Indulge your senses with these enchanting rainbow cookies! With their vibrant layers and delightful flavors, these cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious treat that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, holidays, or simply brightening up your day, this recipe will guide you through creating these colorful delights step by step. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this fun and festive dessert!
Ingredients
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for decoration)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 rainbow cookies. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 12-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cookie):
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional information is based on a single cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
7. Divide the dough into six equal portions.
8. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion, mixing until vibrant.
9. Roll each colored dough into a log and layer them, pressing gently.
10. Chill the logs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
11. Slice the logs into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
12. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Additionally, use natural food dyes instead of artificial ones for a healthier alternative.
Serving and Pairings
Rainbow cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or a fruity tea. They also make an excellent addition to dessert platters at parties or family gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store your rainbow cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain their softness.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender.
– Ensure your butter is softened, not melted.
– Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
– Use a sharp knife for clean slices of the cookie log.
– Measure ingredients accurately for best results.
Helpful Tips
– Experiment with different color combinations for unique effects.
– Use a toothpick to create marbled designs with the dough.
– Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
– Incorporate sprinkles on top for added flair.
FAQs
Can I make rainbow cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
What can I do with leftover dough?
Leftover dough can be wrapped in plastic and frozen for future use or made into smaller cookie shapes.
Are rainbow cookies suitable for parties?
Absolutely! Their colorful appearance makes them a fun addition to any celebration or festive gathering.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
How do I ensure the colors don’t mix?
Make sure to chill the dough before slicing and handle it gently to maintain the distinct layers.
Conclusion
Rainbow cookies are not just a treat; they are a colorful adventure in baking! With their vibrant layers and delightful taste, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion. Enjoy creating and sharing these eye-catching delights with friends and family!
Rainbow Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
- 1 cup powdered sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Divide the dough into six equal portions.
- Add food coloring to each portion, mixing until vibrant.
- Roll each colored dough into a log and layer them, pressing gently.
- Chill the logs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Slice the logs into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Nutrition
