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Neapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 12 reviews

These Neapolitan Sugar Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in one delightful dessert. With a soft cocoa layer, a sweet strawberry layer, and a creamy vanilla frosting topped with colorful Neapolitan M&M’s, these bars are perfect for parties, gatherings, or any sweet craving. The recipe is easy to follow and yields 24 delicious, evenly portioned bars.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Layer

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 1 Tablespoon milk

Strawberry Layer

  • 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
  • 1/4 cup Nestle Nesquik strawberry powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Nestle Nesquik strawberry syrup
  • Pink gel food coloring (to desired color)

Vanilla Frosting

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Topping

  • 1 bag Neapolitan M&M’s, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent the cookie bars from sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This will create a smooth base for the cookie dough.
  3. Add Egg: Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture and beat again until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture while beating to form a dough.
  5. Divide Dough: Split the cookie dough evenly into two separate bowls for the two different flavors.
  6. Prepare Chocolate Layer: To one bowl, add the milk, vanilla, and dark cocoa powder. Stir until the dough is uniformly chocolate-flavored. Press this chocolate dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  7. Prepare Strawberry Layer: To the second bowl, add the strawberry extract, Nesquik strawberry powder, and strawberry syrup. Stir well until fully combined. Add a few drops of pink gel food coloring and mix until the desired pink color is achieved. Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry dough over the chocolate dough layer in the pan, then gently press it out so it covers the chocolate dough evenly.
  8. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  9. Make Vanilla Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the butter, vanilla, and salt until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing continuously. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  10. Frost and Decorate: Spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Optional: sprinkle chopped Neapolitan M&M’s on top for a colorful and tasty finish.
  11. Serve: Cut the frosted cookie bars into 24 squares. Store leftover bars in a tightly sealed container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Notes

  • Make sure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • For more pronounced strawberry flavor, adjust the amount of strawberry extract and syrup accordingly.
  • You can substitute the Neapolitan M&M’s with any other colorful candy or nuts based on preference.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.
  • If you want thicker bars, use a smaller baking pan but increase baking time slightly.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/neapolitan-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/