Description
Italian Spumoni Cookies are vibrant, layered cookies inspired by the flavors of classic spumoni ice cream. Featuring distinct layers of rich chocolate, nutty green pistachio-style dough, and a red rum-flavored section, these cookies are visually striking and deliciously festive. The dough is divided and tinted before being layered and baked, resulting in a unique tri-colored treat perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Chocolate Layer
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted
Green Layer
- 1/2 cup nuts (pecans, walnuts, pistachio), chopped
- few drops green food coloring
Red Layer
- 2 tsp rum extract
- few drops red food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare Basic Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix thoroughly to form a smooth dough.
- Divide Dough: Divide the prepared dough into three equal portions to create the different colored layers.
- Chocolate Layer: To the first portion, thoroughly mix in the melted unsweetened chocolate to create a rich chocolate dough.
- Green Layer: To the second portion, add the chopped nuts and several drops of green food coloring. Mix until the nuts and color are evenly distributed.
- Red Layer: To the third portion, stir in the rum extract and a few drops of red food coloring until the dough is uniformly tinted and flavored.
- Shape Dough: Shape each of the three dough portions into rectangles approximately 8 inches by 3 inches using waxed paper to prevent sticking.
- Layer Dough: Arrange the rectangles on top of each other with the green dough layer in the center. Press the layers together gently to combine into a single multi-colored block. Wrap the block tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets by leaving them ungreased to achieve perfect cookie texture.
- Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled dough block from the fridge. Using a sharp knife, slice cookies from the end about 1/4 inch thick. Place the slices on the baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set but cookies remain soft. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your festive Italian Spumoni Cookies!
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best dough texture.
- Adjust the amount of food coloring according to your desired color intensity.
- If you prefer, substitute rum extract with almond or vanilla extract for a different twist.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to maintain the layered shape during slicing and baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian cookies, spumoni cookies, layered cookies, chocolate cookies, pistachio cookies, rum flavored cookies, holiday cookies
