Dessert

30-Minute Strawberry Matcha Neapolitan Cookies Recipe

ByHarper Ellington January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

Introduction

These 30-Minute Strawberry Matcha Neapolitan Cookies are a delightful twist on classic treats, combining fruity strawberry, earthy matcha, and traditional vanilla dough. Perfectly layered and colorful, they offer a fun and flavorful bite that’s easy to make at home.

A round cookie divided into three sections with distinct colors and textures, sitting directly on a white marbled surface. One section is light pink with a soft, slightly cracked sugar-coated texture. The second section is creamy beige, smooth with a subtle sugar grain visible. The third section is green, coarse and grainy, resembling a matcha or herb sugar coating. The cookie’s surface is gently cracked and uneven, giving a homemade appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 &frac23; cups all purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar (plus ½ cup for rolling)
1 egg (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup freeze dried strawberries
1 tbsp matcha powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter and 1 cup sugar until well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to form cookie dough.
Step 6: Divide the dough evenly into three separate bowls.
Step 7: Use a spice grinder or food processor to fine grind the freeze dried strawberries until you have about 2 tablespoons of powder. Stir the strawberry powder into one bowl of dough.
Step 8: Add the matcha powder to another bowl and mix it into the dough until evenly combined.
Step 9: Leave the third bowl as the plain vanilla dough.
Step 10: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough from each bowl and gently combine all three small portions into one ball, around 50 grams total.
Step 11: Pour ½ cup sugar into a small bowl and roll each dough ball to coat it completely in sugar. Repeat until all dough is used.
Step 12: Place the coated dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 13: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but cookies are still soft in the center.
Step 14: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh freeze dried strawberries for the best natural flavor and vibrant color in the strawberry layer.
If you don’t have a spice grinder, pulse the freeze dried strawberries in a blender or crush finely with a mortar and pestle.
For a more intense matcha flavor, increase the matcha powder slightly but note it may add bitterness.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the vanilla dough for an extra flavor boost.
Roll the cookie balls in colored sanding sugar for a festive presentation.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave for a soft, warm treat.

How to Serve

A round cookie with three distinct sections lies flat on a white marbled surface. The first section is soft pink with a slightly grainy texture and some cracks. The second section is a smooth off-white or cream color, forming the middle part of the cookie. The third section is dark green with a coarse, sugary texture and a cracked surface. These three colors blend slightly at their edges but remain mostly separate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze dried?

Fresh strawberries contain moisture that will change the cookie dough texture, so they are not recommended. Freeze dried strawberries provide concentrated flavor without adding moisture.

What can I substitute for matcha powder?

If you don’t have matcha, you can omit it or try using green tea powder, though flavor and color will differ. Alternatively, cocoa powder can be used for a chocolate twist.