How to Make Rainbow Cookies

Yields: about 6 dozen cookies

- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 pound plus 8 tablespoons butter (3 sticks), cut into pieces and kept very cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon each color gel food coloring: red, orange, yellow, green, violet
- Edible gold sprinkles (for decoration)

Combine 2 cups of the flour with the baking powder, salt, and sugars in a food processor; pulse to mix. Add the cold butter in pieces; process in short bursts until the mixture has a crumbly consistency. Add vanilla extract and process several times in 5-­second pulses until dough ball forms.

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Add one portion of dough to the bowl of a stand mixer (with paddle attachment) and tint with the red food color. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and mix to combine. It should resemble the consistency of play-doh; it should not be sticky. If need be, add more flour. Repeat process with remaining dough piece and flour for all colors of the rainbow.

Roll the violet portion of dough under your palms evenly. It should be pipe-shaped, about 10-inches long.

Roll the blue portion into a 10-inch long piece and roll flat. This piece should be about 1/4-inch in thickness. Wrap over the violet portion by placing violet portion inside and rolling up like a jelly roll. Trim off any excess dough.

Repeat this process using the remaining dough. You'll want to start from the center in the following color orders: violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, red.

Wrap the finished dough roll in parchment paper and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes or until slightly firm.

Tip: The cookies slice more cleanly when slightly frozen.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a knife, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick cookies.

Then, cut the circles in half for a fun rainbow shape.

Bake cookies on parchment lined baking sheets for 12-15 minutes.

Learn how to make a Shamrock Shake and your rainbow cookies will have a sweet companion! Make this recipe with the kids for St Patrick's day or any other special occasion that could use some good luck.

Get the recipe.