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Neapolitan Swirl Sugar Cookie Bars

Neapolitan Swirl Sugar Cookie Bars - featured image
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These vibrant sugar cookie bars feature swirls of vanilla, cocoa, and strawberry for a marbled, nostalgic treat. Quick to make and perfect for parties, they’re soft, tender, and customizable for gluten-free or vegan diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for best texture)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (or non-dairy milk)
  • 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
  • 1–2 drops red or pink gel food coloring (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon melted chocolate chips (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Sprinkles (optional)
  • 1/4 cup melted white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Spray lightly with nonstick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined. Pour in milk and mix just until incorporated.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Divide batter evenly into three bowls (about 1 1/2 cups each).
  6. Leave one portion plain for the vanilla layer.
  7. For the strawberry layer, stir in freeze-dried strawberry powder and food coloring (if using) until bright pink.
  8. For the chocolate layer, blend in cocoa powder and melted chocolate chips until rich brown.
  9. Drop spoonfuls of each batter into the prepared pan, alternating colors. Use a spatula or butter knife to gently swirl the batters for a marbled effect.
  10. Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  11. Let bars cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment edges. Cool completely before slicing.
  12. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted white chocolate, or add sprinkles if desired.
  13. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For vegan, substitute butter with vegan margarine, eggs with flaxseed eggs, and milk with non-dairy milk. Swirl gently for distinct ribbons; overmixing will muddy the colors. Bars stay soft for days and freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: neapolitan, sugar cookie bars, swirl cookies, easy dessert, party treats, marbled cookies, kid-friendly, bake sale, nostalgic dessert, colorful bars

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/neapolitan-swirl-sugar-cookie-bars-easy-vibrant-dessert-recipe/