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Best Homemade Zebra Cookies Recipe

Zebra Cookies are eye-catching bakery-style cookies made with swirls of rich chocolate and classic vanilla dough. These soft, tender cookies are simple to make yet visually stunning, making them perfect for parties, holidays, or everyday treats.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar brown sugar recommended
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Divide dough in half and mix cocoa powder into one portion.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate dough onto baking sheet.
  8. Swirl gently with a toothpick or skewer to create zebra pattern.
  9. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

Avoid over-swirling to keep the zebra pattern distinct. Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes helps maintain defined swirls and prevents spreading.