Italian Rainbow Cookies

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

These vibrant Italian cookies have three almond cake layers filled with jam and blanketed in chocolate. They take time, but they're undeniably delicious.

A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:31:22 GMT
A tray of vibrant striped cookies in red, green, and yellow topped off with smooth chocolate. Pin it
A tray of vibrant striped cookies in red, green, and yellow topped off with smooth chocolate. | linacooks.com
  • Ever dream of cooking something jaw-dropping? I've tweaked my beef Wellington until it's perfect! Through countless tries (including some flops), I've figured out this incredible dish. Picture juicy pink beef wrapped in savory mushrooms, thin prosciutto, and crispy golden pastry. There's a reason it's a Ramsay favorite—and I'll walk you through every step!

What Makes This Method Foolproof

Storied Background
From its 1800s beginnings to now, we've simplified this fancy dish for your home kitchen!
Easier Than You Think
Store-bought puff pastry and clear instructions make this fancy meal totally doable.
Stunning Results
Your friends won't believe their eyes when you slice into that beautiful pink center. It's amazing!

Gather Your Supplies

  • Middle-cut Tenderloin: 2-3 pounds cleaned and secured
  • Raw Mushrooms: 1 pound minced cremini
  • Premium Prosciutto: 8-10 paper-thin pieces
  • Top-grade Puff Pastry: 14 ounces butter-based variety
  • Creamy Dijon: 3 tablespoons for coating
  • Garden Herbs: 2 sprigs thyme handful parsley stems
  • Farm Eggs: 2 whisked for binding and shine
  • Pure Salt: 2 tablespoons for flavor
  • Ground Pepper: 2 teaspoons freshly cracked
  • Extra Tools: Meat thermometer kitchen wrap

Let's Create Wonders

Handle Your Meat
Salt your beef generously, heat your skillet until it's super hot. Brown each side until deeply colored, roughly 2-3 minutes per face. Cool it down, then paint with mustard.
Mushroom Magic
Mince mushrooms really small, cook without oil until completely dry, around 15 minutes. This step keeps your pastry crisp later on!
Bundle It Up
Arrange prosciutto slices, spread mushroom mix, roll beef tightly in plastic. Cool for 30 minutes to make handling way easier.
Pastry Tricks
Unfold cold pastry, wrap your meat bundle, press edges firmly. Brush egg all over, cut pretty diagonal patterns for looks and steam escape.
Baking Time
Cook at 400°F for about 40-45 minutes until golden and gorgeous. Wait 15 minutes before slicing to see those beautiful pink centers!

Nail Every Detail

Watch The Heat
Your pastry needs to be chilled and your oven hot for the flakiest crust. Check with a thermometer for 120°F if you want medium-rare.
Avoid Sogginess
Get those mushrooms completely dry, wrap everything snugly with no tears or gaps in your dough.
Patience Pays Off
That 15-minute waiting period helps juices stay put so your slices look magazine-worthy.

Work Ahead Options

Clever Prep
Fix mushroom mixture and wrap your beef the night before. Just add pastry and bake when you're ready to eat.
Crowd Pleaser
Try cutting tenderloin for smaller portions to make individual Wellingtons. They're great for gatherings!
Clock Check
Set aside two hours from start to finish including rest time. You'll thank yourself for not rushing.
A close-up of colorful layered desserts with red, white, and green layers, topped with chocolate, arranged on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up of colorful layered desserts with red, white, and green layers, topped with chocolate, arranged on parchment paper. | linacooks.com

Finishing Touches

Basic Sides Win
Stick with simple roasted potatoes and fresh green beans to let your Wellington shine.
Add Some Flavor
A red wine sauce served separately really ties everything together nicely.
Final Flourish
Sprinkle fresh herbs around the plate, pour some good wine, and you've got an unforgettable dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use weights on layers?

It ensures the layers stick together tightly.

→ Is freezing an option?

Definitely, they hold up great in the freezer.

→ What’s the point of warming the jam?

It spreads much smoother that way.

→ Should the knife be cleaned after slicing?

Yup, this stops the colors from mixing or smudges forming.

→ Can jams be swapped?

Traditional options are raspberry or apricot, but it’s up to you.

→ Why bake layers less?

Prevents them from turning dry and tough.

→ How long do they stay fresh?

A couple of weeks in the fridge or frozen.

→ What’s the benefit of separating eggs?

Whipping the whites adds lightness to the texture.

Italian Rainbow Cookies

Almond cake stripes stacked with jam and finished in chocolate. An eye-catching Italian sweet for celebrations.

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

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 60 Servings (60)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon almond flavoring.
02 1 cup granulated sugar.
03 4 eggs, separated by yolks and whites.
04 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
05 Red and green food dyes.
06 1 1/4 cups softened butter.
07 8 oz almond paste block.
08 2 cups plain flour.
09 7 oz dark chocolate.
10 12 oz raspberry or apricot jam.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine 1/4 cup sugar with egg whites and whip until fluffy.

Step 02

Mix almond paste with the remaining sugar until smooth.

Step 03

Stir in the butter, yolks, and flour to create the batter.

Step 04

Gently fold in egg whites, split batter equally, and color each portion.

Step 05

Bake the individual layers separately in a 350°F oven.

Step 06

Use warm preserves to sandwich the layers together.

Step 07

Put in the fridge under weight for 8 hours.

Step 08

Cover the surface with melted chocolate, cool it down, and cut into pieces.

Notes

  1. Takes over 11 hours from start to finish.
  2. Freezer-friendly.
  3. Clean your knife between slices.
  4. Weigh your batter to keep layers even.

Tools You'll Need

  • Three small sheet pans.
  • Kitchen scale for accuracy.
  • Stand mixer and its tools.
  • Offset spatula for spreading.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains almonds.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Has dairy ingredients (butter).
  • Made with 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