Three classic flavors in one fun, swirly cookie—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry perfection! 🍦 These beautifully swirled Neapolitan cookies are a delightful blend of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry doughs. With their vibrant colors and rich flavors, they’re as delicious as they are stunning!
Introduction
Neapolitan Swirl Cookies combine the best of all worlds—rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and fruity strawberry—into a single cookie that not only tastes amazing but also looks incredible! These colorful cookies are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive events. Each bite brings together the familiar flavors of Neapolitan ice cream in cookie form. If you’re looking to impress with both taste and appearance, these cookies are the perfect choice.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough base:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the flavor variations:
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate dough)
- 1 tsp strawberry extract + pink food coloring (for strawberry dough)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for vanilla dough)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Base Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Divide and Flavor the Dough
Split the dough evenly into three portions:
- For the chocolate dough: Mix cocoa powder into one portion of the dough until fully incorporated.
- For the strawberry dough: Add strawberry extract and a few drops of pink food coloring to the second portion, mixing well.
- For the vanilla dough: Leave the third portion plain, but add an extra splash of vanilla extract for more flavor.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Roll each portion of dough into separate rectangles, about ¼ inch thick, making sure they are the same size. Layer the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry doughs on top of each other, then roll them tightly into a log.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Chilling the dough is essential to ensure the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Finally, let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Cooking Note
For extra precision, you can use a ruler to ensure all the dough portions are rolled out evenly. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
Serving Suggestions
Neapolitan Swirl Cookies are a fantastic treat on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:
- A scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert
- A hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies once they’ve cooled for a stunning finish.
Tips
- If you don’t have strawberry extract, you can substitute with raspberry extract or leave it as is for a more subtle flavor.
- To make the colors even more vibrant, use gel food coloring, as it gives a stronger hue without affecting the dough’s consistency.
- For perfectly round cookies, roll the dough log on the countertop a few times after wrapping it in plastic wrap to smooth out any irregularities.
Prep Time: 20 mins (plus chilling)
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 32 mins
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 10g
Storage and Leftovers
Store Neapolitan Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to freeze them, wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Slice and bake as needed.
Conclusion
Neapolitan Swirl Cookies are the perfect combination of flavor and fun. With the classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, these cookies bring a touch of nostalgia to any dessert table. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy at home, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
FAQ
Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be frozen for up to a month. Simply wrap the log in plastic wrap and slice and bake when ready.
What if I don’t have pink food coloring?
You can skip the coloring, but the strawberry flavor will still come through. Alternatively, you can use red food coloring for a slightly deeper shade.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other extracts like almond or mint, depending on your taste preferences.
Neapolitan Swirl Cookies 🍓🍫
Ingredients
For the cookie dough base:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the flavor variations:
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder for chocolate dough
- 1 tsp strawberry extract + pink food coloring for strawberry dough
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for vanilla dough
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Base Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Divide and Flavor the Dough
- Split the dough evenly into three portions:
- For the chocolate dough: Mix cocoa powder into one portion of the dough until fully incorporated.
- For the strawberry dough: Add strawberry extract and a few drops of pink food coloring to the second portion, mixing well.
- For the vanilla dough: Leave the third portion plain, but add an extra splash of vanilla extract for more flavor.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Roll each portion of dough into separate rectangles, about ¼ inch thick, making sure they are the same size. Layer the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry doughs on top of each other, then roll them tightly into a log.
- Step 4: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Chilling the dough is essential to ensure the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Finally, let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
If you’re looking to expand your culinary repertoire, click here to discover a curated selection of delicious recipes that cater to every taste. From simple, time-saving dishes to more intricate creations, you’ll find the perfect inspiration to elevate your meals and enhance your cooking journey