If you love the classic combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, then these Neapolitan Cookies are just for you! 🍫🍓🍦 With their distinct layers of flavor and vibrant colors, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or just because, they offer a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Let’s dive into making these stunning and delicious cookies!
🍽 Equipment Needed
🛠 Mixing bowls – For preparing the three different doughs.
🥄 Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures precise ingredient proportions.
🎂 Hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugar easier.
🍪 Baking sheets – To bake cookies evenly.
📜 Parchment paper – Prevents cookies from sticking.
🔪 Sharp knife – For slicing the layered dough.
🥄 Rubber spatula – Helps fold ingredients together. 🧊 Plastic wrap – For chilling the dough layers.
📝 Ingredients for Neapolitan Cookies
Base Dough:
🧈 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter – Softened.
🍚 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and structure.
🥚 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients.
🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
🍞 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour – Provides the structure. 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness. 🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise.
Chocolate Dough:
🍫 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder – For the rich chocolate layer.
🍚 1 tablespoon milk – Keeps the chocolate dough moist.
Strawberry Dough:
🍓 2 tablespoons strawberry puree or 1 teaspoon strawberry extract – For natural flavor.
🌸 2-3 drops red or pink food coloring – Enhances the color.
🍪 How to Make Neapolitan Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Base Dough
1️⃣ In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2️⃣ Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
3️⃣ In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
4️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 2: Divide the Dough into Three Parts
1️⃣ Vanilla Dough – Set aside one-third of the dough for the vanilla layer.
2️⃣ Chocolate Dough – Mix cocoa powder and milk into one portion of the dough until well combined. 3️⃣ Strawberry Dough – Mix strawberry puree and food coloring into the last portion until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Layer the Dough
1️⃣ On a piece of parchment paper, press the chocolate dough into a rectangular shape.
2️⃣ Layer the vanilla dough on top, pressing it down evenly.
3️⃣ Finish with the strawberry dough on top.
4️⃣ Wrap the stacked dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavors).
Step 4: Slice and Bake
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick cookies.
3️⃣ Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
4️⃣ Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden.
5️⃣ Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
🎯 Tips for the Best Neapolitan Cookies
✅ Chill the Dough Well – This ensures clean layers when slicing.
✅ Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder – For a deep chocolate flavor.
✅ Adjust Strawberry Flavor – If using fresh puree, make sure it’s thick to prevent excess moisture.
✅ Keep Even Layers – Flatten each layer evenly for a uniform look.
✅ Use a Sharp Knife – Helps get clean, precise slices.
💕 Why You’ll Love These Neapolitan Cookies
🍓 Three Flavors in One – Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in every bite!
🎨 Beautiful and Colorful – Looks as amazing as it tastes.
👩🍳 Fun to Make – A great baking project for families and kids.
🍪 Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, parties, and gifting.
🧐 The Science Behind Their Unique Texture
The balance of butter, sugar, and flour in this recipe creates a soft yet sturdy cookie. The cocoa powder adds a rich density to the chocolate layer, while the strawberry puree introduces moisture, making that layer slightly more tender. Chilling the dough before baking prevents excessive spreading, ensuring crisp edges and distinct layers in every cookie.
✨ The Magic of Neapolitan Cookies
The magic of Neapolitan Cookies comes from their perfect blend of flavors, colors, and textures. With each bite, you get a buttery vanilla base, a rich chocolate note, and a fruity strawberry twist—all wrapped into one delightful treat! These cookies capture the essence of a classic Neapolitan ice cream but in a chewy, bakery-style form.
❄️ Storage & Freezing Tips
🧊 Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
❄️ Freezing Dough: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months—thaw before slicing.
🔥 Reheating Tip: Warm in the microwave for 5-10 seconds for a fresh-baked taste!
🍮 Serving Suggestions
🍦 With Ice Cream – Serve alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
☕ With Coffee or Tea – A perfect afternoon treat.
🎁 As a Gift – Pack them in cute boxes for homemade holiday gifts.
🍨 Crumbled Over Desserts – Use as a topping for sundaes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
👉 Can I make these without food coloring? Yes! The strawberry puree adds some color naturally, but the pink hue will be less vibrant.
👉 Can I substitute another flavor for strawberry? Absolutely! Try raspberry, cherry, or even matcha for a unique twist.
👉 Do these cookies stay soft? Yes, they have a slightly crisp edge but remain soft in the center.
👉 What if my dough is too sticky? Chill it longer before rolling, or add 1-2 tablespoons of extra flour.
👉 Can I shape these differently? Yes! Roll the dough into logs for a swirled effect or cut them into fun shapes.
✅ Conclusion
Neapolitan Cookies are the ultimate blend of three classic flavors in one stunning treat. Their beautiful layers, delicious taste, and soft texture make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a holiday, or just because—you’re sure to love every bite! So grab your ingredients, start layering, and enjoy these irresistible cookies! 🍓🍦🍫
Neapolitan Cookies
These Neapolitan Cookies combine the flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in one beautifully layered cookie! With a soft and buttery texture, they’re as delicious as they are stunning.
- Base Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Chocolate Layer
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Strawberry Layer
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or puree
- 1 drop red or pink food coloring (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
- Vanilla Layer
- No additional ingredients
✔ Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
✔ Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
✔ Divide the Dough
- Split the dough into three equal portions.
✔ Make the Chocolate Dough
- Mix cocoa powder and milk into one portion of dough until fully combined.
✔ Make the Strawberry Dough
- Mix strawberry jam, food coloring, and strawberry extract into another portion.
✔ Assemble the Layers
- On a sheet of parchment paper, roll each dough portion into a rectangle (about 9×4 inches). Stack them in this order: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry. Gently press together.
✔ Chill the Dough
- Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
✔ Slice & Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough into ¼-inch thick cookies and place on a lined baking sheet.
✔ Bake & Cool
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
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Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice and bake as needed.
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Extra Flavor: Add mini chocolate chips to the chocolate layer for extra texture!
