One of my all time favorite cookies in the whole world are 7 Layer Cookies. I've had many a dispute with friends over the name of these, but growing up in Brooklyn has solidified the name of "7 layers" in my book. A lot of Italian's call them "tri colore" cookies and if you're not Italian then I know you're one of those people who call them rainbow cookies. Let's try and put a stop to that; PLEASE!
One of the best parts about these cookies is that it's a soft almond flavored cookie, there's almond jelly in there, and they're covered in chocolate. Stop me if there's anything delicious that I seem to be missing- and if you don't find these cookies appealing in any way shape or form I truly feel sorry for you, you're missing out.
I love that my mom makes these from scratch each year, and Christmas is the only time she does bake them; any other time we want them we have to get my dad to stop at the bakery back home in Brooklyn on his way home from work.
So, with that being said, I hope you guys try them. They're a bit of a task and really need attention and time, not something you can whip up and throw in the oven. So, if you're up to the challenge, give them a try. I promise you won't be disappointed!
7 Layer Cookies
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 (8-oz) can almond paste
- 2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 25 drops red food coloring
- 25 drops green food coloring
- 1 (12-oz) jar apricot preserves, heated and strained
- 7 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
Directions:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 13- by 9-inch baking pan and line bottom with wax paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 ends, then butter paper.
Beat whites in mixer fitted with whisk attachment at medium-high speed until they just hold stiff peaks. Add 1/4 cup sugar a little at a time, beating at high speed until whites hold stiff, slightly glossy peaks. Transfer to another bowl.
Switch to paddle attachment, then beat together almond paste and remaining 3/4 cup sugar until well blended, about 3 minutes. Add butter and beat until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add yolks and almond extract and beat until combined well, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low, then add flour and salt and mix until just combined.
Fold half of egg white mixture into almond mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly.
Divide batter among 3 bowls. Stir red food coloring into one and green food coloring into another, leaving the third batch plain. Set white batter aside. Chill green batter, covered. Pour red batter into prepared pan and spread evenly with offset spatula (layer will be about 1/4 inch thick).
Bake red layer 8 to 10 minutes, until just set. (It is important to undercook.)
Using paper overhang, transfer layer to a rack to cool, about 15 minutes. Clean pan, then line with wax paper and butter paper in same manner as above. Bake white layer in prepared pan until just set. As white layer bakes, bring green batter to room temperature. Transfer white layer to a rack. Prepare pan as above, then bake green layer in same manner as before. Transfer to a rack to cool.
When all layers are cool, invert green onto a wax-paper-lined large baking sheet. Discard paper from layer and spread with half of preserves. Invert white on top of green layer, discarding paper. Spread with remaining preserves. Invert red layer on top of white layer and discard wax paper.
Cover with plastic wrap and weight with a large baking pan. Chill at least 8 hours.
Remove weight and plastic wrap. Bring layers to room temperature. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Keep chocolate over water.
Trim edges of assembled layers with a long serrated knife. Quickly spread half of chocolate in a thin layer on top of cake. Chill, uncovered, until chocolate is firm, about 15 minutes. Cover with another sheet of wax paper and place another baking sheet on top, then invert cake onto sheet and remove paper. Quickly spread with remaining chocolate. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
Cut lengthwise into 4 strips. Cut strips crosswise into 3/4-inch-wide cookies. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
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