Rainbow Rounds

* Pamela *'s Note:

Perfect for bake exchanges because it makes a huge batch! From Parents Magazine December 2003. Prep time does not include chilling the dough.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 12 dozen

• 2 cups butter, softened
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup red colored crystal sugar
• 1/2 cup orange colored crystal sugar
• 1/2 cup yellow colored crystal sugar
• 1/2 cup green colored crystal sugar
• 1/2 cup blue colored crystal sugar
• 1/2 cup purple colored crystal sugar

Directions:

1. In large bowl, with mixer on high, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg yolks, egg, vanilla, and salt, and beat well to combine.
2. With mixer on low, gradually beat in flour. Divide dough into 6 equal pieces, roll each piece into an 8-inch log, and chill 15-20 minutes. Working with 1 roll at a time, roll in 1 color of crystal sugar and then wrap in saran wrap. Continue until all are rolled in colored sugar and wrapped.
3. Refrigerate completed rolls for 3 hours or overnight.
4. Heat oven to 350°F.
5. Cut logs into 1/4 inch thick slices, and place on greased baking sheet 1/2 inch apart. Bake 12 to 16 minutes, until golden. Let cool 5 minutes on baking sheet, transfer to wire rack, and let cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough, Makes about 12 dozen cookies.

Reviews

[Karen=^..^=]

I love this recipe! The flavor is great and they're so pretty. The only problem I had was that my rolls got longer and narrower when I rolled them in the sugar, so I ended up with a lot more cookies in a smaller size. I kind of like them little like this for my Christmas trays, but when I make them next time, I'm going to refrigerate them longer before rolling, so I can make them the right size to see how they come out. Thanks for this new Christmas tray addition! :)

[Aunt Paula]

Very nice cookie recipe. I made these this year for something new, and my family loves them. They look so pretty too. Will look lovely on my cookie tray. Once you get them all rolled up it is just slice and bake, very easy. Mine where a bit small, but they did plump up in the oven, so they turned out just perfect. Thank you for sharing.

[Lucky in Bayview]

This recipe is a killer find! Love it! These cookies are so festive and looked amazing in gift bags. The best part is that they taste delicious. Thanks so much for sharing such a great recipe. It will be a new holiday tradition.