Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe

These classic Italian cookies feature three colorful almond cake layers sandwiched with jam and topped with chocolate. Though time-consuming, they're worth the effort.

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:22:55 GMT
A tray of colorful layered desserts featuring red, green, and yellow stripes topped with dark chocolate. Save it
A tray of colorful layered desserts featuring red, green, and yellow stripes topped with dark chocolate. | myhomemaderecipe.com
  • Want to make something truly spectacular? Let me share my perfected beef Wellington recipe! After lots of practice (and yes some fails), I've cracked the code on this showstopper. Think perfectly pink tenderloin wrapped in mushrooms prosciutto and golden puff pastry. It's Gordon Ramsay's favorite for a reason and I'll help you nail it!

Why This Recipe Works

Rich History
This classic dates back to the 1800s but we're making it doable for modern kitchens!
Simpler Than It Looks
Ready-made puff pastry and step-by-step guidance makes this totally achievable.
Pure Elegance
Nothing impresses guests like cutting into that perfect pink center pure magic!

Round Up These Ingredients

  • Center-cut Tenderloin: 2-3 pounds trimmed and tied
  • Fresh Mushrooms: 1 pound finely chopped cremini
  • Quality Prosciutto: 8-10 thin slices
  • Premium Puff Pastry: 14 ounces all-butter type
  • Smooth Dijon: 3 tablespoons for brushing
  • Fresh Herbs: 2 sprigs thyme several parsley stems
  • Large Eggs: 2 beaten for sealing and glaze
  • Kosher Salt: 2 tablespoons for seasoning
  • Black Pepper: 2 teaspoons freshly ground
  • Special Equipment: Meat thermometer plastic wrap

Let's Make Magic

Prep That Beef
Season your tenderloin really well get your pan screaming hot. Sear every side until deep brown about 2-3 minutes each. Let it cool brush with mustard.
Mushroom Time
Chop mushrooms super fine cook them dry until moisture's gone about 15 minutes. This step prevents soggy pastry later!
The Big Wrap
Layer prosciutto spread with mushrooms wrap your beef tight in plastic. Chill 30 minutes makes everything easier to handle.
Pastry Magic
Roll out cold puff pastry wrap your beef bundle seal edges well. Brush with egg wash score diagonal lines looks fancy works for steam.
Into The Oven
Bake at 400°F about 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Let rest 15 minutes before cutting those perfect pink slices!

Make It Perfect

Temperature Tips
Cold pastry hot oven that's your secret to flaky perfection. Use a meat thermometer 120°F for medium-rare.
No Soggy Bottom
Really cook those mushrooms dry wrap everything tight no gaps or tears in pastry.
Rest Is Best
That 15-minute rest lets juices settle gives you picture-perfect slices.

Planning Ahead

Smart Prep
Make mushroom mix wrap beef day before. Just needs final pastry wrap and bake when ready.
Party Ready
Want mini versions? Cut tenderloin make individual Wellingtons perfect appetizers!
Timing Guide
Allow two hours start to finish includes resting time worth every minute.
A close-up of colorful layered desserts with red, white, and green layers, topped with chocolate, arranged on parchment paper. Save it
A close-up of colorful layered desserts with red, white, and green layers, topped with chocolate, arranged on parchment paper. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Serve It Right

Keep Sides Simple
Roasted potatoes green beans let Wellington be the star.
Sauce It Up
Red wine sauce on the side never hurts brings everything together.
Make It Special
Fresh herbs on the plate good wine in the glass now that's dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why weigh down the layers?

Helps layers bond together firmly.

→ Can I freeze these?

Yes, they freeze very well.

→ Why heat the preserves?

Makes them easier to spread thinly.

→ Why clean knife between cuts?

Ensures clean edges without smearing.

→ Can I use different jams?

Traditional is apricot or raspberry.

→ Why underbake the layers?

Keeps them moist and prevents drying.

→ How long do they keep?

Several weeks refrigerated or frozen.

→ Why separate eggs?

Whipped whites create lighter texture.

Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe

Traditional tri-colored almond cake cookies layered with jam and topped with chocolate. A festive Italian holiday favorite.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 60 Servings (60)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 large eggs, separated.
02 1 cup sugar.
03 8 ounces almond paste.
04 1 1/4 cups butter, softened.
05 1 teaspoon almond extract.
06 2 cups all-purpose flour.
07 1/2 teaspoon salt.
08 Red food coloring.
09 Green food coloring.
10 12 ounces apricot/raspberry preserves.
11 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate.

Instructions

Step 01

Whip egg whites with 1/4 cup sugar.

Step 02

Beat almond paste with remaining sugar.

Step 03

Add butter, yolks, flour to make batter.

Step 04

Fold in whites, divide and color batters.

Step 05

Bake layers separately at 350°F.

Step 06

Layer with warm preserves.

Step 07

Chill 8 hours weighted down.

Step 08

Top with chocolate, chill, slice.

Notes

  1. Takes 11+ hours total.
  2. Can be frozen.
  3. Clean knife between cuts.
  4. Weigh batters for evenness.

Tools You'll Need

  • 3 jelly roll pans.
  • Food scale.
  • Mixer with attachments.
  • Offset spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Nuts (almond).
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 338
  • Total Fat: 1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 78 g
  • Protein: 5 g