Looking for a sweet treat that’s as vibrant as it is delicious? You’re in luck, because these Italian rainbow cookies are a showstopper! Also known as tri-color or tricolore cookies, they’re a stunning representation of Italy’s national flag, with its iconic red, white, and green colors. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for holiday gatherings regardless of your cultural heritage.
These scrumptious treats are crafted by layering almond cake with luscious raspberry jelly and finishing it off with a rich chocolate glaze. The result is a cookie that’s as visually striking as it is delectable.
If you’re a fan of classic Italian desserts, you won’t want to miss these Amaretti cookies or try your hand at making Italian fig Christmas cookies. And if you’re looking for another sweet addition to your holiday spread, consider adding some candied pecans to the mix.
Why You’ll Love Them
What makes Italian rainbow cookies truly irresistible is the harmonious union of cookie or cake layers, jelly, and chocolate. This delightful combination will satisfy even those who don’t typically have a sweet tooth. The best part? These treats are surprisingly easy to prepare. Despite the visually appealing layering, making Italian rainbow cookies is straightforward, and you’ll feel proud of your accomplishment. For those seeking an authentic taste of Italy, this recipe is a must-try. Its charm extends beyond cultural heritage, as everyone can appreciate the joy these cookies bring.
How to Make this Recipe
To create your masterpiece cake, start by preparing the batter. In one bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another, cream together the butter, sugar, and almond paste before adding in the powdered sugar, milk, egg yolks, and almond extract. Once combined, divide the mixture evenly between three bowls. Add red food coloring to one, green to another, leaving the third as is. Next, spread each colored batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding. For the layers, start with the green layer, followed by the white, then add a layer of jam. Repeat this process, finishing with the red layer on top. To assemble, refrigerate the entire structure under a heavy object or book for at least 4 hours. Once set, trim the cake into a rectangular shape and melt together chocolate chips and oil. Spread this over the cake, allowing it to set before flipping and covering the remaining surface. Finally, cut the cake into 1 1/2-inch squares to create your cookies.
Substitutions and Variations
The versatility of this Italian rainbow cookie lies in its ability to accommodate various flavor profiles and aesthetic preferences. If almond isn’t your cup of tea, feel free to substitute the almond extract and paste with a different option, such as vanilla or another flavor of your choice. Furthermore, you can experiment with different types of chocolate – sweet, semisweet, dark, or even white – for the melted chocolate component, or opt for unsalted butter instead of salted. Moreover, the color palette is entirely customizable, allowing you to get creative and choose whatever hues resonate with you.
How to Store this Neapolitan Recipe
For optimal freshness, leftover Italian rainbow cookies can be safely stored at room temperature within an airtight container for as long as five days. Alternatively, these sweet treats can be preserved for a longer period by freezing them, allowing you to enjoy your delicious cookies for up to three months.
Italian Rainbow Cookies FAQs
When you’ve finished covering the Italian rainbow cookies with chocolate, you may be left with some excess. Don’t worry, this leftover chocolate can be repurposed in various ways. For instance, it’s perfect for decorating cupcakes or cookies, adding a sweet touch to sundae toppings or caramel apple cheesecakes. As for compressing the cookies, the most effective method is to stack them on a baking sheet and then place a heavy object like a book or pot on top. This will help flatten them and make them easier to store.
Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe
Italian Rainbow Cookies
Italian rainbow cookies are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of almond cake, raspberry jam, and chocolate. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, these cookies can be enjoyed on any day, not just Christmas. Once you’ve mixed and assembled the dough, it’ll take around 12 minutes to cook each batch. After baking, allow the cookies to cool for at least 4 hours before serving. This recipe yields 36 delicious cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a separate mixing bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Meanwhile, in another bowl, cream together butter, sugar, almond paste, powdered sugar, milk, egg yolks, and almond extract until smooth. Gradually add flour, stirring with a spoon, then gently fold in the egg whites. Divide the dough evenly among three bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and mix thoroughly. In another bowl, combine green food coloring. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and spread each color out evenly, working carefully due to the thick dough. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Next, layer half of the jam on the green-colored cookie, followed by a thin layer of white batter, then finish with the remaining jam. Carefully place the red cookie over the jam. Cover the cookies in plastic wrap, place a pan on top, add a heavy book, and refrigerate for 4 hours. Trim the resulting cake into a 7½-inch-by-10½-inch rectangle. Melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil together, then spread evenly over the cookies. Allow the chocolate to set, then carefully flip the cookie over and cover the reverse side with more melted chocolate. Once hardened, measure and cut the cookie into 1-inch squares.