Description
Hidden Rainbow Cookies are a vibrant, layered treat featuring almond paste and apricot jam that come together in a show-stopping colorful cookie perfect for celebrations or anytime you want to brighten your day. This recipe guides you step-by-step to create stunning cookies with a rainbow surprise inside, combining delightful flavors and a tender texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz almond paste
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
Food Coloring
- Gel or paste food coloring: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup apricot jam
- Optional: chocolate coating or melted chocolate for dipping or icing
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the almond paste and eggs, one at a time, mixing until smooth. Add the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, forming a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
- Divide and Color the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into six portions. Using gel or paste food coloring, dye each portion a different rainbow color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Knead each portion until the color is fully integrated and consistent.
- Form the Rainbow Layers: On parchment paper, shape each colored dough portion into flat rectangular layers of equal size and thickness. Stack the layers in rainbow order, gently pressing to stick them evenly together. Chill the stack in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up.
- Add Apricot Jam and Roll: Once chilled, spread a thin, even layer of apricot jam over the top layer. Using the parchment paper, carefully roll the layered dough into a tight log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to firm completely.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the log from the fridge and slice into ¼-inch-thick cookies with a sharp knife. Arrange the slices on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing slightly apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and colors remain vibrant. Cool fully on a wire rack.
- Optional Chocolate Dipping: Melt chocolate and dip the sides or half of each cookie if desired. Let the chocolate set before serving.
Notes
- Use gel or paste food coloring for more vibrant hues without affecting dough consistency.
- Chill dough thoroughly to maintain distinct color layers when slicing.
- Cut uniform, even slices using a sharp knife and steady hand.
- Avoid overbaking to keep cookies tender and colors bright.
- Handle dough gently to prevent color bleeding between layers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: hidden rainbow cookies, almond cookies, layered cookies, colorful cookies, apricot jam cookies, festive cookies, celebration dessert