If you’re the kind of person who finds it impossible to pick between chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry – good news: now you don’t have to! These Neapolitan Sandwich Cookies combine all three classic flavors in a single, stunning, and delicious treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. Inspired by the iconic Neapolitan ice cream, these cookies are layered, soft, buttery, and filled with a creamy frosting that ties the whole trio together.

Whether you’re making them for a summer party, gifting them to a friend, or just treating yourself, these colorful cookies bring back nostalgic vibes and make the perfect bake for all ages.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Neapolitan sandwich cookies are more than just pretty—they’re rich in flavor, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Each layer adds something unique:

Chocolate dough adds richness and depth.

Strawberry dough gives a sweet, fruity burst and lovely pink color.

Vanilla dough brings buttery simplicity and balance.

And when two cookies are sandwiched around a fluffy vanilla (or strawberry) frosting? Heaven.

The Inspiration Behind the Bake

Neapolitan desserts have been around for generations, but there’s something especially delightful about transforming that classic combination into cookie form. Unlike ice cream, these cookies don’t melt, making them perfect for gifting, sharing, or storing. They’re also a fun way to showcase natural colors using freeze-dried strawberries and unsweetened cocoa instead of artificial flavoring.

I first made these for a birthday cookie box, and they were the first to disappear. They’re eye-catching, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Plus, you only need one base dough recipe, which gets split and flavored in three ways. Genius and efficient!

Pro Tips for Perfect Layers

1. Chill between steps: Keep the dough cold to avoid mixing the colors and to keep the layers sharp.

2. Even rolling is key: Use rolling guides or stack books on both sides of your rolling pin to keep thickness consistent.

3. Use natural flavors: Freeze-dried strawberries ground into powder give an intense, natural pink without added dye.

Flavor Variations

If you’re feeling creative, try these twists:

Add peppermint extract to the vanilla dough for a minty surprise.

Use raspberry powder instead of strawberry for a tangier touch.

Swap the buttercream with chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting for added decadence.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Neapolitan cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate or freeze the dough in advance. If freezing the finished cookies, freeze them unfilled and sandwich them after defrosting to maintain texture.

Perfect for Celebrations

Because of their eye-catching stripes and sandwich shape, these cookies are great for:

Baby showers

Tea parties

Cookie swaps

Valentine’s Day

Gifting during the holidays

They also look beautiful wrapped in clear bags with ribbon or tucked into a pastel-colored cookie box.

Final Thoughts

Neapolitan Sandwich Cookies are the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and nostalgia. They remind us that sometimes the best desserts don’t make you choose—they give you everything in one bite. These cookies may look fancy, but they’re approachable and beginner-friendly, and they’re sure to be a hit wherever you serve them.

If you give them a try, let me know how you liked them and what frosting you used! And don’t forget to snap a photo—these beauties are made for the ‘gram.