Neapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Neapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars bring together the classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in a delightful layered treat. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for sharing and offers a colorful twist on traditional sugar cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 batch sugar cookie dough
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon strawberry flavoring
Instructions
- Step 1: Divide the sugar cookie dough into three equal parts. Leave one part plain for vanilla flavor, mix cocoa powder into the second part, and add strawberry flavoring to the third part.
- Step 2: Press each flavored dough layer evenly into a prepared baking pan, creating distinct layers of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
- Step 3: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Step 4: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares for serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer chocolate layer, use melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder.
- Substitute fresh strawberry puree for strawberry flavoring for a natural fruity taste.
- Chill the dough layers before baking to maintain clear, distinct layers.
Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slightly in the microwave to enjoy a soft texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookie dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought sugar cookie dough works well. Just separate it into three parts and add the cocoa and strawberry flavoring as directed.
How can I prevent the layers from mixing together?
Press each layer firmly and evenly into the pan before adding the next. Chilling the dough layers briefly before baking can also help keep layers distinct.
PrintNeapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Delight in these delicious Neapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars featuring layers of classic sugar cookie dough infused with rich cocoa and sweet strawberry flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for dessert or snack time, these bars combine the beloved flavors of Neapolitan in a convenient and tasty bar form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base Cookie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Layer
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Layer
- 1 teaspoon strawberry flavoring or extract
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries for texture
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Divide the Dough: Split the cookie dough into three equal parts. To one portion, mix in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract until evenly combined for the chocolate layer. To another portion, fold in the strawberry flavoring and optional freeze-dried strawberries for the strawberry layer. Leave the last portion plain for the classic sugar cookie layer.
- Layer the Dough in the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the plain cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Next, press the cocoa chocolate dough carefully over the plain dough to create the chocolate layer. Finally, spread the strawberry dough layer over the chocolate, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute strawberry flavoring with natural strawberry puree for a fresher taste, but adjust the dough consistency as needed.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for cookies.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top for an extra decorative touch.
Keywords: Neapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars, layered cookie bars, sugar cookie, chocolate cookie layer, strawberry cookie layer, layered dessert bars
