Description
Zebra Cookies are delightful two-toned cookies featuring a swirl of vanilla and chocolate flavors. These soft, marbled cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, combining a classic vanilla dough with a rich cocoa-infused dough, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Additional
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside for later.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Divide dough: Split the dough evenly into two separate bowls for flavoring.
- Add cocoa and milk: To one bowl of dough, stir in the cocoa powder and milk until the dough becomes a smooth, uniform chocolate dough.
- Prepare dough balls: From each dough, roll tablespoon-sized portions separately into balls.
- Form two-toned balls: Place one plain dough ball together with one chocolate dough ball and gently press to slightly stick them, creating a marbled two-tone effect.
- Arrange on baking sheets: Continue alternating and pairing dough balls, placing about 12 to 15 combined balls on each baking sheet, spaced slightly apart to allow for expansion.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Remove cookies from oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your beautiful zebra cookies with a unique marbled pattern and delicious flavor combination!
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix dough once flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and clean-up.
- You can chill the dough before baking if the dough balls are too soft to handle.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
