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–+ servings

Italian Rainbow Cookies

Italian Rainbow Cookies are delightful, multi-layered cookies that evoke memories of celebrations with their vibrant colors and rich flavors. These cookies, known for their buttery-soft texture and glossy chocolate coating, are a staple in Italian-American culture.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cookie Batter

  • 4 large Eggs (separated)
  • 1.5 cups Butter (at room temperature) Use real butter for best results.
  • 1 cup White sugar
  • 8 ounces Almond paste
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar
  • 0.25 cups Whole milk (at room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Almond extract
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 0.25 teaspoon Food coloring gel (red)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Food coloring gel (green)
  • 0.5 cups Raspberry jam (seedless)

Chocolate Coating

  • 1.5 cups Semisweet chocolate chips
  • 0.25 teaspoon Vegetable oil

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and almond paste until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the powdered sugar, milk, egg yolks, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
  • Gently stir in the flour then fold in the whipped egg whites.
  • Divide the batter into three bowls, adding red food coloring to one and green to another.
  • Spread each colored batter onto lined baking sheets.

Baking and Cooling

  • Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, until just set.
  • Remove from oven and cool completely.

Assembly

  • Spread half of the raspberry jam over the green layer.
  • Place the white layer on top, then spread remaining jam over it.
  • Top with the red cookie.
  • Wrap in plastic wrap and press down with a heavy pan; refrigerate for 4 hours.

Finishing Touches

  • Trim the chilled cookie stack to a rectangle.
  • Melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil, then coat the top and bottom of the cookie.
  • Let the chocolate set before cutting into 1½ inch squares.

Notes

Serve with coffee or tea, and consider pairing with ice cream. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate with parchment between layers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 25mgSugar: 10g
Keyword Baking, Dessert Recipe, Italian cookies, Rainbow Cookies
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