Pink Sugar Cookies
Pink Sugar Cookies are sweet little treats that bring a pop of color and a burst of fun to any cookie plate. These cookies are soft, buttery, and just the…
Tip: save now, cook later.Pink Sugar Cookies are sweet little treats that bring a pop of color and a burst of fun to any cookie plate. These cookies are soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sugary, with a light pink tint that makes them look as delightful as they taste. Perfectly simple, they’re a joy to bake and even more fun to share.
I love making these cookies when I want something cheerful and pretty without a lot of fuss. The pink sugar coating on top adds a little sparkle and a slight crunch that balances the soft cookie inside. Baking these always feels special, like a little celebration in the kitchen—plus, they’re great for kids to help decorate!
These cookies are wonderful served with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, especially when you want a sweet little pick-me-up. I often pack them in lunchboxes or bring them to gatherings because they make everyone smile. Whenever I eat one, it reminds me of happy moments with friends and family gathered around, sharing simple, sweet joys.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: This gives the cookies their rich flavor and soft texture. Using unsalted butter helps control the salt level. If you prefer, you can use margarine, but the flavor may change slightly.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough. If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works well as a substitute without changing the texture too much.
Pink Food Coloring: Liquid food coloring is easy to mix in for an even color. If you want a natural option, try beet juice, but use sparingly as it can affect flavor.
Pink Sugar Sprinkles: These add sparkle and a bit of crunch on top. If you don’t have pink sugar, regular sanding sugar or colored sprinkles work well too.
How Do I Get Soft, Tender Cookies with a Nice Sugar Crunch?
Getting the perfect soft cookie that’s slightly crisp on top is all about mixing and baking time.
- Mix the butter and sugar well: Beat until light and fluffy to trap air for soft cookies.
- Add eggs and sour cream thoroughly: This brings moisture and helps with tenderness.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Stir dry ingredients in just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes: Watch for set edges but still soft centers. Cookies firm up after cooling.
- Sprinkle sugar before baking: This creates a slight crunch on top, giving a nice texture contrast.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – handy for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for getting the right ingredient amounts.
- Baking sheets – use rimmed ones to keep cookies from sliding off.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – helps create evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add lemon zest and swap vanilla for lemon extract for a fresh citrus twist that brightens the cookie flavor.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for a touch of classic chocolate sweetness with every bite.
- Sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter instead of pink sugar for different festive looks and textures.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty, slightly sweet flavor change that’s lovely in these soft cookies.
Pink Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Pink liquid food coloring (a few drops, adjust for desired shade)
- Pink sanding sugar or pink colored sugar sprinkles, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 8-10 minutes of baking per batch. Add around 10 minutes for cooling. Altogether, you’ll spend about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, depending on how many cookies you bake at once.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Getting Ready:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
4. Adding Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until everything is well combined.
5. Coloring the Dough:
Add a few drops of pink liquid food coloring to the mixture and stir until the dough is evenly pink. Add more drops if you’d like a deeper color.
6. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently on low speed just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft.
7. Preparing to Bake:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
8. Adding the Topping:
Sprinkle each dough ball generously with pink sanding sugar or colored sugar sprinkles for a lovely sparkle and a bit of crunch.
9. Baking:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The edges should look set, while the centers may still appear soft—that’s perfect! The cookies will firm up as they cool.
10. Cooling:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy!
Serve your soft, pretty pink sugar cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite tea. They make a delightful treat for celebrations or any time you want something sweet and special!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened, room-temperature butter for this recipe. Frozen butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, which can affect the cookie texture. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it fully and let it soften before mixing.
How Can I Make These Cookies Without Food Coloring?
You can skip the pink food coloring and still have delicious sugar cookies! Just omit it for classic sugar cookies, or try natural alternatives like a small amount of beet juice for a subtle pink tint.
Can I Store These Pink Sugar Cookies?
Yes! Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.