Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple food coloring
Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the dough into six equal portions.
6. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion, one color per portion, and mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Roll each portion of dough into a log, about 1 inch in diameter.
8. Place the logs side by side, and wrap them in plastic wrap.
9. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
12. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.
13. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
14. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
15. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 4 dozen cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Gluten-free flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Variations:
- Use different colors of food coloring to create different themes, such as red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
- Add sprinkles or mini chocolate chips to the dough before rolling it into logs for added texture and flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
- Chill the dough before slicing it to prevent it from sticking to the knife and to create neater slices.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- The dough logs can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the cookies on a platter in a rainbow pattern for a colorful display.
- Serve the cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate for added sweetness.
Pairings:
- These cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, such as milk, hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
- These cookies are a sweet treat on their own and do not require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes easier to handle.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils and surfaces before and after handling raw dough to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale or attracting pests.
Food history:
- Rainbow cookies have been a popular treat for decades, and are often associated with pride and inclusivity.
Flavor profiles:
- These cookies have a buttery and slightly sweet flavor, with a hint of chocolate and a rainbow of colors.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve these cookies as a fun and festive dessert at parties, or as a sweet snack any time of day.
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Taste: Sweet, Chocolatey, Creamy, Colorful