Brighten up any event with Rainbow Chocolate Chip Cookies, a delightful twist on a beloved classic that promises both fun in the making and joy in the eating. These cookies incorporate vibrant rainbow colors with the sweet, comforting taste of chocolate chips, making them perfect for parties, holidays, or as a cheerful snack.
Ingredients
- 3 cups + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs + one egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups chocolate chips (white or semisweet), plus extra for topping
- Food coloring or gels in 3 – 8 colors
Directions
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to allow for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will help ensure that your cookies have the perfect texture and rise.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, beat the cold butter and both sugars in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. The use of cold butter helps to control the spread of the cookies during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well after each addition to create a creamy batter.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on how many colors you plan to use. Tint each portion with a different food coloring. Gel food colorings are recommended for their vibrancy and minimal impact on the texture of the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Roll each colored dough into ropes. Twist or braid these ropes together to create a multicolored effect, then cut into portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced out as they will spread slightly. Press extra chocolate chips on top for added sweetness.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 9-13 minutes. The cookies should still be soft in the center when removed from the oven; they will firm up as they cool.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Baking Tips
- Dough Consistency: Keeping the dough cool before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and produces a thicker, chewier texture.
- Coloring: For deeper, more vivid colors, choose gel rather than liquid food colorings, as they are more intense and less likely to alter the dough’s consistency.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are still slightly soft in the middle for that perfect chewy texture.
Nutritional Information
- Nutritional content is not provided but can be calculated based on the ingredients used, especially if you’re mindful of sugar and calorie intake.
Rainbow Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a festive, colorful creation that’s sure to catch the eye and delight the palate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to add some color to your cookie jar, these cookies will not disappoint. Enjoy the baking and the bright smiles they bring!