Description
Delicious Italian Spumoni Cookies – Colorful, Soft, and Sweet Homemade Treats
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup (30 g) finely chopped pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup (40 g) chopped maraschino cherries (patted dry)
- Red or pink food coloring (optional, for cherry layer)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture to form dough. Divide into three equal portions.
- Flavor Each Layer: Chocolate Layer: Mix cocoa powder into one dough portion.
- Pistachio Layer: Stir in almond extract and chopped pistachios.
- Cherry Layer: Add chopped cherries and optional food coloring.
- Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap. Press cherry layer on the bottom, pistachio in the middle, and chocolate on top. Smooth each evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rectangles and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to wire rack.
- Once cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle chopped pistachios for garnish.
Notes
- Substitute almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a richer flavor.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the chocolate layer for texture.
- Use chopped dried cherries instead of maraschino for a tangier taste.
- Replace pistachios with almonds or hazelnuts for variation.
- For dairy-free cookies, use vegan butter and plant-based chocolate.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Italian Spumoni Cookies, cookies, dessert, baking, holiday treats