Neapolitan Swirl Cookies (Printable version)
Buttery cookies with three stunning flavored layers swirled together into eye-catching spirals.
# What You'll 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)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
03 - Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
04 - Separate dough into three equal portions. Mix one portion with cocoa powder for chocolate layer. Mix second portion with strawberry powder (and food coloring if desired) for strawberry layer. Leave third portion plain for vanilla layer.
05 - Roll each dough portion between parchment paper sheets into 10x6-inch rectangles. Chill all sheets for 20-30 minutes until firm.
06 - Layer dough sheets in order: chocolate on bottom, vanilla in middle, strawberry on top. Gently press layers together to adhere.
07 - Starting from the long edge, roll stacked dough tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until very firm.
08 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
09 - Cut chilled dough log into 1/4-inch rounds. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
10 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The three distinct flavors make every bite feel like youre getting three cookies in one, which somehow feels like excellent value for your baking efforts
- These cookies freeze beautifully unbaked, so you can slice and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes or company announces theyre coming over
02 -
- If the dough layers start squishing together when you roll, the dough is too warm—pop it back in the fridge for 15 minutes and try again
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices to maintain those beautiful distinct swirls instead of a muddy marbled look
03 -
- Roll your dough on parchment paper from the start—this makes stacking and rolling so much easier since nothing sticks to your counter
- Chill your rolling pin in the freezer if your kitchen is warm—cold tools help keep the dough firm while working