30 Minute Georgia Peach Cookies – Ready in 30 Minutes
Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy cookie that captures the essence of summer in every sweet, peachy bite. These Georgia peach cookies are like sunshine wrapped in dough – tender, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible. Did you know that Georgia produces over 40 varieties of peaches?
These cookies celebrate that juicy goodness perfectly. They’re incredibly simple to make, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy families craving homemade treats. Unlike our popular chocolate chip cookies, these fruity delights offer a refreshing twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
What are Georgia Peach Cookies?
Ever wondered why we call them Georgia peach cookies? Well, it’s not just because they taste like a Georgia summer! These delightful treats get their name from the Peach State itself, where the sweetest, juiciest peaches grow.
Picture this: soft, cake-like cookies infused with real peach flavor and often topped with a peachy glaze that’ll make your taste buds dance. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these cookies are definitely the express route! Ready to bring some Southern charm to your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Georgia Peach Cookies
Burst of Summer Flavor
These cookies deliver an authentic peach taste that’ll transport you straight to a Georgia orchard. The combination of fresh peach puree and warm spices creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting, with each bite offering hints of cinnamon and vanilla that perfectly complement the fruit.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness
Making these cookies at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery. With simple pantry staples and affordable seasonal peaches, you can create dozens of cookies for less than $10 – that’s less than a single dozen from most specialty shops!
Irresistible Texture and Toppings
The magic happens in the texture – these aren’t your typical crispy cookies. They’re soft, tender, and almost cake-like, with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. Top them with cream cheese frosting, a simple glaze, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra indulgence.
Similar to our beloved snickerdoodles, these cookies offer that perfect balance of sweetness and spice, but with a fruity twist that makes them uniquely special. Ready to create some peachy magic in your kitchen?
How to Make Georgia Peach Cookies
Quick Overview
These Georgia peach cookies are surprisingly easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The secret lies in using real peach puree for authentic flavor and achieving that perfect soft, cake-like texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Difficulty: Easy
Key Ingredients for Georgia Peach Cookies
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup peach puree (from 2-3 fresh peaches)
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons peach puree
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Peaches
Wash, peel, and pit 2-3 ripe peaches. Puree them in a food processor or blender until smooth. You should have about ½ cup of puree. Set aside any extra for the glaze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout your cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This creates the perfect base for tender cookies.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, peach puree, and milk until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant with peach aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps cookies tender.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, peach puree, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread glaze over each cookie. Let glaze set for 15 minutes before serving.
What to Serve Georgia Peach Cookies With
These delightful cookies pair beautifully with various beverages and treats. Serve them alongside:
- Hot beverages: Sweet tea, coffee, or chai latte
- Cold drinks: Vanilla milk, peach iced tea, or lemonade
- Ice cream: Vanilla, cinnamon, or peach ice cream
- Fresh fruit: Sliced peaches, berries, or whipped cream
For special occasions, create a dessert platter with these cookies, fresh peach slices, and a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream. They also make excellent additions to picnic baskets and summer gatherings.
Top Tips for Perfecting Georgia Peach Cookies
Choose the Right Peaches
Use ripe but firm peaches for the best flavor and texture. They should give slightly to gentle pressure and smell fragrant at the stem end.
Don’t Overbake
These cookies continue cooking on the hot pan after removal from the oven. Remove them when centers still look slightly underdone for perfectly soft cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Can’t find fresh peaches? Use frozen (thawed and drained) or high-quality canned peaches in juice
- For dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk
- Reduce sugar by ¼ cup if your peaches are very sweet
Texture Secrets
Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create better texture. Take eggs and butter out 1 hour before baking, or quick-soften butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Flavor Enhancements
Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the dough for deeper peach flavor, or fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage: Store glazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate cookies for up to 1 week in sealed containers. Bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
Freezing Options:
- Unbaked dough: Freeze cookie dough balls on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.
- Baked cookies: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh glaze.
Reheating Instructions: Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore that just-baked softness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them tough.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Cholesterol | 18mg |
| Sodium | 85mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 8% DV |
| Vitamin C | 4% DV |
Values are approximate and based on standard ingredient measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes! Use peaches canned in juice (not syrup) and drain well before pureeing. You might need to reduce the sugar slightly as canned peaches can be sweeter.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This usually happens when butter is too warm or dough is too wet. Chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking, and ensure butter is softened but not melted.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Replace butter with vegan butter, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and plant-based milk.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for edges that are set and lightly golden. Centers should still appear slightly soft – they’ll finish cooking on the hot pan.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Shape dough into balls, freeze on baking sheets, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen.
What’s the best way to puree peaches?
Peel and pit ripe peaches, then use a food processor, blender, or immersion blender. For ultra-smooth puree, strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Properly stored cookies stay fresh for 5 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated. The glaze helps keep them moist.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure your mixing bowl is large enough and bake in batches if needed
These Georgia peach cookies bring the taste of Southern summers right to your kitchen. With their tender texture and authentic peach flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite. The simple ingredients and easy method make them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just want a sweet treat, these cookies deliver every time!
