Neapolitan Cookies Inspired by the Ice Cream

Ingredients:

For Chocolate Dough:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• A pinch of salt

For Vanilla Dough:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt

For Strawberry Dough:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
• A pinch of salt
• Pink food coloring (optional)

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Dough

1. In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a chocolate dough forms.

Step 2: Prepare Vanilla Dough

1. Repeat the process for vanilla dough by creaming together butter and sugar, adding egg and vanilla extract, and combining with flour and salt.

Step 3: Prepare Strawberry Dough

1. For strawberry dough, repeat the creaming process and add egg and vanilla extract.
2. Mix in strawberry jam (or preserves) and, if desired, pink food coloring for a vibrant hue.
3. Gradually add flour and salt, forming a strawberry dough.

Step 4: Assemble the Neapolitan Cookies

1. Take a small amount from each dough and roll them into equal-sized balls.
2. Arrange the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry dough balls side by side to form a larger ball.
3. Gently press the tricolor dough ball together and shape it into a cylinder.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the chilled dough cylinder into rounds.
3. Place the cookie rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

1. Allow the Neapolitan Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
2. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful Neapolitan Cookies that capture the essence of the classic ice cream flavor in every layer. Share these colorful and delicious treats with friends and family for a delightful twist on traditional cookies.