Introduction

These 30-Minute Strawberry Matcha Neapolitan Cookies are a delightful twist on classic cookies, combining the vibrant flavors of strawberry, matcha, and vanilla in every bite. Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, they bring a colorful and tasty treat to your cookie jar.

A round cookie with three distinct sections, each a different color and texture: a pink cracked section on the top left, a white smooth section in the middle, and a green textured section on the bottom right; the cookie rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ⅔ cup all purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar (plus ½ cup for rolling)
1 egg (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup freeze dried strawberries
1 tbsp matcha powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 6: Divide the dough evenly into three separate bowls.
Step 7: Using a spice grinder or food processor, grind the freeze dried strawberries until they form a fine powder (about 2 tablespoons). Stir the strawberry powder into one portion of the dough.
Step 8: Mix the matcha powder into a second portion of dough until evenly combined.
Step 9: Leave the third dough portion plain for the vanilla layer.
Step 10: For each cookie, take about 1 tablespoon of dough from each bowl and gently combine to form a ball (approximately 50 grams total).
Step 11: Pour the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar into a small bowl, then roll each cookie dough ball in the sugar to coat evenly.
Step 12: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 13: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger matcha flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of matcha powder, but avoid adding too much to prevent bitterness.
If freeze dried strawberries are unavailable, use finely chopped fresh strawberries and reduce baking powder to ¼ teaspoon to compensate for moisture.
Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it becomes too soft to handle easily before shaping.
Try adding white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in the oven before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows round cookies with three different swirled colors on each: pink, green, and light cream. Each cookie has these colors mixed unevenly but clearly divided, creating a marbled effect with a sugar-coated texture that looks slightly grainy on the surface. The cookies are placed on a white marbled texture that highlights the soft, slightly cracked edges of the cookies. The colors blend smoothly without sharp borders, making the cookies look soft and chewy. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular strawberries instead of freeze dried?

Fresh strawberries contain moisture which can affect the dough texture. If using fresh, finely chop and reduce the leavening slightly, but freeze dried strawberries are best for maintaining cookie structure.

Why do these cookies have three different doughs combined?

The three portions allow you to flavor each section distinctly with strawberry, matcha, and plain vanilla, creating the classic Neapolitan effect with balanced flavors in each bite.