Italian Spumoni Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Italian Spumoni Cookies are a colorful and flavorful treat inspired by the classic spumoni dessert. These layered cookies combine chocolate, nutty green, and rum-flavored red dough for a unique and festive bite. Perfect for holidays or any time you want a sweet, distinctive cookie.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
2. Step 2: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix thoroughly to form a basic dough. Divide this dough evenly into three separate portions.
3. Step 3: To the first portion, fold in the melted unsweetened chocolate until fully blended to create the chocolate layer.
4. Step 4: To the second portion, add the chopped nuts and a few drops of green food coloring. Mix until evenly colored and combined.
5. Step 5: For the third portion, mix in the rum extract along with a few drops of red food coloring until the dough is evenly tinted.
6. Step 6: Shape each dough portion into an 8 by 3-inch rectangle using waxed paper to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Layer the rectangles with the green nut layer in the center, pressing them gently together to form a single block. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
8. Step 8: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chilled dough block and slice across the narrow end into 1/4-inch thick cookies.
9. Step 9: Place the sliced cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes until set. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of your favorite nuts in the green layer for different flavor profiles and textures.
• If you prefer, substitute rum extract with almond extract for a different aromatic touch.
• Wrap the dough block tightly to ensure clean cookie slices and prevent drying out during chilling.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over cooled cookies before serving.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Reheat slightly in a warm oven to refresh their texture if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use nuts other than pecans or pistachios?

Yes, you can use any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just make sure they are chopped finely for the best texture and even layering.

What if I don’t have food coloring?

If you don’t have food coloring, the cookies will still taste delicious but won’t have the traditional spumoni colors. You can try natural coloring alternatives like matcha powder for green or beet juice for red, but start with small amounts to avoid altering the dough consistency.

Italian Spumoni Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 76 reviews

Italian Spumoni Cookies are a delightful tri-colored treat inspired by the classic spumoni ice cream. These cookies feature layers of rich chocolate, nut-infused green dough, and rum-flavored red dough, creating a beautiful and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Cookie
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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, or pistachios), chopped
• Few drops green food coloring

Red Layer:

• 2 tsp rum extract
• Few drops red food coloring

Instructions

1. Prepare Basic Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 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, mixing thoroughly to form a smooth dough.
2. Divide the Dough: Split the dough into three equal portions, preparing separate layers for flavors and colors.
3. Make the Chocolate Layer: To the first portion, fold in the melted unsweetened chocolate thoroughly until the dough is uniformly chocolate-flavored and colored.
4. Make the Green Layer: Mix the chopped nuts and a few drops of green food coloring into the second portion of dough until well blended and green in color.
5. Make the Red Layer: Blend the rum extract and a few drops of red food coloring into the third dough portion until the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a reddish hue.
6. Shape the Dough Layers: On waxed paper, shape each dough portion into 8-inch by 3-inch rectangles. Position the green layer rectangle in the center with chocolate and red layers on either side, then press them gently together to form a tri-colored block.
7. Chill the Dough: Wrap the layered dough block tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up for easier slicing.
8. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
9. Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Place slices on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the cookies set but remain tender. Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.

Notes

• Use waxed paper when shaping dough rectangles to prevent sticking and ease handling.
• Chilling the dough is crucial to keep the layers distinct and make slicing easier.
• Feel free to substitute nuts in the green layer according to your preference or availability.
• Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve desired vibrant colors without overpowering flavor.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.

Keywords: Italian Spumoni Cookies, layered cookies, chocolate cookies, nut cookies, rum flavored cookies, holiday cookies, tri-color cookies