30-Minute Strawberry Matcha Neapolitan Cookies – A Colorful Bakery-Style Treat at Home

If you’re craving a dessert that looks like it came straight from an upscale bakery but takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, these 30-Minute Strawberry Matcha Neapolitan Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Inspired by the classic Neapolitan trio of flavors — strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate — this modern twist swaps chocolate for earthy matcha, creating a visually stunning and flavor-balanced cookie that feels both indulgent and sophisticated.

These cookies aren’t just pretty. They’re soft, chewy, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with natural flavor. The strawberry layer brings fruity sweetness, the vanilla center adds comfort, and the matcha layer delivers a subtle bitterness that keeps everything perfectly balanced. Best of all? You don’t need advanced baking skills, chilling time, or fancy equipment.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a cozy afternoon snack, or content-worthy desserts for Pinterest and Instagram, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Why Strawberry Matcha Neapolitan Cookies Work So Well

The magic of these cookies lies in contrast — in color, flavor, and texture.

• Strawberry adds brightness and natural sweetness using freeze-dried strawberries for intense flavor without excess moisture.
• Vanilla acts as a neutral bridge, keeping the cookie familiar and comforting.
• Matcha brings depth and sophistication, preventing the cookie from becoming overly sweet.

Together, they create a cookie that feels playful yet refined — perfect for modern dessert lovers who want something a little different.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cookie Dough Base

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Flavor Divisions

• 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder
• 1½ tsp culinary-grade matcha powder
• 1 tbsp milk (for strawberry dough)
• 1 tbsp milk (for matcha dough)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. Divide the dough evenly into three bowls.
7. Leave one bowl plain (vanilla).
8. Mix strawberry powder and 1 tablespoon milk into the second bowl until evenly pink.
9. Mix matcha powder and 1 tablespoon milk into the third bowl until evenly green.
10. Scoop small portions from each dough and gently press them side by side to form a tri-color cookie.
11. Roll lightly to smooth the edges without blending the colors.
12. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
13. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
14. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for Perfect Neapolitan Cookies

• Use freeze-dried strawberries, not fresh — they deliver intense flavor without affecting texture.
• Don’t overmix once colors are added; you want clean, distinct layers.
• Culinary-grade matcha ensures vibrant color and smooth flavor without bitterness.
• Slightly underbaking keeps the cookies soft and chewy.

Flavor Variations to Try

• White Chocolate Matcha: Add white chocolate chips to the matcha layer.
• Strawberry Vanilla Swirl: Gently twist strawberry and vanilla dough together for a marbled look.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg with excellent results.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with:

• A glass of cold milk
• Strawberry milk or matcha latte
• Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
• Gift boxes and dessert platters

They also store well in an airtight container for up to 4 days, making them perfect for make-ahead treats.

Fun Food Fact: Why Matcha and Strawberry Are a Perfect Pair

In Japanese-inspired desserts, matcha is often paired with sweet fruits like strawberry to balance its natural bitterness. This contrast enhances both flavors — making this cookie not just trendy, but rooted in smart flavor pairing.

Final Thoughts

These 30-Minute Strawberry Matcha Neapolitan Cookies are proof that quick recipes can still be stunning, creative, and bakery-worthy. They’re ideal for beginner bakers, busy schedules, and anyone who loves desserts that look as good as they taste.

Once you bake them, don’t be surprised if they become your signature cookie.

30-Minute Strawberry Matcha Neapolitan Cookies

Soft, chewy tri-color cookies combining strawberry, vanilla, and matcha flavors in a quick and visually stunning dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 18 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 180

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.25 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Flavor Add-ins

• 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder
• 1.5 tsp matcha powder culinary grade
• 2 tbsp milk divided

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
4. Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Divide dough into three bowls. Leave one plain, mix strawberry powder and milk into second, matcha and milk into third.
6. Form tri-color dough portions and gently shape into cookies.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool on wire rack.

Notes

Do not overbake to maintain soft centers and vibrant colors.