Italian rainbow cookies

Italian rainbow cookies, also known as tri-color cookies or seven-layer cookies, are a popular dessert with a distinctive appearance. Despite the name “rainbow,” they typically feature three layers of almond-flavored sponge cake, each dyed a different color (traditionally red, green, and yellow), separated by layers of raspberry jam or apricot preserves, and coated with a chocolate glaze on top.

Here’s a basic recipe for Italian rainbow cookies:

Ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• Red and green food coloring

For the Filling:

• 1 cup raspberry jam or apricot preserves

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9×9-inch baking pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
4. Divide the batter equally into three portions. Leave one portion plain, and dye the other two portions with red and green food coloring.
5. Spread each colored batter into one of the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
6. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cake layers to cool completely.
7. Once cooled, spread a layer of raspberry jam or apricot preserves over the top of one of the cake layers. Place another layer on top and repeat until all three layers are stacked.
8. In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate, butter, and corn syrup together. Stir until smooth.
9. Pour the chocolate glaze over the top layer of the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
10. Allow the chocolate to set before cutting the cake into squares.

These cookies are not only visually appealing but also delicious, with the combination of almond, fruit, and chocolate flavors. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Italian rainbow cookies!