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Neapolitan Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 84 reviews

Delight in these charming Neapolitan Cookies that capture the classic three-flavor essence in every bite. Featuring vibrant layers of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate doughs, these cookies are rolled in sprinkles or sugar for a festive finish. Perfect for sharing or indulging in a sweet treat with a beautiful tri-color presentation.

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

Fruit Powder

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

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks | 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cup (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)

Toppings

  • Sprinkles or granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: 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 prepare for baking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended.
  3. Make Strawberry Powder: Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor with a blade attachment and pulse until they become a fine powder. Set this aside.
  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 on medium until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract on medium speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  6. Combine Flour Mixture: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed just until incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
  7. Divide Dough and Add Flavors: Transfer the dough to a work surface and divide into three equal parts. To the first portion, mix in the strawberry powder and optional red food coloring by placing it back in the mixer bowl and mixing on low until evenly blended. Clean the mixer bowl afterward. To the second portion, add the cocoa powder and mix on low until fully combined. Leave the third portion as the vanilla base.
  8. Form Cookies: Pinch off about 1/2 ounce (15 grams) from each of the three dough portions. Gently press together one piece from each flavor to retain distinct layers of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate. Shape this tri-colored dough into a ball using a cookie scoop or your hands.
  9. Coat and Arrange: Roll each cookie ball in sprinkles or granulated sugar for a decorative coating. Place 6 to 7 cookies on each prepared baking sheet, spacing them appropriately.
  10. Bake and Rotate: Bake the cookies one sheet at a time in the preheated oven. About halfway through baking, rotate the pan to ensure even cooking. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, until the cookie sides are set and puffed.
  11. Cool: Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, remove the cookies from the pan and let them cool completely on the wire rack.
  12. Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Using freeze-dried strawberries yields a concentrated flavor without adding moisture to the dough.
  • Red food coloring is optional and enhances the visual appeal of the strawberry dough layer.
  • Rolling in sprinkles adds a festive texture and look but sugar alone works well too.
  • Cookies bake best one sheet at a time to ensure even heat distribution and consistent results.
  • Store cookies at room temperature; freezing may alter texture due to the butter content.

Keywords: Neapolitan cookies, tri-color cookies, strawberry chocolate vanilla cookies, festive cookies, holiday cookies

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