If you have a soft spot for sweet, colorful treats that bring joy with every bite, this Pink Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies boast a tender, buttery texture with a delicate vanilla aroma and, of course, that gorgeous pink hue that brightens any cookie platter. Perfectly sweet and irresistibly charming, these Pink Sugar Cookies Recipe details will have you whipping up batch after batch to share with family and friends or simply savor alongside your afternoon tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that lovely pink shade in this Pink Sugar Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in crafting cookies that are soft yet sturdy, sweet but not overwhelming, and visually inviting.
- 1 cup cold butter: The cold butter ensures a tender, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the ideal level of sweetness and contributes to a light, crisp exterior.
- 1 egg: Provides structure and richness, helping the cookies hold their shape.
- 1 egg yolk: Boosts moisture and adds extra tenderness for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with warm, comforting notes that pair beautifully with sugar.
- 2 ½ cups flour (gluten free 1-to-1 or all-purpose): The flour base, making these cookies soft and sturdy enough to handle.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, ensuring the cookies are light, not dense.
- Pinch sea salt (optional): Balances sweetness and enriches the overall flavor complexity.
- Red food coloring: This is the magic ingredient that creates the signature pink color without any added flavor.
How to Make Pink Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking, setting the stage for cookie success.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer bowl, combine the cold butter and granulated sugar. Beat on high for 2 to 3 minutes until you see no clumps of butter left and the mixture turns creamy. This step is essential to create the light, airy texture that makes these sugar cookies extra special.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined. These ingredients bring richness and that irresistible vanilla warmth, which makes the Pink Sugar Cookies Recipe sing.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour, baking powder, and pinch of sea salt if using. Stir gently to combine everything into a smooth dough. The baking powder lifts the cookies lightly, while the optional salt rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
Step 5: Color Your Dough
Add red food coloring one drop at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach your perfect pink shade. This allows you to control the intensity so your cookies look just as lovely as they taste.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Use an ice cream scoop to portion out balls of dough onto your prepared pan. Press each ball lightly with your hands to flatten, giving them their classic sugar cookie shape that bakes evenly and looks inviting.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 11 minutes or until they are just set in the middle. The edges should be slightly firm, while the centers remain soft—this balance creates that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove your cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This resting time finishes the baking process and prevents them from breaking apart.
How to Serve Pink Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra bit of sweetness and sparkle. Edible glitter or tiny sprinkles can also add a whimsical touch, especially if serving at parties or holidays.
Side Dishes
Pair these pink gems with a cozy cup of chamomile tea or a glass of cold milk to complement their sweetness. They also shine alongside fresh fruit slices or a creamy fruit yogurt for a delightful snack or breakfast treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Pink Sugar Cookies Recipe on a pretty pastel platter or stack them with small paper doilies in between for festive gifting. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a ribbon turns your cookies into charming homemade gifts, perfect for celebrations or just because.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them an easy grab-and-go snack whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these pink beauties later, freeze the baked cookies by layering them between parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature—this method preserves their perfect texture beautifully.
Reheating
To warm up the cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. This gives you that freshly baked warmth and softness that feels like a cozy kitchen hug.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten free?
Absolutely! This Pink Sugar Cookies Recipe works wonderfully with either all-purpose or gluten free 1-to-1 flour, so feel free to use whichever suits your dietary preference or pantry stock.
How can I make the pink color more vibrant without adding too much food coloring?
Adding the food coloring drop by drop is best for control, but for a brighter pink, you might try gel food coloring, which offers a vivid hue without affecting the dough’s consistency.
Can I add frosting or sprinkles to these cookies?
Definitely! Adding a thin layer of vanilla or cream cheese frosting once the cookies are cool is delightful, and sprinkles add fun texture and color—just keep them light so the cookies’ soft texture shines through.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer; can I use a hand mixer or mix by hand?
A hand mixer works just fine, or for a bit more arm exercise, mixing by hand is doable. Just make sure the butter is cold and chopped into small pieces for easier creaming with sugar.
Why do these cookies need to cool on the pan before transferring?
Cooling on the pan allows the cookies to finish setting without breaking apart. They’re fragile when first out of the oven, so this step helps them firm up and makes moving them easier.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about baking and sharing this Pink Sugar Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or brightening an ordinary day, these cookies bring both color and comfort to your table. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
Print
Pink Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These Pink Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet with a delightful pink hue from red food coloring. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a classic sugar cookie taste with a fun twist that kids and adults will love alike.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup cold butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups flour (gluten free 1 to 1 or all purpose)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch sea salt (optional)
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cold butter and granulated sugar. Mix on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and no chunks of butter remain.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until fully combined, resulting in a creamy and smooth batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add in the flour, baking powder, and sea salt (if using). Mix until the dough begins to come together and there are no streaks of flour.
- Add Food Coloring: Slowly add red food coloring one drop at a time, mixing continuously until the dough reaches your desired shade of pink.
- Form Cookies: Use an ice cream scoop to portion out balls of cookie dough onto the lined baking pan. Gently flatten each ball with your hands to form cookie shapes.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are just barely firm.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using cold butter helps achieve the right texture, but ensure it is well creamed with sugar.
- If you prefer a stronger pink color, add red food coloring gradually to avoid over-coloring.
- Cookie size affects baking time; adjust slightly for smaller or larger cookies.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack for the best texture before storing.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
