Rainbow Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a treat that’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat, Rainbow Sugar Cookies are your new go-to. These soft, buttery cookies burst with vibrant color and just the right amount of sweetness, making them perfect for parties, celebrations, or any time you want to add a little magic to your day. With their tender crumb and eye-catching swirls, Rainbow Sugar Cookies are a show-stopper that will brighten every cookie platter and bring out big smiles from kids and adults alike.

Rainbow Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something almost magical about how a handful of classic baking staples can transform into Rainbow Sugar Cookies. Every ingredient here plays a key role, from the soft texture to the dazzling hue, so don’t skip a thing!

  • All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for cookies that are sturdy yet tender.
  • Baking soda: Gives your cookies just the right lift, keeping them light instead of dense.
  • Baking powder: Adds an extra boost of fluffiness for a soft bite.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors to life.
  • Unsalted butter (softened): The secret to rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookies; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture.
  • Large egg: Binds everything together and adds a bit of richness.
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
  • Almond extract (optional): A little goes a long way to give your cookies a subtle, nutty note.
  • Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple): The star of the show! Gel colors are vibrant without thinning the dough, so your Rainbow Sugar Cookies will look as bold as they taste.

How to Make Rainbow Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready before you begin mixing will make the whole process smooth and fun.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour, which helps your Rainbow Sugar Cookies bake up with a consistent texture and flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl and either a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for that irresistibly soft cookie base, and it’s where the magic really begins!

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add your egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything is fully combined. This brings all the flavors together and ensures your dough will be smooth and easy to handle.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Take your time here and mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can make your cookies tough rather than tender.

Step 6: Divide and Color the Dough

Portion the dough evenly into six bowls. Add a small amount of gel food coloring to each bowl—one for each color of the rainbow. Gently knead the color in with a spatula or your hands until you have six vibrant, uniform balls of dough. The colors should be bold and fun, just like your finished Rainbow Sugar Cookies!

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Pop the colored doughs into the fridge for about 15 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, so don’t skip this step even if you’re in a hurry.

Step 8: Shape and Swirl the Cookies

Take a small piece from each colored dough and roll each into a 6-inch rope. Press the ropes gently together, then roll them lightly to form a log. For a classic rainbow swirl, twist the ropes before shaping the log into a disk or cutting with cookie cutters. Place your shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Bake your Rainbow Sugar Cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned. The centers should be soft and just cooked through. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this helps them finish setting up without overbaking.

How to Serve Rainbow Sugar Cookies

Rainbow Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For an extra sparkle, sprinkle a little sanding sugar over the cookies before baking. You can also add a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of edible glitter after they’ve cooled. It’s a simple way to make your Rainbow Sugar Cookies look even more magical for birthdays or holidays.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk, a fruity punch, or a mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate sweet treat. They also make a fantastic addition to dessert platters alongside brownies, fruit, or ice cream at parties and gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Rainbow Sugar Cookies on a tiered dessert stand for a vibrant centerpiece, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for delightful party favors. For an extra special touch, stack them by color or use them as edible place cards at a festive table setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Rainbow Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for lunchboxes, snack breaks, or a quick pick-me-up during the week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Once cooled, layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their texture and color for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need a pop of color and sweetness.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, pop your Rainbow Sugar Cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. This revives their fresh-baked softness and makes the flavors even more inviting, especially when paired with your favorite hot drink.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to two days in advance and store it, wrapped tightly, in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, simply color, shape, and bake your cookies as usual.

What if I don’t have gel food coloring?

Gel food coloring is best for vibrant, non-runny dough, but in a pinch you can use liquid food coloring—just add it sparingly to avoid thinning the dough. The colors may be a bit more pastel, but your Rainbow Sugar Cookies will still taste fantastic.

Can I freeze the shaped dough before baking?

Yes, you can! Shape your cookies, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

How do I get an even swirl or rainbow pattern?

The key is to roll the colored dough ropes to similar lengths and thicknesses, then twist or press them gently together before shaping. Don’t overwork the dough or the colors will blend instead of swirl.

Are Rainbow Sugar Cookies suitable for special diets?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian, and you can substitute plant-based butter and an egg replacer to make it vegan. Just make sure your food colorings are also vegan-friendly if that’s important to you.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brightens a day quite like a batch of homemade Rainbow Sugar Cookies. Whether you’re baking with kids, celebrating a special moment, or just want to treat yourself, these cookies are pure happiness in every bite. Give them a try and watch smiles appear with every colorful swirl!

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Rainbow Sugar Cookies Recipe

Rainbow Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Rainbow Sugar Cookies are colorful, fun-to-make treats perfect for parties and holidays. These classic sugar cookies are tinted with vibrant gel food coloring and shaped into playful swirls, delivering both visual appeal and delicious flavor in every bite. The soft, buttery texture pairs wonderfully with sweet vanilla and a subtle hint of almond.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Coloring

  • Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2–3 minutes. This step creates a creamy base that helps give the cookies their tender texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined, ensuring the dough is flavorful and cohesive.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix to maintain the cookies’ tenderness.
  6. Dye the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into six portions. Tint each portion with a different gel food coloring by kneading gently until the color is uniform throughout. Chill each colored dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes for easier handling.
  7. Shape the Cookies: Take small pieces of each colored dough and roll them into 6-inch ropes. Gently press all six ropes together and roll slightly to form a log. Shape the log into a disk or use cookie cutters to create shapes. For a swirl effect, twist the colored ropes before shaping.
  8. Arrange and Bake: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain chewy texture.
  9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.

Notes

  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve vibrant colors without thinning the dough.
  • For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking for a subtle sparkle.
  • These cookies freeze well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • Perfect for parties, holidays, or any fun baking activity with kids.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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