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If you're looking for a sweet treat that's both delicious and visually appealing, look no further than tri color cookies. These classic Italian cookies are a staple of many bakeries, including Scafuri Bakery, a family-run business based in Chicago's Little Italy. At tauhuichiban, we're excited to share our own recipe and guide for making tri color cookies at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create these beautiful and delicious treats that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients | eggs, sugar, almond paste, margarine/butter, almond extract, flour, salt, food coloring, preserves, bittersweet chocolate |
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Prep Time | 30 minutes |
Cook Time | 10 minutes |
Yield | 36-98 cookies |
Storage | Refrigerator |

Discover The Magic Of Tri Color Cookies: A Bite Of Italy
Tri Color Cookies Recipe and History,
Picture this: soft, cake-like cookies layered with vibrant colors and sweet jam. That's the magic of tri color cookies! These delightful treats, sometimes called rainbow cookies, come from Italy. They're like a delicious edible version of the Italian flag! The recipe uses simple ingredients like almond paste, which is like a smoother, less sweet cousin of marzipan. It gives the cookies their unique, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Over time, these colorful cookies have become a beloved treat in many countries, often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.

Tri Color Cookies Recipe and History,
Making Tri Color Cookies with Almond Paste and Chocolate,
The Almond Paste Magic
Alright, let's talk about the star of the show – almond paste! It's like the secret ingredient that gives tri color cookies their unique texture and flavor. Think of it as a smooth, less sweet cousin of marzipan. You know, marzipan, that stuff you make into cute little shapes? Almond paste is different – it's meant to be mixed into the dough, not sculpted. It's like a gentle hug for your taste buds, adding a subtle almondy goodness that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Now, when you mix the almond paste with butter and sugar, it's like a dance! They all swirl together, creating a creamy base for the cookies. Then you add the egg yolks and almond extract – that's when the magic really happens. It's like adding a touch of sunshine to the dough, giving it a warm, inviting aroma. You'll know you're on the right track when you see the dough come together, smooth and soft, ready to be transformed into colorful layers.
The Colorful Transformation
Okay, so we've got our almond paste magic going, and now it's time to add some color! Remember those vibrant red and green layers of the Italian flag? Well, we're going to recreate that with food coloring. It's like painting a masterpiece, but instead of a canvas, we're using dough!
I remember the first time I made tri color cookies. I was so excited to see how the colors would turn out! I carefully divided the dough into three portions, then added a few drops of red food coloring to one, some green to another, and left the last one plain white. It was like watching a rainbow come to life!
Color | Food Coloring |
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Red | Red food coloring |
Green | Green food coloring |
White | None |

Making Tri Color Cookies with Almond Paste and Chocolate,
The Art of Assembling and Decorating Tri Color Cookies
Creating the Colorful Cookie Sandwich
Now comes the fun part – building our cookie sandwich! Once your colorful layers have cooled down, grab your favorite jam. Apricot and raspberry are the classics, but hey, you can get creative! Spread a thin layer of jam on one layer, then carefully place another layer on top. Now, gently press down – not too hard, we don't want a cookie earthquake! Finally, add your last layer, creating a beautiful stack of colorful cookie goodness. You'll need to let these beauties chill for a bit under a weighted baking sheet. It's like a little nap time for the cookies, helping them become nice and firm.
The Chocolate Finale
Time for the grand finale – the chocolate! Melt your bittersweet chocolate – it's like a mini chocolate waterfall! Once it's smooth and glossy, carefully pour it over the top layer of your cookie sandwich, letting it cascade down the sides. It's like giving your cookie a fancy chocolate dress! Pop it back in the fridge to let the chocolate set, then grab a sharp knife. This is where you need to be extra careful – a clean cut ensures those vibrant colors really pop! Slice, slice, and voila! You've got yourself a plate full of beautiful, tempting tri color cookies.

The Art of Assembling and Decorating Tri Color Cookies
In conclusion, tri color cookies are a classic Italian treat that's both delicious and visually appealing. With our easy-to-follow recipe and guide, you can create these beautiful cookies at home and impress your friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, tri color cookies are a great way to add some color and fun to your holiday gatherings or everyday snacks.