Neapolitan Cookies bring together the best of three classic flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—in one chewy, soft, and stunning treat. These tri-colored cookies are not only eye-catching but also packed with distinct layers of flavor. Made from one base dough and split into three variations, they’re surprisingly simple to make and perfect for birthdays, baby showers, holidays, or anytime you want to impress with something unique and delicious.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Base Dough:

• ¾ cup salted butter, softened

• ½ cup white granulated sugar (105g)

• ½ cup brown sugar (105g)

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (265g, not packed)

For the Vanilla Dough:

• ½ tsp almond extract

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (23g)

For the Strawberry Dough:

• 3 tbsp strawberry Jello powder (not sugar-free)

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Chocolate Dough:

• 3 tbsp cocoa powder (18g)

Directions

1. Make Base Dough:
   In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter with both sugars using a stand or hand mixer for about 3 minutes until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and salt; mix well. Slowly add baking soda and flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft, sticky dough forms.

2. Divide Dough:
   Separate dough into three equal portions using a kitchen scale if possible.

3. Make Vanilla Dough:
   In the same mixing bowl, combine one portion of dough with almond extract and 3 tbsp flour. Mix until smooth. Wrap and set aside.

4. Make Strawberry Dough:
   Add another portion of dough to the bowl with strawberry Jello powder and 3 tbsp flour. Mix for 1–2 minutes until smooth. Wrap and set aside.

5. Make Chocolate Dough:
   Add cocoa powder to the last dough portion. Mix until combined. Wrap and set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Shape Cookies:
   Roll ~1.5 tsp of each dough flavor into small tootsie-roll-sized logs. Press together lengthwise, then shape into balls by hand or using a cookie scoop.

7. Bake:
   Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 10–12 per tray. Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set. Do not overbake. Let cool completely.

Nutrients (Per cookie – approx. 20 servings)

• Calories: 106 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 24g

• Protein: 2g

• Fat: 1g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 8mg

• Sodium: 181mg

• Potassium: 44mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 11g

• Vitamin A: 12 IU

• Calcium: 10mg

• Iron: 1mg

A Soft and Chewy Texture Everyone Will Love

The texture of Neapolitan Cookies is what sets them apart from many traditional sugar or butter cookies. Thanks to the perfectly balanced dough base, these cookies bake up soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. They hold their shape well but remain pliable and gooey in the center when baked to perfection. This makes them ideal for fans of bakery-style cookies that are thick, flavorful, and never dry. Whether warm from the oven or cooled and stored for later, these cookies maintain their irresistibly soft bite.

Three Flavors from One Simple Dough

One of the best features of this recipe is how easy it is to create three completely different flavors from a single dough base. Rather than making three separate cookie recipes, you start with a classic vanilla dough and divide it into three portions. Each portion is then customized to become either chocolate, vanilla almond, or strawberry-flavored. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also ensures consistency in texture across all three flavors. The end result is a beautiful, swirled cookie with layers of taste and color that come together effortlessly.

Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry—A Balanced Bite

The flavor breakdown in each Neapolitan Cookie is carefully designed to mirror the familiar combination found in the classic ice cream. The chocolate portion brings depth and richness with its slightly bitter cocoa flavor. The vanilla-almond layer adds warmth and creaminess, enhanced by a subtle nutty note from the almond extract. The strawberry section is bright, sweet, and fruity, with its signature pink hue thanks to strawberry gelatin powder. Together, these three flavors create a cookie that’s indulgent, playful, and satisfyingly balanced in every bite.

A Visual Delight for Any Dessert Table

Neapolitan Cookies are not only flavorful—they’re also visually striking. With their neatly layered pink, white, and brown dough, these cookies resemble mini works of edible art. The defined lines and marbled effect make them eye-catching on dessert platters and perfect for themed parties, holiday gatherings, or bake sales. Their colors are bold enough to stand out but still soft and inviting, making them especially fitting for baby showers, birthdays, or Valentine’s Day. These cookies are guaranteed to draw attention and spark curiosity wherever they’re served.

Fun to Make and Customize

The process of rolling and shaping these cookies is as enjoyable as the final result. Creating small logs of each dough flavor, pressing them together, and rolling them into balls gives bakers the opportunity to get hands-on and creative in the kitchen. Kids and adults alike will enjoy assembling their own color combinations or experimenting with the order of the layers. This recipe also offers room for customization—add chocolate chips to the chocolate layer, use raspberry powder instead of strawberry gelatin for a natural touch, or flavor the vanilla layer with citrus zest for a brighter spin.

Perfect for Gifting and Celebrating

Neapolitan Cookies are ideal for gift boxes and cookie exchanges because of their striking appearance and multi-layered flavor. Their firm but soft texture allows them to travel well, and their shelf life makes them perfect for make-ahead baking. Wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely homemade gift for friends, coworkers, or teachers. Because they cater to so many taste preferences at once, they’re also a smart choice when baking for a crowd. You don’t have to pick between flavors—these cookies give you the best of all worlds in one neat package.

A Modern Twist on a Classic Dessert

By bringing the essence of Neapolitan ice cream into cookie form, this recipe puts a fun and modern spin on a nostalgic favorite. Ice cream lovers will appreciate the familiar flavor profile, while cookie lovers will enjoy the satisfying chew and home-baked comfort. This fusion of two beloved desserts makes the cookies especially appealing to those who love creative recipes that surprise and delight. It’s a recipe that evokes a sense of nostalgia while offering a fresh, new way to experience an old favorite.

Ideal for Beginners and Experienced Bakers Alike

Neapolitan Cookies may look impressive, but they’re surprisingly beginner-friendly. The dough comes together quickly and handles easily, making it perfect for bakers who are still building their skills. The step-by-step process of dividing and flavoring the dough teaches useful baking techniques like dough customization and color layering. For more advanced bakers, there’s plenty of opportunity to elevate the cookies with refined touches or flavor variations. Whether you’re baking solo, with kids, or hosting a cookie party, this recipe offers a hands-on, rewarding experience from start to finish.

Great Texture and Taste That Lasts

One of the most convenient aspects of these cookies is how well they keep. Stored in an airtight container, they maintain their soft and chewy texture for several days without becoming stale or crumbly. The flavors remain vibrant, and the dough stays tender, making them a great option for meal prep, gifting, or slow snacking. You can also freeze the shaped dough balls and bake them fresh when needed, ensuring you always have a delicious treat ready to go. This longevity makes them a smart choice for any baker who wants quality without the rush.

Conclusion

Neapolitan Cookies are a delightful blend of flavor, color, and creativity—bringing together the iconic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in one perfectly soft and chewy bite. Easy to make but stunning to serve, they’re ideal for both casual baking days and special celebrations. With a single dough and a few simple steps, you can craft cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re looking to wow guests, create a fun baking activity with kids, or treat yourself to something unique and nostalgic, these cookies deliver on every level. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.