Neapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Neapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars are a delicious twist on the classic cookie, featuring layers of chocolate, strawberry, and classic sugar cookie flavors. These bars are perfect for anyone who loves a variety of tastes in a single treat.
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 portions.
- Step 2: Mix cocoa powder into the first portion to create the chocolate layer.
- Step 3: Add strawberry flavoring to the second portion for the strawberry layer.
- Step 4: Leave the third portion plain for the classic sugar cookie layer.
- Step 5: Press each flavored dough portion evenly into a lined baking pan, layering one on top of the other.
- Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and set.
- Step 7: Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh strawberry puree in place of flavoring for a more natural taste.
- Chill the dough layers briefly before baking to prevent spreading.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch.
Storage
Store the sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.
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 and saves time. Just divide and flavor it as directed.
How do I keep the layers distinct and neat?
Press each layer firmly and evenly into the pan and chill the dough between layering if needed to prevent blending.
PrintNeapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Neapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, combining the classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in a layered bar form. These bars feature a rich cocoa layer, a sweet strawberry-flavored middle, and a vanilla cookie base, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vanilla Cookie Layer
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chocolate Cookie Layer
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Strawberry Cookie Layer
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons strawberry extract or flavoring
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: red or pink food coloring (a few drops)
Instructions
- Prepare Vanilla Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Set aside.
- Prepare Chocolate Dough: In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add the egg and mix. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Combine until dough forms.
- Prepare Strawberry Dough: In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and strawberry extract, then mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Add food coloring if desired to achieve a pink hue. Mix to form dough.
- Layer Doughs: In a prepared 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, press the vanilla dough evenly into the bottom as the first layer. Next, gently spread the strawberry dough evenly over the vanilla layer. Finally, add the chocolate dough on top, pressing gently to create the third layer.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the layered dough for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges and slice into squares or rectangles to serve.
Notes
- For best results, chill each dough layer briefly before layering if the dough is too soft to handle.
- Use high-quality vanilla and strawberry extracts for more pronounced flavors.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Adding food coloring to the strawberry layer enhances the visual appeal but is optional.
- To make cleanup easier, line the baking pan with parchment paper before pressing in the dough layers.
Keywords: Neapolitan sugar cookies, sugar cookie bars, layered cookie bars, chocolate strawberry vanilla cookies, dessert bars
