italian rainbow cookies

Holiday time is signified by so many things. The cooler temperatures, the decor in every home and store, a slew of holiday parties on the calendar, sparkly lights, even sparklier dresses - and cookies! Everyone has a favorite, a family recipe, or one that is made every year as a tradition. Rainbow cookies are an Italian almond cookie with a special place in my heart. They take some time, a little bit of TLC, but the end product is so worth it. If you whip up a batch, I suggest wrapping a few with some pretty ribbon - cookies make a great gift!

Here's what you'll need...

7 ounces marzipan paste or almond paste

1 cup sugar

3 sticks unsalted butter, softened

4 large eggs, separated

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour (sift before measuring)

1/4 teaspoon salt

10 drops green food coloring, or to desired color

10 drops red food coloring, or to desired color

12-oz jar seedless raspberry jam 

6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Here's what to do...

I use this recipe. If you search around on the web, there are a few similar recipes. I do make a few changes. I add a bit more coloring to both the green and red dough (as noted above) to deepen the color. I don't have three 9x13 pans (only one), so I cook each dough separately. I let the layers set for about four hours before adding the chocolate, and then let it cool over night. I cover the sheet of cookies and then cut the next morning. 

what's your favorite holiday cookie?