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Neapolitan Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 72 reviews

Neapolitan Cookies are a delightful trio of flavors in a single cookie, featuring layers of classic vanilla, vibrant strawberry, and rich chocolate doughs. These beautifully marbled cookies are rolled in sprinkles or sugar for a festive touch and baked to a perfect soft and tender texture. A fun and eye-catching treat that’s perfect for any occasion, blending fruity and chocolate notes in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon (364 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder

Strawberry Powder

  • 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (8 grams, measured before pulsing)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 or 3 drops red food coloring (optional)

Finishing

  • Sprinkles or granulated sugar for rolling cookies

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line three baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
  3. Make strawberry powder: Place freeze-dried strawberries in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment and pulse until they become a fine powder.
  4. Cream butter and sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter on medium speed for about 1 minute until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat on medium speed until fully combined.
  6. Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed just until combined to form the cookie dough.
  7. Divide and color dough: Turn the dough out onto a work surface and divide it into three equal portions. Return one portion to the mixer bowl, add the strawberry powder and optional red food coloring, and mix on low speed until fully combined. Clean the mixer bowl before proceeding.
  8. Add cocoa to the second dough: Place another third of the dough into the cleaned mixer bowl, add Dutch-process cocoa powder, and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. Leave the last third dough plain (vanilla flavor).
  9. Shape the cookies: Pinch off about 1/2 oz (15 g) from each of the three dough colors. Press them gently together so the layers adhere but their colors remain distinct. Form the combined dough into a ball or press into a cookie scoop.
  10. Roll in sprinkles or sugar: Roll each cookie ball in sprinkles or granulated sugar to coat the surface, giving the cookies a festive texture and appearance.
  11. Arrange on baking sheets: Place 6 to 7 cookies on each prepared sheet pan, spacing them evenly.
  12. Bake: Bake one sheet pan at a time, rotating the pan halfway through baking. Bake until the cookies are puffed and the edges are set, about 10 to 11 minutes.
  13. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to the wire rack to cool completely.
  14. Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • If you don’t have Dutch-process cocoa powder, natural cocoa powder can be substituted but may affect the flavor slightly.
  • Adding red food coloring to the strawberry dough is optional but enhances the pink color.
  • Freeze-dried strawberries should be measured before pulverizing to ensure correct quantity.
  • Cookies can be stored for up to 2 days at room temperature; for longer storage, freeze the baked cookies.
  • Make sure butter is at room temperature for better creaming and texture.

Keywords: Neapolitan cookies, strawberry cookies, chocolate cookies, vanilla cookies, layered cookies, festive cookies, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/neapolitan-cookies-recipe/