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Keto Rainbow Cookies Low Carb & Gluten Free Recipe

These keto rainbow cookies are a delicious low carb version of the popular Italian cookie known by many names. You may have heard these cakelike cookies called seven-layer cookies, tricolor cookies, Venetian cookies, or even Italian flag cookies.

No matter what you call these delicious treats if you are following a keto diet, this Keto rainbow cookie recipe is a dream come true.

Perfect for Christmas cookie trays or any time you want a healthier version of the traditional rainbow cake cookies.

Keep in mind that this keto rainbow cookie recipe contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you.

It’s my go-to whenever I need to make gluten-free cookies for school parties.

The kids love this recipe, one of them even said that these rainbow cookies high key slapped.

That was my favorite keto cookie review until I heard another kid say “Bro, you have to try it! I know it looks weird but this keto rainbow cake is actually surprisingly amazing.”

Keto Rainbow Cookies Ingredients

Making this delightful keto rainbow cookie recipe is easier than you think. While I must admit this recipe is time-consuming due to the several steps and cookie layers, each step is actually really simple to perform.

So gather your ingredients and get started now so you can enjoy these low-carb cake cookies as soon as possible.

Stevia, Butter, and Almond Extract: The keto-friendly sweetener, the butter’s creaminess, and the subtle nutty allure of almond extract join forces to create a guilt-free indulgence.

Salt and Eggs: A pinch of salt and a few eggs bring balance and binding prowess to the mix, ensuring a harmonious, cohesive cookie.

Almond Flour and Sour Cream: Almond flour keeps carbs low while adding nutty charm, and sour cream provides a delicate tang and moisture for irresistible tenderness.

Jam and Food Coloring: A sugar-free jam injects fruity vibrancy, while food coloring lets you unleash your creative flair for the iconic rainbow effect.

Chocolate Chips and Heavy Cream: Sugar-free chocolate chips and velvety heavy cream combine to create a luxurious chocolate topping that crowns your cookies with elegance.

Keto Rainbow Cookies

Helpful Equipment

The following pieces of equipment are not necessary but they certainly can make the process of making homemade rainbow cookies easier.

While some equipment is needed to make keto rainbow cookies, the following items are pretty basic kitchen tools that you probably already have on hand.

  • Baking Sheets: Three baking pans are needed (you could opt for a half-sized baking sheet if available, but for simplicity and to avoid purchasing additional bakeware, standard-size pans work perfectly).
  • Mixing Bowls: Several mixing bowls for dividing and coloring the dough.
  • Parchment Paper: To line the baking pans for easy removal of the cookie layers.
  • Cooking Spray: For greasing the parchment paper and ensuring easy release of the cookies.
  • Stand Mixer: To efficiently mix and blend the ingredients.
  • Offset Spatula: Useful for spreading the chocolate topping smoothly.
  • Plastic Wrap: To wrap and refrigerate the stacked cookie layers.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for applying weight to the layers during refrigeration.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate.
  • Sharp Knife: Use to cut the chilled rainbow cookies into desired pieces.
Italian tricolor dough in bowls

How to Bake Rainbow Cookies

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees, and then prepare three baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring a generous 2-inch overhang.

Give the parchment-lined sheet pans a light coating of cooking spray. Make sure to apply some under the parchment paper as well as on top of it.

While you could opt for half-sized baking sheets, I kept things straightforward by using standard-sized ones. No need to buy additional baking sheets for this recipe.

Now, lightly spray the parchment paper atop the cookie sheets with cooking spray.

In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer set to medium speed, combine the softened butter, sour cream, almond extract, and stevia until well-blended.

Gradually incorporate the kosher salt, followed by the almond flour and the large eggs.

three layer cookie dough on tray

How to Make the Rainbow Cookie Layers

Next, it’s time to divide the dough into three separate bowls. One for the red layer, another for the green layer, and the third simply for your peace of mind, ensuring you have the correct amounts.

I prefer using identical bowls to simplify the process of eyeballing the dough and achieving equal portions. However, for perfectionists seeking the ideal rainbow cookies, a food scale can be used to precisely measure and divide the batter.

Add approximately 10-15 drops of red food coloring to one bowl and thoroughly mix. In another bowl, add around 5 drops of green food coloring and mix well.

Once the colors are nicely blended, place the pink layer onto one pan, followed by the green layer, and then the white layer onto the prepared pans. Spread them out evenly in a thin layer.

Pop the pans into the preheated oven for approximately 9 minutes. Keep a close eye; we don’t want to overbake, as the cake batter tends to develop a golden edge, especially on the uncolored layer.

Once the cakes are done, allow them to cool completely.

bowls of red green cookie dough

How to Assemble Keto Rainbow Cookies

Keep the green layer on its baking sheet, spread keto friendly raspberry jelly, apricot jam, or concord grape jelly over it, and then add the white layer on top. Apply the remaining jam or jelly onto the white layer, and finally, position the pink layer on top.

After layering, carefully invert the entire stack onto the cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.

To encourage the layers to meld together, place something weighty like a cutting board topped with cans on top. Wrap the entire stack securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours.

Once the rainbow cookies have cooled thoroughly, remove them from the fridge. Discard the plastic wrap, heavy cans, and cutting board.

Begin by heating half of the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl until it melts. Add the heavy cream and stir until the mixture is well-combined.

Now, spread this chocolate concoction over the rainbow cookies, using an offset spatula for a smooth finish.

Return the rainbow cookies to the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes. After they’ve cooled and the chocolate has set, flip the entire cake onto a clean baking sheet.

Heat the remaining chocolate and spread it on top. I employed a serrated knife to create a decorative pattern on the surface, forming lines as I glided it across the wet chocolate.

Pop the cookies back into the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to solidify. Once set, use a sharp knife to cut them into your desired size of pieces.

final step in Neapolitan cake

FAQs

Are Rainbow Cookies Gluten Free?

Yes! These rainbow cookies are naturally gluten-free because they are crafted using ingredients that do not contain gluten.

The primary ingredient in these cookies is almond flour, which is inherently gluten-free.

Additionally, other ingredients like the sweeteners, flavorings, and fillings used in this recipe are carefully selected to be gluten-free certified or labeled as such.

This meticulous ingredient choice ensures that the entire recipe is inherently gluten-free, making it a delightful treat for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease while still offering the same wonderful flavors and vibrant appearance as traditional rainbow cookies.

Can Keto Rainbow Cookies be Frozen?

Absolutely, you can freeze your delightful Keto Rainbow Cookies. Thanks to their sponge cake-like texture, they retain their freshly baked taste remarkably well.

To ensure the best results when freezing your keto rainbow cookies, it’s important to use an airtight container.

When stored correctly, they can maintain their quality for several months.

Freezing allows you to prepare lovely cookie gifts for various occasions.

Whip up a batch for Thanksgiving, and then stash some in the freezer to have a delightful surprise for the Christmas cookie platter!

Keto Rainbow Cookies

Do Rainbow Cookies Need to Be Refrigerated?

No, keto rainbow cookies do not necessarily require refrigeration if you intend to consume them within a day or two.

You can simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Although I would recommend considering refrigeration.

Refrigerating rainbow cookies serves the purpose of preserving their freshness and preventing any fillings, be it jam or chocolate, from experiencing undesirable softening or melting.

Can You Make Keto Rainbow Cookies Without Almond Paste?

Yes! This rainbow cookie recipe does not use almond paste in order to streamline the process a bit as well as cut back on extra carbs where possible.

Can You Make Rainbow Cookies Without Eggs?

Indeed, you can attempt to make keto rainbow cookies without eggs.

Utilizing egg substitutes like flaxseed or chia seed eggs, applesauce, silken tofu, yogurt, or commercial egg replacers might work in this recipe.

However, it’s worth noting that eggs can play a significant role in both the taste and texture of cookies.

So, while these substitutes can be helpful, there might be some uncertainty about whether the final result will truly capture the essence of the original recipe.

Nevertheless, it’s worth a try to enjoy a keto-friendly version of rainbow cookies without eggs.

Keto Rainbow Cookies

More Easy Low-Carb Recipes

While crafting these delightful keto rainbow cookies may demand a bit of your time, I invite you to explore the rest of my recipe collection.

You’ll discover that the majority of my culinary creations are not only healthier renditions of beloved classics but also wonderfully straightforward and time-friendly.

Their simplicity and delectable flavors are bound to win you over, making each dish an instant favorite in your kitchen.

Add some of these air fryer keto chocolate chip cookies to your low carb Christmas cookie platter.

If you are looking for more low-carb cake recipes, you need to try this Keto Lemon Cake Recipe.

Satisfy your cravings with these delightful low-carb sandwich cookies, featuring a soft chocolate cookie exterior enveloping creamy peanut butter goodness.

You’ll love these air fryer low carb peanut butter bars for their simplicity and rich peanut butter flavor.

If you want more keto recipes sent straight to your inbox consider signing up for the newsletter or follow along on Pinterest so you never miss a low carb recipe again.

Keto Rainbow Cookies

Keto Rainbow Cookies Low Carb & Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup of Stevia
  • 2 & 1/2 Sticks of Butter
  • 3 Teaspoons of Almond Extract
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt
  • 4 Eggs
  • 2 Cups of Almond Flour
  • 2 Tablespoons of Sour Cream
  • 8 Ounces Jam or Jelly
  • Red & Green Food Coloring
  • 4 Tablespoons of Chocolate Chips
  • 1 Tablespoon of Heavy Cream

Instructions

    Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees, and then prepare three baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring a generous 2-inch overhang.

    Give the parchment-lined sheet pans a light coating of cooking spray. Make sure to apply some under the parchment paper as well as on top of it.

    Now, lightly spray the parchment paper atop the cookie sheets with cooking spray.

    In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer set to medium speed, combine the softened butter, sour cream, almond extract, and stevia until well-blended.

    Gradually incorporate the kosher salt, followed by the almond flour and the large eggs.

    Next, it’s time to divide the dough into three separate bowls. One for the red layer, another for the green layer, and the third simply for your peace of mind, ensuring you have the correct amounts.

    Add approximately 10-15 drops of red food coloring to one bowl and thoroughly mix. In another bowl, add around 5 drops of green food coloring and mix well.

    Once the colors are nicely blended, place the pink layer onto one pan, followed by the green layer, and then the white layer onto the prepared pans. Spread them out evenly in a thin layer.

    Pop the pans into the preheated oven for approximately 9 minutes. Keep a close eye; we don’t want to overbake, as the cake batter tends to develop a golden edge, especially on the uncolored layer.

    Once the cakes are done, allow them to cool completely.

    Keep the green layer on its baking sheet, spread raspberry jelly (or apricot jam if you prefer) over it, and then add the white layer on top.

    Apply the remaining jam onto the white layer, and finally, position the pink layer on top.

    After layering, carefully invert the entire stack onto the cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.

    To encourage the layers to meld together, place something weighty like a cutting board topped with cans on top.

    Wrap the entire stack securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours.

    Once the rainbow cookies have cooled thoroughly, remove them from the fridge. Discard the plastic wrap, heavy cans, and cutting board.

    Begin by heating half of the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl until it melts. Add the heavy cream and stir until the mixture is well combined.

    Now, spread this chocolate concoction over the rainbow cookies, using an offset spatula for a smooth finish.

    Return the rainbow cookies to the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes. After they’ve cooled and the chocolate has set, flip the entire cake onto a clean baking sheet.

    Heat the remaining chocolate and spread it on top. I employed a serrated knife to create a decorative pattern on the surface, forming lines as I glided it across the wet chocolate.

    Pop the cookies back into the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to solidify.

    Once set, employ a sharp knife to cut them into your desired size of pieces.

Notes

Making this delightful keto rainbow cookie recipe is easier than you think.

While I must admit this recipe is time-consuming due to the several steps and cookie layers, each step is actually really simple to perform.

So gather your ingredients and get started now so you can enjoy these low-carb cake cookies as soon as possible.

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About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa Dixon Thirty Something Super Mom
Thirty Something Super Mom | Website | + posts

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.

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