves together gently to sandwich the filling.
  10. Color the Cookies: Dip each assembled cookie first in the freshly squeezed carrot juice, then use a brush to apply beet juice, creating a peachy gradient effect on the surface of the cookies.
  11. Coat with Sugar and Garnish: Roll the dipped cookies in granulated sugar for a glossy finish and place a mint or lemon balm leaf on top for garnish.
  12. Dry the Cookies: Let the cookies sit and dry for about 30 minutes at room temperature to set the coating and enhance flavors.

Notes

  • Let the filled cookies rest overnight before serving for enhanced, melded flavors.
  • Experiment with different nuts or nut-free fillings to customize the taste and texture.
  • Use almond milk and margarine for dairy-free variations.
  • Omit salt if you need to reduce sodium intake.
  • The carrot and beet juice provide natural coloring; avoid artificial dyes for a healthier choice.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/whimsical-peach-cookies-with-dulce-de-leche-filling/