Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Best Ultimate Zebra Cookies Recipe


  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 30 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Zebra Cookies are stunning striped shortbread-style cookies made with buttery vanilla dough and rich chocolate dough swirled together to create beautiful zebra patterns. These elegant cookies are crisp, tender, and perfect for holidays, gifting, or elevating everyday baking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
  3. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
  4. Divide dough into two equal portions.
  5. Mix cocoa powder into one portion to create chocolate dough.
  6. Alternate spoonfuls or strips of vanilla and chocolate dough and press together.
  7. Use a toothpick to swirl dough gently and create zebra patterns.
  8. Chill dough for 45 minutes until firm.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  10. Slice dough into cookies and place on baking sheet.
  11. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
  12. Cool completely before serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential for clean slicing and defined zebra patterns. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender shortbread texture.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: zebra cookies, striped cookies, shortbread cookies, chocolate vanilla cookies