Neapolitan Thumbprint Cookies

Neapolitan Thumbprint Cookies: A Delicious Trio of Flavors in Every Bite

If you have a soft spot for classic cookies and a love for vibrant, summery flavors, Neapolitan Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for you! These delightful treats marry the rich tastes and colors inspired by the famous Neapolitan ice cream — chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry — into a charming little cookie with a fruity jam center. They9re not only a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously satisfying bite that balances buttery richness with sweet and tangy fruitiness.

Originating from the tradition of thumbprint cookies, where a simple indentation holds a dollop of jam, this recipe takes it to a playful and colorful next level by layering three distinct flavors. What makes Neapolitan Thumbprint Cookies uniquely appealing is the spectrum of taste and texture you get in each bite: the soft, buttery cookie base mingling with the smooth chocolate, creamy vanilla, and bright strawberry elements. These cookies are a wonderful treat at tea time, a festive addition to a cookie swap, or a charming dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for the chocolate layer)
• 2 tablespoons strawberry extract or 1/4 cup (60ml) strawberry puree (optional, for the pink dough)

For the Jam Filling:

• 1/2 cup (160g) strawberry jam
• 1/2 cup (160g) chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
• 1/2 cup (160g) vanilla custard or vanilla pudding (thicker consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Divide the dough into three equal parts.
5. To the first portion, add the cocoa powder and mix until evenly incorporated, creating the chocolate dough.
6. To the second portion, leave plain for the vanilla dough.
7. To the third portion, add the strawberry extract or puree and mix until you get a lovely pink dough.
8. Roll each portion into small balls, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.
9. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. Be careful not to press all the way through.
10. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden.
11. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press the center indentation again if it has puffed back up during baking.
12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Once cooled, fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of the corresponding filling: chocolate dough with chocolate hazelnut spread, vanilla dough with vanilla custard, and strawberry dough with strawberry jam.
14. Allow the cookies to set for at least 30 minutes so the fillings thicken a little before serving.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 36 cookies
• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature butter for better creaming and softer cookies.
• Make sure not to press the thumbprint too deep to avoid filling leaking during baking.
• Chill dough if it gets too soft to handle.
• Substitute fillings with your favorite jams or spreads for different flavor combos.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Information (estimated per serving)

• Calories: 140-160 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 18-20g
• Fat: 7-9g
• Fiber: 1g

Conclusion

If you love cookies that bring a little color and a medley of flavors to your palate, Neapolitan Thumbprint Cookies are an absolute must-try. Their inviting appearance and delectable taste make them an excellent choice for sharing with friends and family during holidays, celebrations, or just as a sweet pick-me-up. Pair them with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.

Give this recipe a whirl, and don9t forget to let me know how your cookies turned out! I9d love to hear your variations and serving ideas, so please share your experiences in the comments below. Happy baking!