Italian Spumoni Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Italian Spumoni Cookies are a delightful treat inspired by the classic spumoni dessert. Featuring layers of rich chocolate, nutty green, and subtly flavored red dough, these colorful cookies are perfect for special occasions or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.
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 (for chocolate layer)
- 1/2 cup nuts (pecans, walnuts, or pistachios), chopped (for green layer)
- Few drops green food coloring (for green layer)
- 2 tsp. rum extract (for red layer)
- Few drops red food coloring (for red layer)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Step 2: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined and forming a dough.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into three equal parts.
- Step 4: For the chocolate layer, mix the melted unsweetened chocolate into the first part of the dough until evenly blended.
- Step 5: For the green layer, stir the chopped nuts and green food coloring drops into the second part of the dough until combined.
- Step 6: For the red layer, mix the rum extract and red food coloring drops into the third part of the dough.
- Step 7: Shape each colored dough portion into an 8-inch by 3-inch rectangle on waxed paper.
- Step 8: Layer the rectangles, placing the green nut layer in the center, and gently press together to form one block. Wrap the block tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Step 9: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the chilled dough block crosswise into 1/4-inch thick cookies.
- Step 10: Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy your colorful and flavorful Italian Spumoni Cookies!
Tips & Variations
- Use your favorite nuts for the green layer, or toast them lightly for added flavor.
- If you prefer a different flavor, substitute the rum extract in the red layer with almond or cherry extract.
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before slicing to maintain clean cookie shapes.
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. To reheat, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different food coloring for the layers?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different colors to customize your cookies or to fit seasonal themes.
What if I don’t have rum extract?
You can substitute rum extract with almond, vanilla, or cherry extract for a different but delicious flavor in the red layer.
PrintItalian Spumoni Cookies Recipe
Italian Spumoni Cookies are vibrant, layered cookies inspired by the classic spumoni dessert. These delicate and colorful cookies feature distinct layers of chocolate, pistachio-flavored green dough with nuts, and a rum-infused red layer, creating a visually striking and delicious treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 31 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
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
- Prepare Basic Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter, powdered sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract until combined and creamy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and continue mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide Dough: Divide the dough evenly into three separate portions for the three different layers.
- Make Chocolate Layer: To the first portion of dough, fold in the melted unsweetened chocolate thoroughly until the dough is uniformly chocolate-colored.
- Make Green Layer: To the second portion, add the chopped nuts and a few drops of green food coloring. Mix well to evenly incorporate color and nuts.
- Make Red Layer: To the third portion, mix in the rum extract along with a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a vibrant red dough.
- Shape Dough Layers: Roll each dough portion separately into 8-inch by 3-inch rectangles using waxed paper to help shape them evenly.
- Assemble Layers: Place the green nut dough rectangle in the center, then layer the chocolate rectangle on one side and the red rectangle on the other side, pressing them together firmly to form a layered loaf.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the combined dough loaf tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up for slicing.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking.
- Slice and Bake: Unwrap the chilled dough and cut slices approximately 1/4 inch thick from the end of the loaf. Place slices on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges set but cookies remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy these colorful Italian Spumoni Cookies with your favorite beverage.
Notes
- Use waxed paper to help shape and roll the dough evenly for uniform cookie thickness.
- You can substitute rum extract with almond extract if preferred.
- For a stronger flavor, toast the nuts lightly before mixing into the dough.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Food coloring is optional but adds to the traditional spumoni appearance.
Keywords: Spumoni cookies, Italian cookies, layered cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate nut cookies
