Neapolitan Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a sweet treat that bursts with classic flavors and looks as delightful as it tastes, these Neapolitan Cookies are calling your name. Blending the comforting vanilla, rich chocolate, and fruity strawberry flavors into one beautiful bite, these cookies celebrate the beloved Neapolitan trio in a fun and flavorful way. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy moment, and once you try them, I guarantee they’ll become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simplicity—the ingredients are pantry staples, but when combined thoughtfully, they create an irresistible symphony of flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role, from the buttery base to the vibrant strawberry jam and bittersweet cocoa powder that make these cookies truly special.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and tender crumb to the cookies.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a lovely soft texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with caramelization for that golden cookie edge.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together while contributing to moistness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and classic flavor to the dough.
• 2 tbsp milk: Gives the dough just a touch of moisture for perfect consistency.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses the chocolate portion with rich, deep flavor.
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam: Adds a fruity, slightly tart sweetness and lovely color.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a delicate, sparkling coating on each slice.

How to Make Neapolitan Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt—this dry mix will form the sturdy backbone for all three flavors.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a light, tender crumb. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined and the batter looks luscious.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk to keep the dough soft but manageable. Mix until a smooth dough forms — not sticky, but pliable and ready to be divided for flavoring.

Step 4: Divide and Flavor the Dough

Here’s where the magic of Neapolitan Cookies begins! Divide your dough into three equal parts. Stir cocoa powder gently into one portion for a chocolatey depth. To another, mix in the strawberry jam for a pop of fruity sweetness and a burst of pink color. Leave the final portion plain to let the classic vanilla shine through.

Step 5: Shape and Layer the Dough Logs

Roll each flavored dough portion into a neat log shape. Then, carefully layer the three logs on top of each other, pressing gently to bind them together without squishing the layers flat. This stack-up creates the signature tri-color look once sliced!

Step 6: Slice, Sugar Coat, and Arrange

Next, slice your layered logs into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Roll each slice in granulated sugar to give the cookies a hint of sparkle and crunch on the outside. Place them spaced on your prepared baking sheet for perfect baking.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes until they’re golden at the edges and delightfully soft in the center. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set perfectly without losing that tender bite.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies shine on their own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, consider lightly dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling melted white chocolate over the top. Fresh strawberries or a sprig of mint alongside can also elevate their presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve Neapolitan Cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness. For a fun twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream to echo the cookie flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in a clear jar or on a pretty plate for gatherings, alternating layers by color for impact. You can also tie them in small bundles with a ribbon for sweet homemade gifts, perfect for holidays or friendly get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Neapolitan Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, ready whenever a cookie craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, freeze the sliced logs before baking or the baked cookies themselves. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, letting you enjoy Neapolitan Cookies anytime.

Reheating

For freshly baked warmth, gently reheat the cookies in a low oven for a few minutes or briefly in the microwave. This brings back that perfect soft texture and reminds you of freshly baked goodness with every bite.

FAQs

Can I substitute the strawberry jam with another fruit flavor?

Absolutely! Raspberry or apricot jam can work beautifully and give your Neapolitan Cookies a unique twist without altering the texture too much.

Do I have to roll the dough logs or can I shape the cookies differently?

Rolling into logs and layering is key to achieving the classic Neapolitan three-color stripes, but you can get creative with shapes if you wish, just keep the flavors separated to preserve the distinct layers.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter here, as you have control over salt levels. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt to avoid overseasoning.

Is it okay to use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You could try cake flour for an even softer cookie, but be aware it might change the texture slightly and make the dough more delicate to handle.

Will these cookies be too sweet if I add extra sugar when rolling?

The sugar coating adds a lovely crunch and sparkle but if you prefer less sweetness, you can gently roll them in sugar or skip this step altogether. The internal dough sweetness balances well either way.

Final Thoughts

Making Neapolitan Cookies is such a joy—like bringing a childhood favorite into your kitchen in cookie form! They are surprisingly simple to bake but impressive in flavor, color, and presentation. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share these sweet, layered treats with those you love. Once your friends and family take a bite, these cookies will quickly become a sentimental classic around your table too.