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Best Ultimate Zebra Cookies Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 30 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  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.