Rainbow Wagon Wheels are more than just cookies; they’re a festive explosion of color and taste that promises to brighten any gathering. Featuring layers of rainbow-colored dough and a hidden marshmallow center, these cookies are dipped in silky milk chocolate for a final touch of indulgence. Perfect for parties or as a special treat, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients
- Butter (room temperature): 14 tablespoons (about 200 grams)
- Icing Sugar: 2 and 1/2 cups (about 300 grams)
- Eggs: 3
- Vanilla Essence: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters)
- Plain Flour: 6 and 1/3 cups (about 800 grams)
- Food Coloring Gels (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Orange): As needed
Marshmallow Filling
- Egg Whites: 2 large
- Cream of Tartar: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams)
- Caster Sugar: 2 tablespoons (27 grams) + 1/3 cup (80 grams)
- Golden Syrup: 2/3 cup (about 180 grams)
Assembly
- Milk Chocolate (melted): 2 and 1/4 cups (about 500 grams)
Directions
- Make the Dough: Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and salt. Gradually add flour until combined. Divide the dough into six equal parts and color each with a different food coloring gel. Shape into disks.
- Layer and Roll: Stack colored disks in two groups (e.g., red, yellow, green and blue, purple, orange). Between sheets of greaseproof paper, roll each stack out to 3mm thick. Use a 9cm cookie cutter to cut 11-12 circles from each stack. Refrigerate on a baking sheet for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 8 minutes. Allow to cool on trays for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Marshmallow Filling: Whisk egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 27 grams of sugar and beat until stiff. In a separate pan, heat golden syrup and 80 grams of sugar until dissolved. Combine with egg whites and beat until glossy.
- Assemble: Spread marshmallow filling between two cookies and dip in melted chocolate. Allow to set.
Tips
- Color Variety: Use a variety of colors for a more vibrant rainbow effect.
- Chilling the Dough: Ensure the cookie dough is chilled thoroughly to maintain shape during baking.
- Chocolate Finish: For a glossier finish, temper the chocolate before dipping the cookies.
FAQs
Q: Can I use natural food coloring? A: Yes, natural food colorings work, but they may not be as vibrant as synthetic ones.
Q: How long do these cookies keep? A: They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but are best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes plus additional time for chilling and setting
Yield
12 cookies
Category
Desserts
Method
Baking
Cuisine
American
Diet
Vegetarian
Conclusion
Rainbow Wagon Wheels are a creative and delightful treat that combine the joy of baking with the art of dessert-making. Whether for a special occasion or a regular day, these cookies bring a touch of magic to the table, making them a wonderful addition to any dessert repertoire. Try making them for your next party and watch them disappear as quickly as they catch everyone’s eye!