Spumoni Slices (Neapolitan Cookies) Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 semi-sweet chocolate baking squares, melted (1 ounce each)
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 3 -5 drops green food coloring
• 1/4 cup candied red cherries, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 -5 drops red food coloring

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 1/2 cups of confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of flour, mixing well to form a dough.
4. Divide the dough into three equal portions to create the colorful layers.
5. Stir 2 melted semi-sweet chocolate squares into one portion; mix thoroughly until combined.
6. Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 3-5 drops of green food coloring to the second portion, stirring until well mixed.
7. In the third portion, combine 1/4 cup of finely chopped candied red cherries, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and 3-5 drops of red food coloring, mixing until color is even.
8. Roll each dough portion between two pieces of waxed paper into an 8×6-inch rectangle; carefully remove the waxed paper afterwards.
9. Place the chocolate rectangle onto a piece of plastic wrap, then layer the green and pink rectangles on top, pressing them together lightly.
10. Wrap the layered dough in plastic wrap and chill overnight to firm up.
11. Once chilled, cut the dough in half lengthwise and return one half to the refrigerator.
12. Cut the remaining rectangle into 1/8-inch slices and place them 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
13. Bake at 375 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until set, then cool for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
14. Repeat the baking process with the remaining dough.