Peach Frosted Cookies

If you love the sweet, juicy flavor of peaches, then peach frosted cookies are an absolute must-try! These delightful treats combine the comforting texture of soft cookies with a refreshing peachy twist, topped with a luscious peach-flavored frosting. Whether you’re making these cookies for a special occasion, a summer gathering, or just because you love peaches, this comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know. From selecting the perfect ingredients to decorating your peach frosted cookies beautifully, this article covers it all.

Why You’ll Love Peach Frosted Cookies

Peach frosted cookies offer a delicious twist on the classic frosted cookie. They are not only easy to make but also versatile, making them perfect for both family get-togethers and fancy events. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie and tasting the distinct flavor of ripe, juicy peaches, followed by a creamy frosting that enhances that natural sweetness. Therefore, these cookies are perfect for anyone who loves fruity desserts. Moreover, they are a unique option that stands out among traditional cookie flavors, making them an excellent choice when you want something a little different.

For more inspiration on using peaches in desserts, check out this guide on baking with peaches. Additionally, peaches are a versatile fruit, and they work wonders in desserts, as explained in this article about stone fruits.

Ingredients for Peach Frosted Cookies

To make these delectable peach frosted cookies, you will need two sets of ingredients: one for the cookie base and the other for the frosting.

Ingredients for the Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a slight lift to the cookies, enhancing their texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the cookies.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a tender crumb.
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds a subtle caramel flavor that complements the peaches.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
1/2 cup peach puree: Gives the cookies their signature peach flavor.

Ingredients for the Peach Frosting

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base for a creamy frosting.
1/4 cup peach puree: Provides natural peach flavor.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the frosting flavor.

How to Make Peach Frosted Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Peach Puree

The key to making the best peach frosted cookies is to start with fresh peach puree. Here’s how you do it:

Select Ripe Peaches: To begin, choose peaches that are soft to the touch and aromatic. Ripe peaches provide the best flavor.
Peel and Pit the Peaches: Next, remove the skin by blanching the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring them to an ice bath. The skin should peel away easily. After that, cut the peaches in half and remove the pit.
Puree the Peaches: Then, place the peeled peaches in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You’ll need about 3/4 cup peach puree in total for this recipe.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Mix Dry Ingredients: First, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of the peach puree until well combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Chill the Dough: After mixing, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the Oven: Before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape the Cookies: Then, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
Cool: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Peach Frosting

Beat Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
Add Peach Puree and Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated. Then add 1/4 cup peach puree and the vanilla extract. After that, beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Frost the Cookies

Frost Each Cookie: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a small offset spatula or a piping bag to frost each cookie with the peach frosting.
Decorate: Optionally, garnish the frosted cookies with a small slice of peach or a sprinkling of finely chopped pecans for added texture and visual appeal.

Tips for Perfect Peach Frosted Cookies

Use Fresh Peaches: For the best flavor, always use fresh, ripe peaches. However, if fresh peaches are unavailable, you can use frozen peaches that have been thawed and drained.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also helps enhance the flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense, tough cookies. Therefore, mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more peach puree, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Variations of Peach Frosted Cookies

If you want to experiment with your peach frosted cookies, here are some delicious variations to try:

Old-Fashioned Peach Frosted Cookies: Use a recipe that includes buttermilk in the dough for a soft, cake-like texture reminiscent of old-fashioned cookies. The buttermilk adds a slight tang that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the peaches.
Peach Frosted Cookies with No Sugar: Instead of granulated and brown sugar, replace them with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also use a sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower-sugar version. Just remember to adjust the dry ingredients accordingly.
Peach and Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer frosting, replace half of the butter in the frosting with cream cheese. This will give the cookies a tangy, creamy topping that complements the peach flavor.
Spiced Peach Frosted Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced version perfect for fall.
Peach Almond Cookies: Additionally, add 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds to the cookie dough for a nutty twist. Almond and peach flavors complement each other beautifully.
Peach and Coconut Frosted Cookies: Mix 1/4 cup shredded coconut into the cookie dough to add a tropical flair. The combination of peach and coconut is perfect for summer gatherings.

Storing and Freezing Peach Frosted Cookies

To keep your peach frosted cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key.

Storing Peach Frosted Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To prevent the frosting from sticking, place parchment paper between the layers of cookies.
Refrigerate: If you live in a warm climate, it’s best to store the cookies in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from melting. Therefore, they will stay fresh for up to a week when refrigerated.

Freezing Peach Frosted Cookies

Freeze Before Frosting: If you plan to freeze the cookies, do so before adding the frosting. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw and Frost: When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature, then frost them with fresh peach frosting.

How to Serve Peach Frosted Cookies

Peach frosted cookies are perfect for a wide variety of occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most out of these delightful treats:

Afternoon Tea: Serve peach frosted cookies alongside a pot of black tea or herbal peach tea for a delightful afternoon break.
Summer Picnics: Pack these cookies for a summer picnic. The fruity flavor of peaches is perfect for an outdoor gathering.
Dessert Platter: Arrange them on a dessert platter with other fruit-flavored cookies, like lemon or raspberry, for a colorful and flavorful assortment.
Party Favors: Wrap the cookies individually in clear bags tied with a ribbon for a charming party favor at summer-themed parties or weddings.

Pairing Peach Frosted Cookies with Beverages

Pairing peach frosted cookies with the right beverages can elevate the experience even further. Here are some perfect pairings to consider:

Iced Tea: Pair these cookies with a tall glass of iced peach tea. The complementary flavors make for a refreshing summer treat.
Sparkling Lemonade: Additionally, the tartness of lemonade balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful contrast.
Champagne: For a more sophisticated occasion, serve peach frosted cookies with a glass of champagne. The light bubbles and subtle acidity of the champagne pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies.
Milk: You can never go wrong with the classic pairing of cookies and milk. A cold glass of milk is perfect for bringing out the flavors of the peach frosting.

Health Benefits of Peaches

Peaches not only add a wonderful flavor to these cookies but also come with several health benefits:

Rich in Vitamins: Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, which are important for eye health and immune function.
High in Fiber: The dietary fiber in peaches helps promote healthy digestion and can aid in maintaining a balanced diet.
Antioxidant Properties: Peaches are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Low in Calories: Furthermore, peaches are naturally low in calories, making them a great way to add sweetness without significantly increasing the calorie content of the cookies.

Including peaches in your diet is a delicious way to reap these health benefits, and adding them to cookies is a fun and tasty option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Peach Frosted Cookies Recipe

Peach frosted cookies are made with a soft, buttery cookie base flavored with peach puree, and they are topped with a creamy peach-flavored frosting. To make them, you need ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and fresh peach puree. The cookies are baked until soft and golden, then frosted with a peach-infused frosting for a perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness.

Old Fashioned Peach Frosted Cookies

Old-fashioned peach frosted cookies have a nostalgic, cake-like texture, often achieved by incorporating buttermilk into the dough. This variation is perfect for those who love a softer, more tender cookie. The buttermilk adds a unique tang that complements the peach flavor beautifully.

Peach Frosted Cookies No Sugar

To make peach frosted cookies without sugar, you can replace the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or use a sugar substitute such as erythritol. This makes the cookies suitable for those who need to reduce their sugar intake. Ensure that the substitute you use is suitable for baking, and adjust the recipe as needed to achieve the correct consistency.

Peach Cookies

Peach cookies can refer to a variety of cookies that incorporate peaches in some form, whether it be fresh, dried, or as a puree. These cookies often have a soft, chewy texture, and the peach flavor can be enhanced with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Peach frosted cookies are a popular version that includes a delicious frosting to elevate the peach flavor.