The sun-drenched days of spring call for light, playful desserts that make the heart sing, and nothing captures that vibe quite like Chewy Peaches and Cream Cookies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, comforting cookie bursting with fresh peaches and sweet white chocolate. This delightful Peaches and Cream Cookies recipe isn’t just easy to whip up; it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some fruit (hello, vitamin C!). Plus, it’s kid-friendly, perfect for baking days with little helpers or when you’re just craving something homemade and wholesome. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be on your way to cookie nirvana in no time! So, are you ready to bake your new favorite treat?
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite of these Peaches and Cream Cookies bursts with juicy peaches and creamy white chocolate, creating a symphony of taste that feels like a warm hug.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Bake with the kids! These cookies are perfect for little hands eager to help in the kitchen, making family memories along the way.
Effortless Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll whip up a batch in no time. Say goodbye to store-bought snacks!
Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize your cookies! Swap in berries or even coconut for a tropical twist. You might also want to check out my recipes for Cinnamon Roll Cookies or Peanut Butter Cookies for more delightful treats!
Seasonal Indulgence: Embrace the essence of spring with cookies that capture the flavor of the season.
Easy Storage: Keep these cookies on hand for a quick sweet treat! They can be stored for up to three days or frozen for later enjoyment.
Peaches and Cream Cookies Ingredients
- For the Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; can be replaced with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Cornstarch – Ensures cookies remain soft and chewy, with no direct substitution suggested.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy; no substitution necessary.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; can be omitted for salt-free diets.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version, ensuring it’s softened.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; can be replaced with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor; if unavailable, use more granulated sugar.
- Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; an egg replacer can serve as a vegan alternative.
- Vanilla Extract – Provides aromatic flavor; no substitution suggested.
- Almond Extract – Enhances flavor profile; omit if allergic to nuts and increase vanilla if needed.
- Fresh or Frozen Peaches – The main flavor component, offering natural sweetness and hydration; pat dry to avoid excess moisture, or substitute with other fruits like berries.
- White Chocolate Chips – Adds creaminess and sweetness; use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
This Peaches and Cream Cookies recipe is your ticket to a delightful baking experience that’s sure to brighten up your spring!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peaches and Cream Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step for ensuring your Peaches and Cream Cookies bake evenly and become wonderfully chewy. While the oven is warming up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper for an easy release later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This step will help evenly distribute the dry ingredients for your cookies. Make sure there are no lumps and set the mixture aside, allowing the flavors to marry while you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. This process creates a wonderful base for your Peaches and Cream Cookies, enhancing their texture and taste.
Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Extracts
Next, add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until fully combined and smooth, which should take about 1-2 minutes. The wet ingredients will add moisture and richness, creating a delightful synergy with the dry ingredients in your cookie dough.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to your wet mixture, gently stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. You should see a soft, slightly sticky dough forming, ready to embrace the fruity addition that’s next.
Step 6: Fold in Peaches and Chocolate
Gently fold in 1 to 1.5 cups of chopped fresh or frozen peaches along with 1 cup of white chocolate chips into the cookie dough. The folding technique helps to maintain the dough’s airy texture while ensuring that every bite of your Peaches and Cream Cookies is filled with luscious peach and chocolate goodness.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, portion out equal amounts of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This ensures that your cookies have room to spread without merging into one another. Aim for about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons per cookie for that perfect size.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers still look slightly glossy. Keep a close eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven, and removing them at the right moment ensures a soft and chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set perfectly while retaining their soft center. Enjoy the delightful aroma of your freshly baked Peaches and Cream Cookies as they cool, ready for some after-dinner smiles!
Expert Tips for Peaches and Cream Cookies
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Blot Peaches: Pat the peaches dry to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to soggy cookies. This step is key for achieving the perfect texture.
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Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm or the peaches are very juicy, chill the dough for 20-30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Mind the Bake Time: Do not overbake! Cookies will continue cooking on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. Aim for lightly golden edges and glossy centers.
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Customize Wisely: While you can swap the ingredients, be cautious when altering the key components. Choose fruit or chocolate wisely to ensure a balanced flavor in your Peaches and Cream Cookies.
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Perfect Storage: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just portion the dough before freezing.
What to Serve with Peaches and Cream Cookies
Picture a delightful afternoon where freshly baked cookies meet the perfect accompaniments, enhancing their sweet, fruity goodness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of melting vanilla ice cream enhances the cookies’ fruity flavor, creating a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
- Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries adds brightness and a refreshing tang, complementing the sweetness of the peaches beautifully.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: A cool glass of lemonade or iced tea refreshes your palate, balancing the cookie’s sweetness while adding a zesty kick.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds an extra layer of creaminess that beautifully matches with the white chocolate in the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer these cookies in a yogurt parfait along with granola and fresh fruits for a fun twist on dessert, swapping out traditional cake.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for a decadent treat; the rich chocolate contrasts perfectly with the fruity flavors.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: For a refreshing adult beverage, serve sparkling water with a hint of lime to cleanse the palate between bites.
- Peach Sorbet: A scoop of peach sorbet harmonizes the flavors even further, ensuring that the peach experience is delightful in many forms.
- Cheese Platter: A cheese platter loaded with creamy brie or tangy goat cheese can create an elegant pairing, contrasting the sweet cookies with savory notes.
- Coffee or Espresso: Enjoy these cookies alongside a cup of coffee or espresso, as the rich, warm flavors elevate your cookie-eating experience.
How to Store and Freeze Peaches and Cream Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your Peaches and Cream Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Refrigeration: If your kitchen tends to be warm, consider refrigerating the cookies; they can stay fresh for a bit longer, up to 5 days, while maintaining their delicious flavor.
Freezing Dough: For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough in individual dough balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Reheat straight from the freezer.
Make Ahead Options
These Peaches and Cream Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following these easy steps. Simply mix the dough, scoop it onto your prepared baking sheets, and then cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This way, the dough stays fresh and ready to bake, ensuring just as delicious results. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake straight from the fridge for about 2 extra minutes. For longer storage, you can freeze the scooped dough for up to 3 months — just thaw the dough before baking, and your homemade treat will be ready to enjoy!
Peaches and Cream Cookies Variations
Explore delicious ways to make these Peaches and Cream Cookies truly your own!
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a delightful alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with margarine or coconut oil to cater to dairy-free diets. You’ll still achieve that soft, chewy texture!
- Fruit Swap: Replace peaches with any fresh berry, like blueberries or raspberries, to add a tart twist. Each bite will surprise you with new flavor explosions!
- Chocolate Change: Experiment with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a deeper flavor contrast. It’s a fun way to shift the cookie’s taste profile!
- Tropical Touch: Add shredded coconut and cardamom for a hint of paradise in every bite. This variation will transport you to a sunny beach with just one cookie!
- Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped almonds or walnuts for a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft cookie and juicy fruit.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate these cookies, enveloping them in warmth and comfort. Perfect for those cozy evenings!
- More Chewy Goodness: For extra chewiness, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch to the dough. This subtle change can make a world of difference!
These variations are an invitation to get creative in the kitchen! And if you’re looking for more cookie ideas, try my Cinnamon Roll Cookies or Pumpkin Cookies Soft for delightful twists on traditional favorites!
Peaches and Cream Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of peaches should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, choose ripe, sweet peaches that are slightly soft to the touch. If using frozen peaches, thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the cookies.
How should I store the peach cookies?
Store your Peaches and Cream Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them for up to 5 days while keeping their delicious flavor intact.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Definitely! To freeze, portion the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the oven straight from the freezer; you may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What if my cookies turn out too soggy?
If your Peaches and Cream Cookies come out a bit soggy, it’s usually due to excess moisture from the peaches. Always pat your peaches dry before adding them to the dough. If your kitchen is warm or you’re using very juicy peaches, try chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking to maintain shape and texture.
Are these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, use margarine or coconut oil in place of the unsalted butter, and an egg replacer can be used for those avoiding eggs. Just make sure to check all ingredients for possible allergens, especially the extracts and chocolate.
Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
The more the merrier! You can easily swap peaches with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples. Just make sure to adjust the moisture content if you’re using particularly juicy fruits.
Peaches and Cream Cookies Recipe for a Summer Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in 1 to 1.5 cups of chopped peaches and 1 cup of white chocolate chips.
- Scoop equal amounts of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are glossy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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