Neapolitan Swirl Cookies That Taste Like Childhood Magic
Buttery, tri-color Neapolitan swirl cookies with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers. Crisp edges, soft centers, and eye-catching swirls make these a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder or strawberry extract
- Pink food coloring optional
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 2. In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light.
- 3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- 4. Add dry ingredients gradually until dough forms.
- 5. Divide dough into 3 equal parts.
- 6. Leave one plain (vanilla). Mix cocoa into the second. Mix strawberry powder and coloring into the third.
- 7. Roll each portion into a rectangle between parchment (¼-inch thick).
- 8. Layer chocolate, then strawberry, then vanilla. Lightly press to seal.
- 9. Use parchment to roll tightly into a log. Chill 2–3 hours.
- 10. Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice chilled log into ¼-inch rounds.
- 11. Place on parchment-lined trays and bake 10–12 mins until edges are just golden.
- 12. Cool on wire rack.
Notes
Chill time is crucial for neat swirls.
Use a ruler and parchment to keep layers even.
You can freeze the log and slice as needed.