These Neapolitan Cake Mix Cookies bring together the classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in a single bite! With a beautiful tri-color swirl and a soft, chewy texture, they’re a fun and delicious treat that’s as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the taste buds. The best part? They’re made with a cake mix, making them a super simple, quick, and fail-proof dessert for any occasion!
Whether you’re baking for a party, a sweet gift, or just a fun baking project, these cookies will bring a nostalgic touch of Neapolitan ice cream to your table. Plus, they’re completely customizable—add sprinkles, drizzle with chocolate, or swap flavors to make them your own! A perfect balance of taste and texture, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup strawberry gelatin powder
- 2-3 drops red food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Divide the dough into three equal portions.
- To one portion, add the cocoa powder and mix well.
- To the second portion, add the strawberry gelatin powder and red food coloring (if using), then mix well.
- Leave the third portion plain for the vanilla layer.
- Take a small amount from each portion and press them together to form a tri-colored dough ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 18 cookies
The Story Behind Neapolitan Cake Mix Cookies
Neapolitan Cake Mix Cookies are inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream, which originated in the late 19th century. This ice cream flavor was created by Italian immigrants in the United States who wanted to bring their beloved gelato flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—together in a single dessert. The concept quickly gained popularity, and today, Neapolitan flavors are seen in cakes, cupcakes, and now, cookies!
This easy cookie recipe is perfect for those who love the nostalgic taste of Neapolitan ice cream but want it in a quick, handheld treat. Using a cake mix makes the process incredibly simple and beginner-friendly, so even those new to baking can achieve soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Three flavors in one! Enjoy the delicious combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in a single cookie.
✔ Easy to make! Made with a cake mix, so you don’t need to measure out multiple dry ingredients.
✔ Visually stunning! The tri-colored swirls make these cookies fun and eye-catching, perfect for parties, holidays, or gifting.
✔ Soft and chewy texture. The butter and eggs create a rich, tender bite that melts in your mouth.
✔ Great for kids! A fun baking project that children will love to help with, especially forming the colorful dough balls.
Tips for Perfect Neapolitan Cookies
- Use quality cake mix: A vanilla or white cake mix works best to allow the colors and flavors to shine. Avoid yellow cake mix, as it may alter the color results.
- Chill the dough: If your dough becomes too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to roll and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
- Customize the flavors: Swap strawberry gelatin powder for freeze-dried strawberry powder for a more natural strawberry flavor.
- Add texture: Mix in white chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra fun and crunch.
- Avoid overbaking: These cookies may look soft when they come out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
How to Store Neapolitan Cake Mix Cookies
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh.
- In the Refrigerator: If you prefer firmer cookies, store them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- In the Freezer: Freeze the baked cookies in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them fresh when needed!
Pairing Ideas
These Neapolitan cookies go great with:
🍦 A scoop of Neapolitan or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert
☕ A warm cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or a strawberry milkshake
🍓 Fresh berries and whipped cream for a refreshing treat
What Makes These Cookies Special?
✔ Three Flavors in One Cookie – Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry come together in every bite!
✔ Super Easy Recipe – Made with a cake mix for a shortcut, making it foolproof and beginner-friendly.
✔ Soft & Chewy Texture – Perfectly tender cookies that melt in your mouth.
✔ Eye-Catching & Colorful – The three-layered dough creates a visually appealing treat.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for birthdays, tea parties, bake sales, or just a fun weekend baking project.
How to Make the Perfect Neapolitan Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredient Notes
- Vanilla Cake Mix – Acts as the base for the cookie dough, saving time on measuring dry ingredients.
- Butter & Eggs – These add richness and help achieve the soft, chewy texture.
- Cocoa Powder – Brings the chocolate flavor to one part of the dough.
- Strawberry Gelatin Powder – Enhances the strawberry flavor and gives it a beautiful pink color.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – Optional, but add a little extra chocolatey goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough – Combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until a dough forms.
2️⃣ Divide into Three Flavors – Separate the dough into three equal portions:
- Leave one plain (vanilla).
- Mix cocoa powder into one for the chocolate portion.
- Stir strawberry gelatin powder and food coloring into the last one for the strawberry portion.
3️⃣ Form the Cookies – Take a small piece of each dough, press them together, and gently roll into a tri-colored dough ball.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection – Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set.
5️⃣ Cool & Enjoy – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Expert Tips for Success
✅ Chill the Dough if Necessary – If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before rolling.
✅ Use High-Quality Cocoa & Gelatin Powder – This enhances the chocolate and strawberry flavors.
✅ Customize Your Cookies – Add sprinkles, swap in freeze-dried strawberries, or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
✅ Avoid Overbaking – The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so take them out when the edges look done but the centers are slightly soft.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
🟢 Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep them soft and chewy.
🟢 Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days if you like a firmer texture.
🟢 Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze cookie dough, roll dough balls and store them in a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Ideas
🍦 With Ice Cream: Pair these cookies with a scoop of Neapolitan, vanilla, or strawberry ice cream.
☕ With a Hot Drink: Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or a strawberry milkshake.
🎉 For Special Occasions: These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or holiday baking!
Common Questions
1. Can I use another cake mix flavor?
Yes! While vanilla cake mix is best for achieving even flavors, white cake mix or strawberry cake mix can also work.
2. Can I make these cookies without cake mix?
Absolutely! You can replace the cake mix with 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt for a scratch-made version.
3. What if I don’t have strawberry gelatin powder?
You can use freeze-dried strawberry powder for a more natural taste. Alternatively, mix in strawberry extract and pink food coloring.
4. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix instead of regular cake mix. Make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
More Neapolitan-Inspired Treats to Try!
🍓 Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwiches
🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Neapolitan Rice Krispie Treats
🍦 No-Bake Neapolitan Cheesecake
🍪 Neapolitan Marble Cupcakes
Conclusion
Neapolitan Cake Mix Cookies are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in one bite. With their soft texture, vibrant colors, and simple preparation, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family treat, or just satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress!