Brighten up your day and capture the enchanting colors of the rainbow with these vibrant Rainbow Swirl Cookies. Perfect for any party or just as a treat to uplift your spirits, these cookies are not just fun to look at but deliciously soft and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose Flour: 4 cups
- Cream of Tartar: 2 tsp
- Baking Soda: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, at room temperature
- Sugar: 1 3/4 cups
- Large Eggs: 2
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
- Food Coloring: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple gel
Directions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is fully incorporated.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Color the Dough:
- Divide the dough into six equal portions. Using gel food coloring, tint each portion a different color of the rainbow.
- Create Layers:
- Roll out each colored dough separately between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Layer the rolled-out doughs on top of each other. Gently roll over them with a rolling pin to slightly press the layers together.
- Form the Cookie Log:
- Carefully roll up the layered dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a log shape.
- Slice and Bake:
- Slice the log into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden.
- Cooling:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Calories: Approximately 300 per cookie
Tips for Success:
- For intensely vibrant cookies, opt for gel food colorings which offer brighter colors without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before handling to maintain their shape and prevent them from breaking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft.
Conclusion: These Rainbow Swirl Cookies are a fun, festive treat that’s sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or a creative weekend baking project, they bring a splash of color and a burst of joy to any cookie jar!