Neapolitan Swirl Cookies (Printable)
Soft, buttery cookies with beautiful chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry spirals.
# What You Need:
→ Basic Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Chocolate Layer
08 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
→ Strawberry Layer
09 - 2 teaspoons freeze-dried strawberry powder or strawberry gelatin powder
10 - Pink food coloring, optional
# How-To:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Set aside for later use.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
03 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
04 - Separate dough into three equal portions for flavoring.
05 - Knead cocoa powder into one dough portion until completely integrated and color is uniform throughout.
06 - Mix freeze-dried strawberry powder into a second dough portion until evenly distributed. Add pink food coloring if desired for more vibrant color.
07 - Leave the remaining dough portion unflavored for the vanilla layer.
08 - Roll each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper into rectangles measuring approximately 10x6 inches. Refrigerate each sheet for 20-30 minutes until firm.
09 - Layer the chilled dough sheets: place chocolate on the bottom, vanilla in the center, and strawberry on top. Gently press layers together to ensure they adhere.
10 - Roll up the stacked dough starting from the long edge into a tight log. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until very firm.
11 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
12 - Cut the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
13 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are just lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These cookies make ordinary afternoons feel special and festive
- The tri-colored swirls look impressive but are easier than they appear
02 -
- Chilling each step is the secret to clean, defined swirls
- Rolling between parchment prevents sticking and keeps layers intact
03 -
- A sharp knife dipped in warm water creates the cleanest slices
- Rotate the log while cutting to keep it round and even