Description
Delicious Neapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars featuring layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 3/4 cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (if needed for texture)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (for chocolate layer)
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries, ground to a powder OR 2 tablespoons strawberry jam plus a pinch of pink food coloring or 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (for strawberry layer)
- 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment, leaving an overhang.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla. Scrape the bowl to mix evenly.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture, mixing just until combined. If the dough is dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
- Divide the dough into three portions. Mix cocoa into one, freeze-dried strawberries or jam into the second, and leave the third plain.
- Press each dough portion into the prepared pan to form layers.
- Chill the pan in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly soft.
- Cool completely in the pan for 30–45 minutes before slicing into squares.
- If using glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk to drizzle over cooled bars.
Notes
For chewier edges, bake a minute or two longer; for softer centers, pull them sooner. Use freeze-dried strawberry powder for vibrant color without adding moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg