When I think of Neapolitan cookies, I’m instantly transported to my grandmother’s kitchen on a cool spring afternoon. There was always something so magical about watching her slice into a tray of perfectly striped cookies, revealing the playful pink, rich brown, and creamy vanilla layers—each flavor telling its own story. These cookies are inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream, a childhood favorite that made choosing just one flavor completely unnecessary.

The Neapolitan cookie is a charming throwback to simpler times, when homemade treats sat under glass domes on kitchen counters and weekend baking was a family affair. Just like the ice cream it honors, these cookies combine three classic flavors—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—into one delicious bite. Their tri-colored design makes them a festive addition to any dessert tray, perfect for holidays, baby showers, or even just a cozy evening treat with tea.

Whether you’re introducing these cookies to a new generation or rekindling a memory of your own, Neapolitan cookies bring warmth, color, and joy to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually stunning: The pink, brown, and cream stripes make these cookies almost too pretty to eat.
• Triple flavor: You get chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in each bite—no need to choose.
• Perfect for celebrations: Their eye-catching design makes them a party favorite.
• One dough, three flavors: Simple preparation with a creative twist.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 2½ cups + 1 tablespoon (364 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (8 g) freeze-dried strawberries
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
• Sprinkles or granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

HOW TO MAKE NEAPOLITAN COOKIES

The Tri-Flavored Journey Begins

The beauty of Neapolitan cookies lies in their simple method. You make one base dough and then transform it into three unique flavors. Each step is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and the reward is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps your cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Create Strawberry Powder

Using a food processor or spice grinder, pulse freeze-dried strawberries into a fine, fragrant powder. Set this aside—it’ll be your key to that vibrant pink hue and fruity flavor.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step traps air and gives the cookies a tender crumb.

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the whole egg and an additional yolk (for richness), then stir in the vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.

7. Divide and Flavor the Dough

Split the dough evenly into three bowls:

• Vanilla dough: Leave as-is.
• Strawberry dough: Stir in strawberry powder and red food coloring (optional for brightness).
• Chocolate dough: Mix in cocoa powder.

Each bowl now represents a flavor of the classic Neapolitan trio.

8. Shape the Cookies

Take a small scoop (about 1 tablespoon) from each dough, press them gently together, and roll into a single ball. You’ll end up with a swirled ball showing all three colors.

9. Optional: Add Texture

If desired, roll the cookie balls in granulated sugar or festive sprinkles for an extra sparkle and crunch.

10. Bake

Place the cookie balls 2 inches apart on your baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes. The edges should be set, while the centers remain slightly soft.

11. Cool and Serve

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Admire their beautiful stripes before diving in.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• If the dough becomes too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
• Want perfect stripes? Gently press the dough pieces together in a mold or roll them into logs before slicing.
• Store in an airtight container with a piece of bread to keep cookies soft.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 15 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• The freeze-dried strawberry powder is essential for flavor—don’t substitute fresh strawberries.
• For a festive twist, try seasonal sprinkles or swap in matcha or raspberry powder for different color combos.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (per cookie)

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 85mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely. The cookies will still taste great—just slightly less vibrant.

Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, but texture may vary.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Related Recipes:

If you liked these Neapolitan Cookies, you’ll definitely enjoy these other colorful treats:

• Heavenly Black Forest Cheesecake Delight
• Nutella Chocolate Lava Cookies: A Decadent Treat Worth Savoring
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies
• The Best Mint Brownie Cookies

CONCLUSION:

Neapolitan cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a joyful nod to childhood, family traditions, and the timeless magic of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these cookies will always bring smiles and sweet nostalgia to the table.

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