Get ready to transform your baking game with these jaw-dropping St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Slice and Bake Cookies that are not just a treat, but a colorful experience! Imagine cutting into a cookie log and revealing a stunning rainbow of vibrant colors that will make both kids and adults gasp in delight. These eye-catching cookies are more than just a dessert – they're an edible work of art that brings joy, whimsy, and a touch of Irish magic to your celebration.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the large egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to create a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Divide the cookie dough into six equal portions, placing each in separate small bowls.
- Add a different food coloring to each portion of dough, creating vibrant red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple colors. Mix each thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed.
- On a piece of plastic wrap, carefully layer the colored doughs, pressing them gently together to create a rainbow pattern. Start with purple at the bottom and red at the top.
- Carefully roll the layered dough into a log, using the plastic wrap to help shape and compress the colors.
- Wrap the rainbow log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up the dough.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Place cookie slices about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with green sprinkles or edible glitter for extra St. Patrick's Day flair before serving.
Tips
- • Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture • Use gel food coloring for more intense, vibrant colors • Chill the dough thoroughly to help maintain the crisp color layers • Use a sharp, non-serrated knife for clean, even slices • Don't overbake - the cookies should be just golden at the edges • For extra festivity, consider adding green sprinkles or edible glitter • Let cookies cool completely to maintain their structural integrity • Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg