recipes

Colorful Italian Neapolitan Cookies Recipe: Easy and Delicious Dessert!

Average Rating
No rating yet
My Rating:

Neapolitan Cookies Recipe

Overview:

Neapolitan Cookies are a delightful Italian-inspired treat that adds a burst of color and flavor to any dessert spread. These cookies, with their distinct layers of pink, white, and chocolate, are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty, making them a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual get-together with friends and family. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a total time of 4 hours and 10 minutes, including chilling the dough, these cookies are relatively easy to make, yielding approximately 60 delicious servings.

Ingredients:

Quantity Ingredient
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon hazelnut extract
Chopped walnuts or pistachios
1/2 cup cocoa powder

Instructions:

  1. Line the bottom of a loaf pan with waxed paper. This will prevent the dough from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove the cookies later.

  2. Using an electric mixer, combine flour, sugar, butter, egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Beat the ingredients together for approximately 3 minutes until a smooth dough forms. This dough serves as the base for the colorful layers of the cookies.

  3. Divide the cookie dough into 3 equal parts. Each part will be flavored and colored differently to create the distinct layers of the Neapolitan Cookies.

  4. Prepare each part of the dough as follows:

    • Part 1 (Pink/Red Dough): Mix in the hazelnut extract and add 5 drops of red food coloring to achieve the desired pink/red hue.
    • Part 2 (White Dough): Incorporate the chopped walnuts or pistachios into the dough. This will add a delicious nutty flavor and texture to the white layer.
    • Part 3 (Chocolate Dough): Mix in the cocoa powder to create a rich chocolatey flavor for the final layer of the cookies.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is preheated will help achieve even baking of the cookies.

  6. Layer the different parts of the dough in the loaf pan. Start by spreading the pink/red dough evenly at the bottom, followed by the white dough, and finally the chocolate dough on top. Cover the pan and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to allow the dough to firm up.

  7. After chilling, remove the dough from the pan and cut it into slices. Start by cutting the loaf lengthwise in half, then crosswise, and finally, cut the pieces of dough to create approximately 15 cookies from each layer.

  8. Bake each batch of cookies for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges when done.

  9. Allow the cookies to cool before serving. Once baked, let the Neapolitan Cookies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before indulging in their deliciousness.

Serving Suggestions:

These Neapolitan Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering, a casual potluck with friends, or a sweet treat for a weeknight dessert. Their vibrant colors and delightful flavors will surely impress your guests and leave them coming back for more. Enjoy these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 74.3
  • Fat: 3.9g
    • Saturated Fat: 2.1g
  • Cholesterol: 11.7mg
  • Sodium: 45.7mg
  • Carbohydrates: 9.3g
    • Fiber: 0.3g
    • Sugar: 5.1g
  • Protein: 0.9g

Tips:

  • Get Creative with Colors: Feel free to experiment with different food coloring to customize the colors of your Neapolitan Cookies. You can create pastel hues for a softer look or go bold with vibrant colors for a fun twist.
  • Make-Ahead Option: These cookies can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Simply bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then store them in a cool, dry place until ready to enjoy.
  • Gift Idea: Package these colorful cookies in a decorative tin or box and give them as homemade gifts during the holiday season or special occasions. They’re sure to be a hit with friends and family!
  • Variation: For a nut-free option, simply omit the chopped walnuts or pistachios from the white dough. You can also substitute other nuts or add-ins of your choice to customize the flavor profile of the cookies.

Conclusion:

With their eye-catching appearance and irresistible flavor, Neapolitan Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and bring joy to those who indulge in them. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a delicious baking adventure with these delightful Italian-inspired treats! 🍪

My Rating:

Loading spinner
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Back to top button
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x