Neapolitan Cookies bring the classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry together into one beautifully layered cookie. Inspired by the iconic ice cream, these cookies combine three distinct flavors and colors in a soft, chewy bite that’s as pretty as it is delicious. With each slice revealing a gorgeous tricolor pattern, they make a perfect addition to holiday platters, cookie exchanges, or anytime you want to bake something a little more special.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What sets Neapolitan Cookies apart is the flavor variety in every bite—rich cocoa, sweet vanilla, and fruity strawberry all complement one another perfectly. The dough is divided into three sections, each flavored and colored separately, then layered, chilled, and sliced before baking. The result? A stunning cookie that tastes just as amazing as it looks. It’s a showstopper without requiring any complex techniques.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: About 36 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For Flavor and Color Layers:

2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for chocolate layer)
½ teaspoon strawberry extract + 2–3 drops pink or red food coloring (for strawberry layer)
1 tablespoon milk (to adjust texture if needed)

Instructions

1. Make the Base Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

2. Divide and Flavor the Dough

Divide the dough evenly into three bowls.

For the vanilla layer, leave one part plain.
For the chocolate layer, mix in the cocoa powder.
For the strawberry layer, add strawberry extract and food coloring. If any dough becomes too dry, mix in a teaspoon of milk to soften.

3. Layer and Chill the Dough

Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap. Press the strawberry dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Next, press the vanilla dough on top of that, followed by the chocolate layer. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to slice.

4. Slice and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough block from the loaf pan and cut into ¼-inch thick slices. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just set. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Variations

Almond Flavor: Add almond extract to the vanilla layer for extra nuttiness.
Jam Filling: Sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of strawberry jam.
Dipped Edges: Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and let set.
Holiday Colors: Swap flavors to match the season (e.g., peppermint and chocolate for Christmas).
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal.

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Loaf pan (for layering and chilling)
Plastic wrap
Sharp knife
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Calories: ~120
Carbs: 16g
Fat: 6g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 1g

Values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze dough block before baking, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw before slicing and baking.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in a sealed container with parchment between layers for up to 1 month.

My Cooking Experience

With over 4 years of baking experience, I’ve found that Neapolitan Cookies always grab attention—both visually and flavor-wise. They’re one of my go-to cookie recipes when I want something unique yet comforting. The layering process is surprisingly easy, and once chilled, slicing into those perfect tricolor bars is incredibly satisfying. I’ve made these for bake sales, parties, and holiday gifts, and they never fail to earn compliments. They taste just as good as they look, which is the best kind of baking win.

Conclusion

Neapolitan Cookies are a beautiful blend of flavors, textures, and colors that make them stand out from your average cookie recipe. With their soft, chewy texture and three-layered look, they’re as perfect for special occasions as they are for everyday enjoyment. Whether you stick to the classic chocolate-vanilla-strawberry trio or experiment with your own flavor combinations, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Give them a try—you’ll love the result from the first bite to the last crumb.

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