Neapolitan Cookies

Introduction

Neapolitan Cookies are a delightful combination of three classic flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—all in one sweet, visually stunning cookie. These cookies are made by layering the dough into three distinct sections, each flavored and colored to represent the signature flavors of Neapolitan ice cream. With their soft, chewy texture and vibrant colors, these cookies are sure to impress at any gathering.

I first made these cookies when I wanted to bake something that was both delicious and visually appealing, and they turned out to be a huge hit. The layers of flavor come together perfectly, with each bite offering a little taste of the beloved ice cream trio. They’re a fun, creative twist on a classic cookie, and they look as good as they taste!

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just craving something unique, these cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Their cheerful colors and irresistible flavor make them an instant crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Family gatherings
• Gift-giving
• Special occasions
• Ice cream lovers

Why You’ll Love This Neapolitan Cookies

Here’s why Neapolitan Cookies will become your new favorite:

• Three Flavors in One Cookie: These cookies are a fun and creative way to enjoy three classic flavors in a single bite—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The dough is soft and chewy, providing the perfect texture for each flavorful bite.
• Visually Stunning: The layered dough creates beautiful, colorful cookies that are sure to stand out at any dessert table.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are easy to make and come together quickly.
• Customizable: You can adjust the flavor intensity or the thickness of the layers based on your preference.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Neapolitan Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (or strawberry extract for stronger flavor)
• Red food coloring (gel or liquid)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: Butter is key in these cookies for a soft, chewy texture and a rich flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: The vanilla provides the base flavor for the neutral layer of the dough.
• Strawberry Jam: Strawberry jam gives the dough a sweet, fruity flavor and helps create the signature pink layer.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor for the chocolate layer of the cookie.
• Food Coloring: Red food coloring gives the strawberry layer its bright, appealing color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Neapolitan Cookies:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Add the milk and stir until the dough comes together.
6. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into three equal portions.
   • Vanilla Layer: Leave one portion of dough as is for the vanilla layer.
   • Chocolate Layer: In the second portion, add the cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated.
   • Strawberry Layer: In the third portion, add the strawberry jam (or extract) and a few drops of red food coloring, mixing until the dough turns a light pink color.

Assemble the Cookies:

7. Layer the Dough: Place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your countertop. Take a portion of each dough (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry) and roll them into logs or rectangles, approximately the same size. Stack the layers on top of each other, pressing lightly to adhere. If you want more distinct layers, you can gently roll out each dough into flat sheets and stack them.
8. Chill the Dough: Wrap the layered dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to slice.
9. Slice and Bake: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼-inch thick slices. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the centers are set.
11. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cookies

Neapolitan Cookies are perfect for serving on various occasions:

• As a Dessert: These colorful cookies make a fun and delicious dessert for any party or gathering.
• With a Cold Beverage: Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful treat.
• Gift-Giving: Pack these cookies in a cute jar or box for a sweet, homemade gift.
• For Special Occasions: The beautiful layers and bright colors make them ideal for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration.

Additional Tips for Neapolitan Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Neapolitan Cookies are perfect every time:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking makes it easier to slice and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for achieving the bright red color without altering the dough’s consistency.
• Adjust the Thickness of the Layers: You can make the layers thicker or thinner depending on how much you want each flavor to stand out.
• Keep the Dough Even: When rolling out the dough for the layers, try to keep the thickness of each layer consistent for even baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

Recipe Variations for Neapolitan Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Neapolitan Cookies:

• Neapolitan Cookies with White Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips to the vanilla dough for extra sweetness and texture.
• Neapolitan Cookies with Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the dough for a nutty crunch.
• Gluten-Free Neapolitan Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Neapolitan Cookies with Marshmallow Fluff: Add a dollop of marshmallow fluff in the center of each cookie for a gooey surprise.
• Neapolitan Cookies with Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the vanilla layer for a tropical twist.
• Neapolitan Cookies with Strawberry Extract: Use strawberry extract for a more intense strawberry flavor.
• Neapolitan Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cookies with a light layer of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
• Vegan Neapolitan Cookies: Substitute plant-based butter, egg replacer, and non-dairy milk for a vegan version.
• Neapolitan Cookies with Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the dough for a fun, festive touch.
• Neapolitan Sandwich Cookies: Make two Neapolitan cookies and sandwich them together with buttercream or jam.

Freezing and Storage for Neapolitan Cookies

• Freezing: You can freeze the dough before slicing. Simply roll it into logs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Slice and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment for Neapolitan Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Neapolitan Cookies easier:

• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for each portion of dough.
• Parchment Paper or Plastic Wrap: Helpful for assembling and chilling the layered dough.
• Rolling Pin: Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough for even layers.
• Baking Sheets: Use parchment-lined baking sheets for easy cleanup.
• Cookie Cutter (optional): If you prefer, you can use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies instead of slicing them.

Frequently Asked Questions for Neapolitan Cookies

1. Can I use a different jam instead of strawberry?
   Yes, you can use raspberry or cherry jam for a different fruit flavor.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate or freeze the dough for later use. Just be sure to allow it to thaw before slicing.
3. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
   Yes, you can omit the food coloring for a more subtle look, but they’ll be less visually striking.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies should have golden edges but remain slightly soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.

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Conclusion

Neapolitan Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. With their vibrant colors and delicious flavors, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a fun treat, these cookies are sure to impress both in taste and appearance.

This recipe is easy to follow, making it great for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Whether you’re baking with kids, surprising your friends, or enjoying a cozy afternoon in the kitchen, these Neapolitan Cookies bring joy in every bite.

I’d love to see how your Neapolitan Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!