Dessert

Italian Spumoni Cookies Recipe

Name: Italian Spumoni Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted; 1/2 cup nuts (pecans, walnuts, pistachio), chopped; few drops green food coloring; 2 tsp rum extract; few drops red food coloring

ByThomas Greene December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

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Introduction

Italian Spumoni Cookies are a delightful treat inspired by the classic layered ice cream. These cookies feature distinct colorful layers with flavors of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of rum, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.

A white plate with a detailed edge holds several rectangular cookies arranged in neat layers. Each cookie has three horizontal colored layers: the top and bottom layers are light pink and smooth, the middle layer is light beige with small darker specks, and next to it is a darker brown, rich and slightly textured. The cookies are stacked neatly in rows with some overlapping, all laid on a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/2 cup nuts (pecans, walnuts, or pistachio), chopped
Few drops green food coloring
2 tsp. rum extract
Few drops red food coloring

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly to form a basic dough.
Step 3: Divide the dough into three equal parts.
Step 4: To the first portion, stir in the melted unsweetened chocolate until evenly combined.
Step 5: To the second portion, mix in the chopped nuts and a few drops of green food coloring for the green layer.
Step 6: To the third portion, add the rum extract and a few drops of red food coloring and mix well for the red layer.
Step 7: Shape each dough portion into a rectangle about 8 inches long and 3 inches wide, using waxed paper to help shape and prevent sticking.
Step 8: Layer the rectangles on top of one another with the green layer in the center, pressing gently to adhere the layers together.
Step 9: Wrap the layered dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Step 10: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap the chilled dough and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch thick cookies.
Step 11: Place the cookie slices on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set.
Step 12: Remove from oven and let cookies cool before serving. Enjoy your colorful, layered Italian Spumoni Cookies!

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute the green layer nuts with chopped dried fruit or omit them entirely.
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate layer for a subtle mocha flavor.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce powdered sugar by 1/4 cup in the basic dough.
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, bring cookies to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular plate filled with many stacked rectangular cookies, each made of three distinct layers. The bottom and top layers are a soft pink with a slightly crumbly texture, the middle layer is off-white with small visible specks, and between the pink and off-white layers is a dark brown layer with a smooth, dense texture. The cookies are neatly arranged in rows on the plate, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nuts in the green layer?

Yes, feel free to use pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or any nuts you prefer. Just chop them finely to mix well into the dough.

What if I don’t have rum extract?

If you don’t have rum extract, you can substitute with vanilla extract or almond extract, but the flavor will differ slightly from the traditional spumoni taste.