Italian Rainbow Cookies (Seven Layer Heaven!)

Bake these iconic Italian Rainbow Cookies, aka sette strati! Almondy layers, apricot jam, and chocolate – a colorful treat that's easier than you think! Find my rainbow cookie recipe here.

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to bring a slice of italy to your kitchen? this italian rainbow cookie recipe is your ticket.

These tri color cookies aren't just pretty; they're bursting with almond goodness and chocolate bliss.

Brief Overview

These italian bakery cookies , also known as 7 layer italian cookies , have been a festive staple for generations.

This recipe sits at a medium difficulty, needing roughly 4 hours total, yields about 24-30 cookies. these cookies bring the taste of italy.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this rainbow cookie recipe is the almond flavor that tastes amazing. plus, they're perfect for a rainbow christmas cookies spread.

What makes these extra special is the joy they bring!

Ready to dive into the italian cookie adventure? Let's talk ingredients. I'll never forget the first time I made these! My layers looked more like the leaning tower of pisa but hey, they still tasted amazing!

Getting Started: Baking Steel Recipes and Color Cookies

Before we get all flour-y, let's make sure we're prepped. you won’t need a baking steel , but having three 9x13 inch baking pans is a must.

Trust me, even layers are key to these color cookies !

We will start by creaming together the almond paste, butter, and sugar. remember, good quality almond paste is crucial. trust me, use the good stuff and the flavor payoff is unreal.

It really makes the different cookies recipes shine.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. now, divide that lovely batter into three portions and colour them red and green, and leave one plain.

Spread each color into the prepared pans. pro tip: parchment paper is your best friend here. it stops the cookies from sticking to the pan.

Bake each layer until lightly golden and just pulling away from the sides. don't overbake! then cool completely. these steps might sound intense, but honestly, it's the layering that really takes time.

The result? totally worth it.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!

Okay, so you're ready to tackle my italian rainbow cookie recipe ? wicked! these little slices of sette strati heaven are totally worth the effort.

Trust me. getting the right stuff, though, is half the battle. and the equipment. oh my gosh, the equipment!

Main Ingredients: The Rainbow Starts Here

Let's break it down. We're going for those vibrant colors, that almondy goodness, and that oh-so-satisfying chocolate dip. Here’s the shopping list.

• Almond Paste: 7 oz (200g) . Go for the good stuff. Seriously. Cheap almond paste is grainy. Aim for smooth, slightly sweet.
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) , unsalted and softened. Don't even think about using margarine here. Real butter only, darling!
• Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (300g) .
• Eggs: 6 large ones. Room temperature is best, but honestly, who remembers to take them out ahead of time?
• Almond Extract: 1 teaspoon . A must for that classic italian cookie flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g) , plus extra for dusting.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon .
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Food Coloring: Red and Green. Gel food coloring is your friend here. The colors are way more intense and won’t water down the batter.
• Apricot Jam: 1 cup (280g) . Smooth, not chunky! If yours has lumps, give it a quick blitz in the food processor.
• Water: 1 tablespoon .
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: 12 oz (340g) , finely chopped. Use chocolate you actually like to eat. You know?
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (or coconut oil).
• Sprinkles: Optional but encouraged! Because who doesn’t love sprinkles? These rainbow christmas cookies are a treat to eat, so why not make it attractive?

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauces

Flavor is key. These aren't just color cookies ; they're flavor bombs .

• Almond + Apricot + Chocolate: This is the holy trinity. Don’t mess with it too much.
• Almond Extract: Don't overdo it! Too much and it tastes like cleaning fluid. Eek!
• Flavor enhancer: Vanilla extract is a secret weapon. A teaspoon in the batter adds a touch of warmth.
• Flavor sub: If you hate apricot jam (who are you?), raspberry jam is a great alternative. Honestly, though, apricot is the winner. The 7 layer Italian cookies recipe, can be played with a lot. Many different cookies recipes , share the same approach and flavour notes. If you have made baking steel recipes , these cookies won't be any different.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gear to make these. Seriously.

• Stand Mixer (or electric hand mixer): A stand mixer makes life easier, but a hand mixer will do the trick.
• Three 9x13 inch Baking Pans: Crucial . They have to be the same size, or your layers will be wonky.
• Parchment Paper: For lining the pans. Makes removing the layers a breeze.
• Offset Spatula: For spreading the batter evenly.
• Double Boiler (or microwave-safe bowl): For melting the chocolate.
• Sharp Knife (or pizza cutter): For cutting the cookies.
• Rolling Pin: (optional) for levelling if necessary

You could call these italian bakery cookies . they are simple and easy to make, like most of the recipes in the italian repertoire.

This rainbow cookie recipe is one of them. i have been working on it forever and i would love to hear your opinion in the comments.

Italian Rainbow Cookies (Seven Layer Heaven!)

Oh my gosh, you have to try this italian rainbow cookie recipe ! honestly, these aren't just any cookies. they're 7 layer italian cookies of pure joy, also known as sette strati .

I remember the first time i saw these beauties at an italian bakery. all those glorious color cookies lined up, shouting "eat me!".

They are seriously like bite-sized rainbows, perfect for Christmas. So, ditch the usual different cookies recipes and try these rainbow christmas cookies

They can be a bit of a faff to make, but trust me, the reward is so worth it. imagine layers of almond cake, apricot jam, and rich chocolate – what's not to love? think marzipan meets chocoholic's dream.

Ready to get baking?

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place

Before you even think about turning on the oven, get your mise en place sorted. soften the butter, cut up that almond paste (7 oz), measure out the sugar (1 1/2 cups), and have your eggs (6 large) ready to go.

Having everything prepped will seriously save you time and stress. trust me, organisation is your friend.

Step-by-Step to Cookie Nirvana

Alright, here's how you make these tri color cookies , step-by-step:

1. Cream together the almond paste, softened butter (1 cup), and sugar (1 1/2 cups) until light and fluffy. Add eggs (6 large) one at a time, then stir in almond extract (1 tsp).
2. Whisk together flour (2 1/2 cups), baking powder (1 tsp), and salt (1/2 tsp). Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
3. Divide the batter into three equal portions. Color one red, one green, and leave one plain using food coloring.
4. Spread each color of batter evenly into a greased and parchment-lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake one by one for 12- 15 minutes until lightly golden and springy to the touch.
5. Let the layers cool completely in the pans.
6. Warm up the apricot jam (1 cup) with water (1 tbsp) in a saucepan to smooth it out and let it cool slightly .
7. Spread apricot jam evenly between each layer, stacking them: green, plain, red. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
8. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours , or overnight. This is non-negotiable, for easy cutting.

Pro Tips for Rainbow Cookie Success

• Baking Steel Recipes ? Not today, sunshine! We're sticking to the oven.
• Don't skip the chilling time. Seriously. That’s why it’s one of the most important steps in the Rainbow Cookie Recipe
• Make sure the layers bake evenly. Uneven layers are the enemy!

Making these italian bakery cookies is a labour of love, but it's so worth it. serve them with a strong coffee, and watch people’s faces light up.

Seriously, you’ll be the star baker! they bring joy to any ocassion, these delicious rainbow cookies are going to be a success.

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for your italian rainbow cookie recipe . These little notes are all about making your baking journey a bit smoother and tastier, you know?

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Rainbow Cookies

Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Skills!

Listen, presentation matters! Plating your rainbow christmas cookies can take them from "nice" to "Oh my gosh!". Stack them high on a pretty plate. Dust them with a little icing sugar, maybe?

Think about serving these italian bakery cookies with a strong coffee. or even a dessert wine. it's all about that la dolce vita , isn't it? for a full-on italian spread, add some biscotti and maybe some of those cute little knot cookies.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Honestly, these never last long in my house! But if you're not scoffing them all at once, here's the deal.

Keep your 7 layer italian cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay good for about a week. I wouldn't recommend freezing them, the texture might get a bit weird.

Reheating isn't really a thing. Just let them come to room temperature before you tuck in.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Want to put your own spin on these tri color cookies ? Go for it!

For a dietary twist, try using gluten-free flour. it might change the texture a bit, but it's worth a shot.

Or, swap the apricot jam for raspberry. the possibilities are endless, really. you can even experiment with your baking steel recipes for the almond paste.

Seasonal swaps are fun too! In autumn, a touch of orange zest would be lovely.

Nutrition Basics: The Good(ish) Stuff

Right, let's be real. these are cookies. they're not exactly a health food! but hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone.

They provide energy (hello, sugar!). the almond paste gives you a bit of protein and healthy fats.

Remember, portion control, yeah? These are best enjoyed in moderation.

So there you have it! all the little extras to make your rainbow cookie recipe shine. don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

After all, that's what baking's all about, innit? and remember to share your delicious different cookies recipes with your friends and family!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Italian Rainbow Cookies so crumbly?

Crumbly Italian Rainbow Cookies are usually caused by either overbaking the cake layers or not chilling the assembled cookies long enough. Overbaking dries out the cake, making it prone to crumbling. Make sure to bake just until lightly golden and springy to the touch, like a perfectly cooked sponge cake. Also, chilling the assembled cookies is crucial for the layers to adhere properly; think of it like giving them a good old hug to stick together! Aim for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight.

Can I make this Italian Rainbow Cookie recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making these cookies ahead of time is highly recommended. The chilling process is key for them to set properly. You can assemble the layers with the jam and chill them for up to 2-3 days before coating them in chocolate. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. They’re like a fine wine, they get better with time... in the fridge, that is!

My chocolate coating is dull and not shiny. What did I do wrong?

A dull chocolate coating usually means the chocolate wasn't properly tempered, or you are using low quality chocolate. Tempering involves heating and cooling the chocolate to specific temperatures, which stabilizes the cocoa butter and gives it that beautiful sheen. For a simple fix, try adding a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil (or coconut oil) to the melted chocolate. This will help thin it out and give it a bit more shine, even if it’s not perfectly tempered. Think of it as a quick polish for your chocolate masterpiece!

Where can I find almond paste for this Italian Rainbow Cookie recipe, and can I substitute it?

Almond paste can typically be found in the baking aisle of most well-stocked grocery stores, especially around the holidays. Some supermarkets might keep it with the marzipan or specialty baking ingredients. If you can't find it, you can make your own using blanched almonds, sugar and egg whites, but the taste profile won't be exactly the same. A good quality almond paste is critical for the cookies to achieve its signature taste. If you can’t find almond paste in a store near you, look for online retailers!

What's the best way to store Italian Rainbow Cookies to keep them fresh?

To keep your Italian Rainbow Cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay good for about 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they're well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When thawing, let them come to room temperature slowly before serving. Just like you wouldn't store your tea next to the onions, keep them away from other strong-smelling foods!

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