Introduction
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these charming Pink Lemonade Cookies! Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a delightful twist on the traditional dessert, combining the zestiness of lemon with a sweet, playful pink hue. Each bite is a soft, cake-like treat bursting with sweet-tart flavor that will transport you straight to a sunny day. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup pink lemonade drink mix
- 1/2 cup pink icing
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined, inviting the sweet citrus aroma into your kitchen!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pink lemonade drink mix. This combination gives the cookies their unique flavor.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
- After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are cooled down, drizzle the pink icing over top and let it set before serving. Enjoy the pretty presentation!
Notes or Tips
- For an extra pop of flavor, add a little more lemon zest to the dough.
- Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before icing to prevent the frosting from melting.
- If you prefer a more intense pink color, feel free to add a few drops of pink food coloring to the icing.
Cooking Techniques
Perfecting cookie texture often comes down to the creaming process. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best results, as this helps to incorporate air into the mixture for light, fluffy cookies. Additionally, using a cookie scoop can help ensure uniform sizing, leading to consistent baking.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Once they’ve cooled, you can freeze the un-iced cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before icing.
Can I substitute the pink lemonade drink mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use equal parts of lemon juice and sugar to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Conclusion
These Pink Lemonade Cookies are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat, perfect for brightening up any day. Their soft, chewy texture paired with the refreshing zing of lemon creates a delightful bite that you and your guests will absolutely adore. So the next time you’re in the mood for baking, give these a try and bring a little sunshine into your kitchen!