Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (2024)


Bring a touch of Italy into your kitchen this holiday Season with this delightful and delicious recipe for Italian Rainbow Cookies.

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (1)

Also known as Venetian or Tri-Color Cookies, these vibrant treats are a beloved staple of Italian-American bakeries. With their layers of almond sponge cake, raspberry jam, and chocolate coating, they are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. We’ll guide you step by step through the process of creating these irresistible Italian Rainbow Cookies.

This recipe is part of The Sweetest Season, an annual virtual cookie swap co-hosted by Erin of The Speckled Palate and Susannah of Feast + West. Every year, food bloggers get together to share new holiday cookie recipes to make and give.

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (2)

Ingredients for Italian Rainbow Cookies: Creating Layers of Flavor

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (3)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 8 oz almond paste
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 eggs, separate yolks and whites
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ teaspoon red food color
  • ½ teaspoon green food color
  • ½ cup raspberry jam
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (4)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preheat oven to 325 and prepare 3 square baking pans with baking spray

In a large mixing bowl combine sugar, almond paste, and butter until smooth

Add in the egg yolks one at a time

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (5)

Mix in the milk and almond extract

Add in the flour mixing until combined then set mixture aside

In a separate bowl beat the egg whites to stiff peaks then fold into cake mixture

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (6)

Separate the mixture in equal amounts into 3 separate bowls

Add red food color to one bowl, green food color to another, and leave the 3rd bowl as is

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (7)

Place each batter in a separate prepared baking pan

Bake 10-12 minutes, cool completely

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (8)

Place the green cake on a plate and spread half of the jam on top

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (9)

Next place the regular colored cake on top and spread the remaining jam on top

Lastly, place the red cake on top

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (10)

Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 4 hours

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring until smooth

Spread evenly on top of the chilled cake, use a fork to add texture and design if desired

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (11)

Chill for an additional 30 minutes until the chocolate is set

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (12)

Slice the rectangle into 1 inch squares

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (13)

Serve and enjoy!

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (14)

By following this recipe, you’ll be able to recreate the magic of traditional Italian Rainbow Cookies in your own kitchen. Prepare to impress your friends and family with these visually stunning and utterly delicious treats. Happy baking!

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (15)
  • Banana Bread Healthy – Gluten Free
  • 10 Minutes a Day Will Get Your Child Reading
  • Unicorn, Rainbows and Sprinkles Oh My!
  • Chocolate Chip Cheese Dessert Ball
  • Valentine’s Day Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses
Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (16)
Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (17)

Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe

Yield: 48

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Learn how to make authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies with this step-by-step recipe. These vibrant and delicious treats feature layers of almond sponge cake, raspberry jam, and chocolate coating. Get ready to enjoy a burst of color and flavor!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 8 oz almond paste
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 eggs, separate yolks and whites
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ teaspoon red food color
  • ½ teaspoon green food color
  • ½ cup raspberry jam
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 and prepare 3 square baking pans with baking spray
  2. In a large mixing bowl combine sugar, almond paste, and butter until smooth
  3. Add in the egg yolks one at a time
  4. Mix in the milk and almond extract
  5. Add in the flour mixing until combined then set mixture aside
  6. In a separate bowl beat the egg whites to stiff peaks then fold into cake mixture
  7. Separate the mixture in equal amounts into 3 separate bowls
  8. Add red food color to one bowl, green food color to another, and leave the 3rd bowl as is
  9. Place each batter in a separate prepared baking pan
  10. Bake 10-12 minutes, cool completely
  11. Place the green cake on a plate and spread half of the jam on top
  12. Next place the regular colored cake on top and spread the remaining jam on top
  13. Lastly, place the red cake on top
  14. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 4 hours
  15. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring until smooth
  16. Spread evenly on top of the chilled cake, use a fork to add texture and design if desired
  17. Chill for an additional 30 minutes until the chocolate is set
  18. Slice the rectangle into 1 inch squares

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

This year we are raising money for Cookies 4 Kids’ Cancer, which is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to funding research for new, innovative and less-toxic treatments for childhood cancer.

Since 2008, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has granted nearly $18 million to pediatric cancer research in the form of 100+ research grants to leading pediatric cancer centers across the country. From these grants have stemmed 35+ treatments available to kids battling cancer today.

Help us raise money for this important cause! Donate through our fundraising page.

Another exciting thing is that Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is in a matching window with their friends at OXO, meaning OXO will be matching every dollar raised through the end of 2023, up to $100,000. Whatever money we raise will automatically double on our fundraising page!

1K Shares

Authentic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe: A Delicious Burst of Color and Flavor (2024)

FAQs

Do they eat rainbow cookies in Italy? ›

History of the Rainbow Cookie

Some argue Rainbow Cookies are a traditional holiday dessert found in bakeries throughout Italy—certainly almond-based pastries are commonplace. However, even if this is the case, they never were as ubiquitous as they are in the States.

Which of the following is a very popular cookie from Italy? ›

Amaretti cookies

The Amaretti cookie is perhaps the most famous of all Italian cookies. The original Italian cookie recipe is believed to have been created in the 18th century. It's said they were a secret recipe which a newly married couple used to make cookies for the local bishop.

Why are rainbow cookies so good? ›

The combination of almond paste and almond extract is what gives rainbow cookies their unique flavor and texture.

What is the history of the Italian rainbow cookie? ›

Rainbow cookies were made popular in the late 1800's and early 1900's by Italian-American bakeries, particularly those found in New York City (think: De Lillo's or Cafe Ferrara). The cookie seems to be a product of cross-cultural assimilation. There's no counterpart to it in Italy.

What is the most consumed cookie in the world? ›

Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

Should Italian cookies be refrigerated? ›

After receiving your cookies they should be eaten within 1-3 days. Cookies can be refrigerated or frozen in proper containers to be kept longer.

What are Italian cookies called? ›

Today, I want to share a little bit about Italian cookies called Biscotti. Biscotti, also known as cantuccini or mandelbrot (Mandel bread), are traditional Italian cookies with a long history and rich cultural significance.

How to store Italian cookies? ›

The cookies can stay covered at room temperature for up to a week. It's best to place them on a tray and cover them loosely with plastic wrap. (The cookies will become very moist if you place them in a plastic container.) Any leftover glaze can be kept at room temperature for three days, then refrigerated for a week.

Are rainbow cookies a New York thing? ›

Yes, rainbow cookies, also known as tri-color cookies or Italian flag cookies, have a strong association with New York, particularly within Italian-American communities. Originally from Italy, these colorful cookies were embraced and popularized in New York City's Italian bakeries.

What's the rarest cookie in the world? ›

Retailing for $1,000. The world's most expensive cookie is the creation of cookie shop owner Sofia Demetriou, who launched “Duchess Cookies” last year. The red velvet cookie has ruby chocolate and is coated with 23,000 gold leafs. What makes it so pricey is not just the cookie but the surrounding touches.

What is the oldest cookie in the world? ›

Pizzelles are the oldest known cookie and originated in the mid-section of Italy. They were made many years ago for the “Festival of the Snakes” also known as the “Feast Day of San Domenico” in the village of Colcullo in the Italian region of Abruzzo.

Is Oreo making rainbow cookies? ›

We're PROUD to announce the first-ever Rainbow OREO Cookies made in honor of our partnership with @PFLAG. Help us create a more loving world by joining our #ProudParent campaign and you could snag a pack of Rainbow OREO Cookies! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

What cookie originated in Italy? ›

Today, I want to share a little bit about Italian cookies called Biscotti. Biscotti, also known as cantuccini or mandelbrot (Mandel bread), are traditional Italian cookies with a long history and rich cultural significance.

Are all cookies in Italy called biscotti? ›

: biscotto) is the Italian plural term for any type of biscuit or cookie. However, in English biscotti is commonly used to refer specifically to cantucci ( Italian: [kanˈtuttʃi]; sg.

What chocolate do they eat in Italy? ›

5 Popular Italian Chocolate Makers
  • Modica. We suggest you get your hands on some Modica chocolate (credits: Wikimedia – Mussklprozz) ...
  • Perugina. Nobody can resist Baci Perugina! ...
  • Ferrero. Ferrero was founded by Pietro Ferrero in Piedmont in 1942. ...
  • Gianduiotto. ...
  • Cioccolata Venchi.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Aron Pacocha

Last Updated:

Views: 5774

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aron Pacocha

Birthday: 1999-08-12

Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

Phone: +393457723392

Job: Retail Consultant

Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.