Dive into the trifecta of flavors with this Neapolitan Cookies recipe! These buttery, soft, and colorful treats combine the classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry for a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your palate. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser—from family gatherings to quick snacks with coffee. Not only do they pack a burst of flavors, but they’re also surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re new to baking or love adding creative twists to your sweet creations, this recipe is tailor-made for you!
Cooking Time
Making Neapolitan cookies is quite simple, and they don’t take too long to prepare. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the time you’ll need:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes
Time-Saving Tips:
- Prepare and measure all your ingredients before starting.
- Chill the dough in the freezer instead of the fridge to speed up the process.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid scrubbing trays later!
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Before getting started, gather these essential kitchen tools to make the process a breeze:
- Mixing Bowls: Large and medium-sized bowls for combining ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer to cream the butter and sugar seamlessly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of dry and liquid ingredients.
- Spatula: Great for scraping down mixing bowls and spreading dough.
- Baking Sheet: Opt for a non-stick baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Silicone Baking Mat: An eco-friendly option for ensuring your cookies don’t stick.
- Plastic Wrap: Essential for wrapping the dough during its chilling phase.
- Knife: To evenly slice dough sections when layering flavors.
Having these reliable kitchen gadgets on hand ensures a smooth-sailing baking experience.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Neapolitan cookies that taste as good as they look. You’ll need the following easy-to-find ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter (softened): 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup (adds chewiness)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (pure for best results)
- Eggs: 2 large
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Strawberry Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Pink Food Coloring: Optional, for a vibrant strawberry layer
Variations and Substitutes
- For a healthier twist, swap some all-purpose flour with almond flour or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar.
- Vegan option: Replace butter with plant-based alternatives, and use a flaxseed “egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Skip the food coloring for a natural look.
How to Make Neapolitan Cookies Recipe?
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Begin your Neapolitan cookie adventure by creaming butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and watch the mixture come together beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Divide the Dough
Split the dough into three equal portions. For the first portion, leave it as is for the vanilla layer. For the second, add unsweetened cocoa powder. Lastly, mix strawberry extract and pink food coloring (if desired) into the third portion.
Step 5: Layer the Dough
Roll each dough portion into a rectangle on plastic wrap. Layer the chocolate dough over the vanilla layer, and then the strawberry layer on top. Press gently to ensure they stick. Wrap the layered dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn golden.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy their vibrant colors and incredible flavors!
Serving Suggestions
Neapolitan cookies are versatile and pair well with many options:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Enjoy these cookies alongside a steaming cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or milk.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or edible glitter for extra flair during celebrations.
- Include them in a cookie platter as a holiday or party centerpiece.
Tips for a Better Recipe
Take your Neapolitan cookies to the next level with these expert tips:
- For even slicing: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to cut through the chilled dough.
- Boost flavor: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate layer for a mocha twist.
- Texture variety: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts on top before baking.
- Custom Layers: Experiment with other flavors, such as lemon zest or matcha, for unique variations.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional details per cookie (serves 24):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
For healthier alternatives, replace some sugar and butter with low-fat or sugar-free options.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Neapolitan cookies store exceptionally well, maintaining their flavors and textures for days. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layers of parchment paper between cookies prevent sticking.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Simply leave the cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Neapolitan Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter softened: 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup adds chewiness
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon pure for best results
- Eggs: 2 large
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Strawberry Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Pink Food Coloring: Optional for a vibrant strawberry layer
Instructions
- Begin your Neapolitan cookie adventure by creaming butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and watch the mixture come together beautifully.
- In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Split the dough into three equal portions. For the first portion, leave it as is for the vanilla layer. For the second, add unsweetened cocoa powder. Lastly, mix strawberry extract and pink food coloring (if desired) into the third portion.
- Roll each dough portion into a rectangle on plastic wrap. Layer the chocolate dough over the vanilla layer, and then the strawberry layer on top. Press gently to ensure they stick. Wrap the layered dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy their vibrant colors and incredible flavors!
Notes
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layers of parchment paper between cookies prevent sticking.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Simply leave the cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
