Rainbows in la Tormenta

It’s pouring outside. As soon as the sky began to darken, I rushed to alistarme para correr. I didn’t quite make it in time,  so here I am sitting at the computer, my running shoes giving me nasty side glances when I’m not looking. Jogging will have to wait until tomorrow, or this afternoon, if I’m lucky.

Bright, cheery rainbow cookies are exactly what this day calls for. They brighten my kitchen just by sitting politely on the counter. Thank you, rainbow cookies, for making my day.

These cookies bring smiles (in between bites) and couldn’t be simpler to make. Food coloring is added to the dough, which is then rolled out into “snakes” and lightly pressed together, cut, and shaped into rainbows. It’s the perfect rainy afternoon project to share with your children. The resulting cookies are soft with a fragrant anise aroma and subtly sweet.

1 c. sugar
1 c. butter
3 c. flour
1 t. vanilla
1 1/2 t. anise flavoring
1 t. salt
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1 egg

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and flavorings. Mix in dry ingredients until dough blends together. Divide dough into 3 equal blobs and add food coloring to achieve desired results. Keep in mind that colors darken upon baking. Refrigerate one hour.

Preheat oven to 335F. Choose the rainbow’s center color (for mine, it is blue) and roll a golf ball sized piece into a small snake. Continue with next color, working your way toward the upper color. Press snakes together and cut into desired lengths. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets shape into semi-circles. Bake 12-15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Cool and enjoy! Be sure to notice all the smiles.