The Best Neopolitan Christmas Cookies Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sweet holiday memories dance through kitchens when these neapolitan christmas cookies arrive on festive plates.

Layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry merge into a delightful treat that sparkles with seasonal charm.

Delicate and vibrant, these cookies capture the essence of Christmas celebrations.

Bakers adore how simple ingredients create such a stunning dessert.

Each colorful stripe tells a story of tradition and joy.

These elegant cookies bring warmth and cheer to every holiday gathering.

You’ll fall in love with their stunning appearance and irresistible flavor combination.

FAQs

• How do I achieve the best texture for these holiday treats?

Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature and beat it thoroughly with sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with perfect consistency.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough logs in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before slicing and baking. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked logs for up to 2 months for longer storage.

• What's the best way to get vibrant colors in my cookies?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid, as it provides more intense color without changing the dough’s texture. Add color gradually and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Why Tri-Color Holiday Treats Are So Festive

• Whip Up Festive Delights: These tri-color holiday treats bring joy and excitement to any celebration with their vibrant colors and delicious flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, allowing creative twists and personal touches.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: The colorful cookies are guaranteed to impress guests at holiday parties, family gatherings, and special occasions, making them a standout dessert that everyone will love.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: With minimal preparation and a short baking time, these cookies transform basic ingredients into stunning, mouthwatering treats that look like they came from a professional bakery.

Tri-Color Holiday Treats – Ingredient List

• Butter: A rich, creamy foundation that provides tender texture and delicious flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute richness, moisture, and help bind the cookie dough together.
• Flour: The primary structural ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shape and consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm background flavor to the holiday treats.
• Extracts: Provide additional flavor variations for different color sections of the cookies.

• Food Coloring, Sanding Sugar: Create festive visual appeal and add a sparkling, crunchy exterior to the holiday cookies.

How to Make Tri-Color Holiday Treats

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for some delicious cookie magic.

Step 2: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of sweetness.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg Yolks

Gently fold in the egg yolks, creating a smooth and rich mixture that will give your cookies incredible texture.

Step 4: Splash of Flavor

If you’re going for a single flavor profile, drizzle in some vanilla extract for an extra aromatic touch.

Step 5: Blend the Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in flour, stirring until the dough just comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Divide and Conquer

Split your dough into three equal portions, preparing for a colorful cookie adventure.

Step 7: Create Flavor Variations

• Peppermint
• Almond
• Lemon

Step 8: Paint Your Dough

• One section in festive red
• Another in cheerful green

Step 9: Shape Your Logs

Roll each colored dough into elegant 18-inch long logs.

Step 10: Merge the Colors

Carefully press your colored logs together, creating a beautiful tri-color design.

Step 11: Slice with Precision

Cut your colorful log into neat 1/2-inch slices.

Step 12: Form Perfect Rounds

Gently roll each slice into perfect little cookie balls.

Step 13: Add Some Sparkle

Roll each cookie ball in sparkling sanding sugar for a festive finish.

Step 14: Prepare for Baking

Arrange your cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some breathing room between each treat.

Step 15: Bake to Perfection

Slide your cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Baking Tips for Tri-Color Treats

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant, intense holiday colors without changing dough consistency.
• Experiment with different extract combinations like peppermint, almond, or orange to create unique taste profiles.
• Refrigerate dough logs for 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, precise cuts and maintain shape.
• Roll cookies in sanding sugar just before baking for extra crunch and festive holiday shimmer.
• Prepare dough logs in advance and freeze up to 2 weeks, allowing quick slice-and-bake cookies whenever needed.

Tri-Color Treats – Flavor Ideas to Try

• Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Festive Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil and use egg replacer or mashed banana to create plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Snacks: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for diabetic-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Christmas Cookies: Use margarine or vegetable shortening instead of butter to accommodate dairy restrictions.

Serving Up Tri-Color Holiday Treats

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange the colorful tri-color cookies on a decorative holiday tray with sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary for a stunning visual display that screams celebration.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap small stacks of cookies in clear cellophane with festive ribbons, creating charming homemade gifts perfect for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.
• Dessert Companion Pairing: Serve these delightful cookies alongside hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or vanilla latte to enhance the seasonal treat experience with complementary flavors and warmth.
• Playful Presentation: Scatter the red and green cookies on a white ceramic plate, creating a whimsical Christmas-themed dessert that brings instant joy and color to the table.

Storing Tri-Color Holiday Treats Right

• Store these festive treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their vibrant colors.
• Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead holiday prep.
• Keep cookies at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and delightful.
• Place parchment paper between cookie layers when storing to prevent them from sticking together and preserve their beautiful shape.

Neopolitan Christmas Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive Neapolitan Christmas Cookies bring Italian holiday magic to your dessert table. Sweet layers of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry create a delightful treat you’ll treasure with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks

Flavoring and Coloring:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 3/4 teaspoon each of different extracts)
• Red gel food coloring
• Green gel food coloring

Finishing:

• 1/2 cup sanding sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring an even temperature for consistent baking.
2. Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate egg yolks into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to maintain a uniform texture.
4. Add vanilla extract for a classic flavor profile, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
5. Gradually fold in flour, mixing until the dough just comes together without overmixing.
6. Separate the dough into three equal portions on a clean work surface.
7. Select desired flavor extracts for each dough portion, such as almond, peppermint, or citrus.
8. Carefully tint one portion red and another green using gel food coloring for vibrant, consistent color.
9. Gently roll each colored dough into elongated 18-inch logs, maintaining even thickness.
10. Carefully press the three colored logs together, creating a tri-color design.
11. Slice the combined log into uniform 1/2-inch pieces using a sharp knife.
12. Roll each slice into a perfect sphere, ensuring smooth, round shapes.
13. Generously coat each cookie ball in sparkling sanding sugar for a festive finish.
14. Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to prevent touching.
15. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden, watching carefully to prevent overcooking.

Notes

• Customize flavors by swapping extracts like almond, peppermint, or orange to match holiday themes or personal preferences.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crisp log edges during baking.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant, concentrated colors without altering dough consistency, ensuring bright holiday hues.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg