Neapolitan Swirl Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, you’re going to fall in love with these Neapolitan Swirl Cookies. Their tri-colored swirls of vanilla, raspberry, and chocolate bring together the classic Neapolitan flavors in a bite-sized, buttery treat that somehow manages to feel both fancy and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a fun dessert platter, these cookies are an absolute crowd-pleaser that combine beautiful visuals with a perfectly tender texture. Get ready to add a new favorite to your baking repertoire with these charming Neapolitan Swirl Cookies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients are all about quality and balance, each bringing a unique element to the Neapolitan Swirl Cookies. From the rich butter to the natural essences and vibrant colors, in every bite, you’ll taste the harmony of texture, flavor, and color that makes these cookies so special.

• 200g unsalted butter: The base of our dough, it ensures the cookies remain tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
• 125g icing sugar: Provides sweetness with a smooth texture that blends perfectly into the dough.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, adding richness and helping the dough come together.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
• 1 tbsp cornflour: Keeps the cookie delicate with a slight softness in every bite.
• 350g plain flour: The structure of the cookie, providing just the right firmness.
• 20g dark chocolate (melted): Gives the chocolate portion a luscious depth and natural bitterness.
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds richness.
• 1 tsp vanilla essence: The subtle floral note that perfectly complements the dough’s sweetness.
• 1 tsp raspberry essence: Adds fruity brightness, bringing the signature pink layer to life.
• Pink food colouring: Gives the raspberry dough that pretty, inviting hue.

How to Make Neapolitan Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start off by creaming the unsalted butter and icing sugar together until you get a pale, fluffy mixture. This step is essential because it aerates the butter, which in turn creates a tender cookie with just the right crumb. Take your time here to get it nice and smooth.

Step 2: Incorporate the Egg

Add the egg to your butter-sugar mixture and mix thoroughly until well combined. This adds moisture and helps bind all your ingredients so that your dough comes together effortlessly in the next steps.

Step 3: Sift and Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Now sift in the plain flour, cornflour, and a pinch of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients in carefully ensures your cookies have the perfect consistency—firm enough to hold their shape, but tender once baked. Bring the mixture together into a smooth dough.

Step 4: Divide and Flavor Your Dough

Weigh the dough and divide it evenly into three portions because this is where the magic happens. Into one portion, knead in the vanilla essence for that classic flavor. The second portion gets the raspberry essence and pink food colouring for a gorgeous rosy pink dough. Finally, add the melted dark chocolate and cocoa powder to the third portion. It’ll be a bit sticky initially—don’t worry, a dusting of flour will help!

Step 5: Shape the Dough Balls

Pinch off the dough from each color portion into grape-sized pieces (about 7g each). Roll them into smooth, even balls to make sure every swirl has equal parts of all three flavors. This step is key for those perfectly balanced swirls.

Step 6: Create the Signature Swirls

Here’s the fun but tricky part! Take two balls of each color and arrange them alternately into a flower shape. Pinch the middle tightly to seal and then gently roll the whole piece into a short cylinder. Next, using a cupped hand, swirl the dough on the counter in small circles to blend the colors into the iconic Neapolitan spiral on the underside of the cookie. If the dough starts to separate, just pinch the top to bring it back together. It takes a few tries, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly satisfying!

Step 7: Chill and Bake

Place the shaped cookies swirl side up onto a lined tray and chill them in the fridge for about 15 minutes—this helps preserve their shape during baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 160°C (fan assisted). Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes until they’re just cooked through but still tender. Once out of the oven, let them cool and admire those beautiful colors!

How to Serve Neapolitan Swirl Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, dust your Neapolitan Swirl Cookies lightly with icing sugar right before serving. It adds a delicate sweetness and looks like a tiny snowfall on those colorful swirls. If you’re feeling fancy, a thin drizzle of melted white chocolate can also complement the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. The buttery texture and distinct flavors balance out rich hot beverages perfectly—an ideal pairing for an afternoon treat or a brunch dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can accentuate the joyful colors of Neapolitan Swirl Cookies. Arrange them on a platter lined with pastel-colored napkins to enhance the Neapolitan theme. You could also stack smaller cookies to create a mini cookie tower or place them in clear jars as delightful gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Neapolitan Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their texture beautifully for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze baked Neapolitan Swirl Cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature whenever you want a sweet pick-me-up.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked softness, warm your frozen or stored cookies in a low oven (about 150°C) for 5 minutes before serving. This brings out the buttery aroma and gently softens the cookie without losing its shape or swirl definition.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter in Neapolitan Swirl Cookies?

Butter is key to the rich flavor and tender texture of these cookies, so while you can try substituting with margarine or a vegan spread, the taste and texture may differ. For the best result, stick with good quality unsalted butter.

How do I keep the chocolate dough from getting too sticky?

Melted chocolate can make the dough a bit sticky. Dusting your work surface and hands lightly with flour while kneading helps manage the stickiness and ensures the dough comes together smoothly.

Is it necessary to chill the cookies before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and preserves the neat, defined swirls during baking. Skipping this step may cause the dough to spread too much or the colors to blur.

Can I use natural raspberry puree instead of raspberry essence?

Natural raspberry puree is lovely but adds moisture, which might alter the dough’s consistency. It’s best to stick with raspberry essence for flavor without sacrificing the structure of your dough.

What’s the best way to achieve equal-sized dough balls?

Using a kitchen scale to weigh each portion of dough is the most accurate method. If you don’t have one, try rolling the dough into a log, cutting into equal pieces, and shaping them into balls for more uniform sizes.

Final Thoughts

Neapolitan Swirl Cookies are truly a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Their vibrant colors and balanced flavors bring a touch of whimsy to any occasion, and once you’ve mastered the swirling technique, they become an effortless way to impress your family and friends. So, why not dive into the kitchen and bake up a batch? These cookies just might become your new go-to for happy baking moments!

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