ITALIAN RAINBOW COOKIES

Italian Rainbow Cookies image

My family has made these classic Italian cookies for generations, and this homemade version is so much better than the bakery version. They are always a special treat during the holidays or any time of year!-Cindy Casazza, Hopewell, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield about 11 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
3-1/2 ounces almond paste, cut into small pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, melted and cooled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
6 to 8 drops red food coloring
6 to 8 drops green food coloring
1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
GLAZE:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon shortening

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar 2-3 minutes or until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add almond paste; mix well. Gradually add flour, butter, salt and extract., Divide batter into thirds. Tint one portion red and one portion green; leave remaining portion plain. Spread one portion into each of three well-greased 11x7-in. baking dishes., Bake 7-11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and edges begins to brown. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., Place red layer on waxed paper; spread with 2 tablespoons jam. Top with plain layer and remaining jam. Add green layer; press down gently. , For glaze, in a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Spread half over green layer. Refrigerate 20 minutes or until set. Turn over; spread remaining glaze over red layer. Refrigerate 20 minutes or until set. , With a sharp knife, trim edges. Cut rectangle lengthwise into fourths. Cut each portion into 1/4-in. slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 35 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 21mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.