With the kids at home on these summer holidays they are always in and out of the kitchen looking for snacks to accompany make believe plays of picnics or great exploring adventures. 

These colorful but delicious cookies are never refused but instead eaten in bucket loads. With their colorful crunchy exteriors giving way to the soft gooey centers, it is a taste explosion in your mouths and you won’t only have the kids indulging in them, but many an adult have been seen hovering around these little rainbows.

Make these rainbow cookies for your family to be enjoyed at anytime of the day!

 Ingredients

1 + 1/3 cups flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1 cup (one 8-ounce package) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large egg

3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles or hundreds and thousands

Method

In a medium bowl sift together flour, baking powder and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter on low speed until smooth about 1 minute. Add sugar gradually and mix until light and fluffy about 2 minutes.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add vanilla and egg. Beat to combine. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low until just combined. Do not overmix. Chill batter 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Add 1/2 the sprinkles to a wide shallow bowl (add more as needed). Scoop up rounded tablespoons of dough and form into balls - they don't have to be perfect - the dough is sticky - you can wet your hands lightly - drop into the sprinkles and coat all sides - set on baking sheet 2-inches apart.

Bake 12-14 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom. Cool on baking sheets 10 minutes then on wire racks.

Indulge in some rainbow goodness today!

By Mayuri Jayasinghe