Name: Neapolitan Cookies with Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Italian inspired
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp. baking powder; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp. vanilla extract; 2 Tbsp. dehydrated strawberry powder; 1 1/2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (black cocoa or regular); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 3 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar; 2 tsp. vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp. salt; 2-3 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream; 2 Tbsp. dehydrated strawberry powder; 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (black cocoa or regular)

If you have a sweet tooth and love a burst of classic flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Neapolitan Cookies with Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe. These cookies combine the delicate texture of soft yet sturdy dough with three iconic tastes—fruity strawberry, rich chocolate, and creamy vanilla—in a beautifully swirled pattern that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for sharing (or not!), this recipe brings together simple ingredients in an elegant way, offering a luscious buttercream that binds each cookie sandwich with irresistible flavor and a velvety finish. You’ll find these cookies hard to resist once you try them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a tray lined with brown parchment paper holding three neat rows of small dough balls in three colors: dark black balls at the top, bright pink balls in the middle, and pale yellow balls at the bottom. Each dough ball is roughly round with a slightly rough texture. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with a white tray holding two vibrant red strawberries and silver spoons. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the authentic Neapolitan experience in these cookies. Each element plays a vital role—from the flour that gives structure, to the dehydrated strawberry powder that brings fresh, natural fruit flavor. The simplicity of the ingredients ensures a clear, balanced taste and texture that truly shines through.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and that perfect tender crumb.
2 tsp. baking powder: Gives a gentle lift to keep the cookies light without making them cakey.
1/4 tsp. salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors, balancing the dough perfectly.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture essential for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just right, making each bite satisfyingly sweet but not overpowering.
2 eggs, room temperature: Bind the dough ingredients and provide softness and a tender bite.
2 tsp. vanilla extract: Adds warm aromatic notes that lift all flavors beautifully.
2 Tbsp. dehydrated strawberry powder: Delivers natural, concentrated strawberry flavor and gorgeous pink color.
1 1/2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses a deep chocolate richness that contrasts perfectly with the other layers.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for buttercream): Creates the creamy, luscious base for the frosting.
3 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream for perfect pipeability.
1/4 tsp. salt (for buttercream): Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
2-3 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream: Adjusts the buttercream’s consistency for a silky smooth finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Neapolitan Cookies with Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your workspace and preheat the oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep ensures that the cookies will bake evenly and come off the pans easily without sticking or browning too fast on the bottom.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This combination will provide the structure and proper rise for your cookies, so setting this aside early will streamline the baking process.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on low speed for about two minutes until the mixture is light and creamy. Creaming incorporates air, which helps create a soft texture and deliciously tender crumb in your cookie base.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Scrape down your mixing bowl’s sides and add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant, comforting flavor that ties all the dough components together.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gently mix the flour mixture into the butter and egg combination. Continue until the dough forms a smooth, soft consistency ready for dividing. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Divide dough and add colors

Split the dough into three equal parts. Mix dehydrated strawberry powder into one portion and cocoa powder into another using gloves or a sturdy spoon to evenly disperse the colors and flavors. The remaining dough will stay plain vanilla. This is what creates the signature Neapolitan trio.

Step 7: Shape the cookie dough

Roll the dough into medium-sized balls, then split each ball into halves and roll again to form six smaller balls. Arrange these smaller dough balls in a flower shape, alternating each flavor. Press them gently towards the center and swirl using a palm-twisting motion to create a beautiful combined effect. Flatten slightly before baking.

Step 8: Bake and cool

Place the cookies two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 12 minutes or until the edges begin to get a light golden brown color. Remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack, which is essential before proceeding to decorate.

Step 9: Make Neapolitan Buttercream

Cream together the softened butter with confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and salt using your mixer. Slowly add heavy whipping cream one tablespoon at a time until the buttercream reaches a smooth, pipe-friendly consistency. Divide it into three parts and flavor each with a hint of strawberry powder, cocoa powder, or leave plain vanilla.

Step 10: Assemble the cookies

Place each buttercream flavor into separate piping bags, then nest them into a larger piping bag fitted with a star tip to create a multicolor swirl effect. Pipe the buttercream onto the bottom side of half the cookies and sandwich them with the remaining cookies on top.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cookies with Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

A woman's hand holds a round cookie sandwich made of three swirled cookie layers with colors of black, pink, and pale yellow. Inside is a thick layer of frosting with swirled stripes of white, pink, and black, visible around the edge of the sandwich. On the white marbled background, three more cookie sandwiches with the same color pattern lie flat. Other elements include blurred strawberries and gold spoons in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry bits or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the cookies before serving can elevate the presentation and offer an extra pop of texture and flavor. You can also pipe delicate chocolate curls or fresh strawberry slices on the side for a stunning effect.

Side Dishes

Serve these Neapolitan cookies alongside a classic cup of tea, iced coffee, or a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or a light panna cotta for a complete dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert tray to showcase the colorful swirls. Wrapping each cookie in a translucent wax paper with a ribbon makes for an irresistible gift. You can also stack them with parchment paper between layers to preserve their shape and aesthetic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Neapolitan Cookies with Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cookies fresh and the buttercream soft but stable.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookie sandwiches by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

For the best taste, allow thawed cookies to come to room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the buttercream unevenly. If you want a slightly warmed cookie, pop it in a preheated oven at 300 degrees for about 3-4 minutes and enjoy warm, soft cookies.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh strawberries instead of dehydrated strawberry powder?

Fresh strawberries have a high moisture content, which would change the dough’s texture significantly. Dehydrated strawberry powder is perfect for concentrating flavor without adding extra moisture, so it’s best to stick with the powder for this recipe.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use for the chocolate layer?

You can use either natural unsweetened cocoa powder or black cocoa powder. Black cocoa provides a deeper color and richer flavor, but both work wonderfully to create a tasty chocolate layer in this recipe.

Can I make the buttercream without heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk can be used, but the buttercream might be a bit less stable and creamy. Adding cream helps to achieve that smooth, pipeable texture essential for this recipe’s beautiful swirl.

How do I ensure the cookie layers swirl nicely when baked?

Gently press the smaller dough balls together and use a slow twisting motion with your palm to blend them without mixing into a single color. Avoid overhandling, and the distinct swirls will bake perfectly visible.

Can I store the cookies without assembling the buttercream filling?

Absolutely! You can bake and store the plain cookies separately for up to a week in an airtight container. Add the buttercream just before serving for maximum freshness and vibrant appearance.

Final Thoughts

This Neapolitan Cookies with Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe truly celebrates three timeless flavors in the most delightful way. Whether you’re sharing these at a family gathering or indulging in a special teatime treat, their charming appearance and luscious taste will surely bring smiles all around. Dive in and enjoy the magic of homemade Neapolitan cookies—once you try them, you’ll keep coming back for more!