Rainbow cookies recipe

Step 1

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees F. Coat three 9-by-13-inch baking pans with cooking spray, line the bottoms with parchment paper and coat with more cooking spray.

Step 2

Beat the almond paste, butter, sugar and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to medium; beat in the egg yolks, vanilla and lemon zest, then reduce the mixer speed to low and mix in the flour (the batter will be thick).

Step 3

Beat the egg whites in a separate large bowl with a mixer on low speed; increase the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter in three batches. Divide the batter evenly among 3 bowls. Mix the red food coloring into one and the green into another, leaving the third plain. Pour one color batter into each pan; spread into a thin layer with an offset spatula.

Step 4

Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until just firm, 14 to 16 minutes. Transfer to racks and let cool completely in the pans.

Step 5

Remove the green layer to a cutting board; discard the parchment. Top with 1/2 cup jam, the plain layer, the remaining 1/2 cup jam and the red layer. Wrap the stack in plastic wrap. Top with a baking sheet and place a few heavy cans on top. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 6

Make the glaze: Microwave the chocolate, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth. Unwrap the stack and spread the chocolate on top using an offset spatula. Refrigerate until set, about 10 minutes. Cut into small squares.