Italian Spumoni Cookies Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- Divide the Dough: Split the dough into three equal portions, preparing separate layers for flavors and colors.
- Make the Chocolate Layer: To the first portion, fold in the melted unsweetened chocolate thoroughly until the dough is uniformly chocolate-flavored and colored.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the layered dough block tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up for easier slicing.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- 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.
- 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