Neapolitan cake batter cookies

Eureka moments are the greatest; that moment when you stumble upon something great, or whip out some problem solving skills, or when all the pieces fall into place and you just feel like the most intelligent and empowered person on the face of the earth and you want to proclaim your success to the world. I experienced this earlier this week when I decided to make some kind of dessert for my cousins who are visiting. I knew I wanted something that was easy to eat on the go, that tasted wonderful, that was easy to make, and that was unique. I racked and racked my brain couldn't conjure anything that met my criteria, until Tuesday in my drivers education class.

Neapolitan cake batter cookies.

I just knew it would be perfect, and I didn't want to forget, so I quickly scribbled it down on the back of my hand, much to the disapproval of my instructor, who was lecturing about how to avoid a physical altercation with an angry driver.

Anyhoo, you are going to want to make these beauties.

Ingredients:

• Chocolate cake mix (devils food, double fudge, Hershey's, what have you)
• Yellow cake mix
• Strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup melted butter
• 6 eggs
• A handful of chopped strawberries
• A handful of finely chopped chocolate chips
• .5 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• Oreos (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

The yield is about 50 cookies.

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Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Mix the chocolate cake mix with 2 eggs, 1/3rd cup melted butter, and the finely chopped chocolate chips.
3. Mix the yellow cake mix with 2 eggs, 1/3rd cup melted butter, and .5 teaspoon vanilla.
4. Mix the strawberry cake mix with 2 eggs, 1/3rd cup melted butter, and the chopped strawberries.
   
5. Now form into cookies. I tried various sizes and discovered that smallest was best. Scoop about a tablespoon of each batter next to each other to make the classic Neapolitan pattern. 
   
6. Bake for around 7-10 minutes, and let cool fully before removing the cookies from the sheet. 
7. If you'd like to make an icing similar to those spongy tops of Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches, crush up some Oreos and mix with powdered sugar and a couple drops of water. I made a little bit of the glaze but I got tired and didn't do the rest. It's pretty good though, so if you're feeling ambitious, go for it. 

These cookies are sweet and light, with a surprising array of flavors. These are a perfect end to a midsummer barbecue or for anytime you need a sweet and easy dessert. My cousins sure have enjoyed them!