Pink Sugar Cookies
Pink Sugar Cookies are a sweet treat with a soft, chewy texture and a lovely hint of vanilla that everyone seems to love. They're coated in a sparkling layer of…
Tip: save now, cook later.Pink Sugar Cookies are a sweet treat with a soft, chewy texture and a lovely hint of vanilla that everyone seems to love. They’re coated in a sparkling layer of pink sugar that adds a fun pop of color and just the right amount of crunch on the outside. These cookies are simple, cheerful, and perfect for anytime you want a little bit of sweetness in your day.
I always enjoy making these cookies when I want something that feels special but isn’t complicated at all. One of my favorite things is how easy it is to roll the dough in the sugar, and that beautiful pink coating makes them look like they came from a bakery, even though they’re homemade. I like to sprinkle a little extra pink sugar on top before baking because it adds a little festive sparkle that makes them hard to resist.
These Pink Sugar Cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or a glass of milk. I often bake a batch for holiday parties or just as a surprise for friends. They bring smiles with every bite, and I love how everyone always asks for the recipe. Making these cookies is such a cozy and happy moment, and I hope you enjoy them just as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. Softened butter creams well with sugar for that tender cookie texture. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or margarine, but flavor may vary slightly.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and a slight tang, helping make cookies soft inside. You can substitute plain yogurt or buttermilk if sour cream isn’t handy.
Pink Food Coloring: Gel works best for vibrant color without adding much liquid. Liquid food coloring works, too, but be sparing to keep the dough’s texture right. You can also use natural options like beet juice for a subtle pink.
Pink Sanding Sugar: This gives the cookies a fun sparkle and slight crunch. If you don’t have pink, use regular clear sanding sugar and add a few drops of pink coloring to it, or try colored sprinkles for a different look.
How Do You Get Soft Yet Sugary Cookies with a Pretty Pink Coating?
The secret is in the chilling and the sugar coating. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After mixing, scoop dough into balls and then roll in the colored sugar before baking. This makes the outside sparkle and adds texture.
- Don’t overbake! Take the cookies out when edges are set but centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool for a chewy bite.
- For even color, add food coloring gradually and mix gently so the dough doesn’t get tough.
- Resting the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes can help flavors meld and prevent spreading, but this step is optional.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your wet and dry ingredients easily.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps get your flour, sugar, and other ingredients just right.
- Baking sheets – to bake the cookies evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for portioning dough evenly, so all cookies bake the same size.
- Wire cooling rack – lets your cookies cool down evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus twist that brightens the flavor.
- Mix in mini white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty, rich aroma.
- Press a few colorful sprinkles into each cookie dough ball before baking for a fun, festive look.
How to Make Pink Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Coloring & Decoration:
- Pink food coloring (gel or liquid), as needed
- Pink sanding sugar or colored sugar sprinkles, for rolling and decorating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10-12 minutes to bake each batch. Plan for a few extra minutes to cool your cookies after baking. So, overall, around 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Sour Cream:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Then mix in the sour cream until the batter is smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Take care not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.
5. Add Pink Food Coloring:
Add pink food coloring a few drops at a time to the dough. Gently mix after each addition until you reach your desired shade of pink. Be careful to mix gently so your dough stays soft.
6. Shape and Coat Your Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll these dough balls in pink sanding sugar or colored sugar to coat them well.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place your coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. For extra sparkle, gently press a few sprinkles on top of each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers are still a bit soft.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after you take them out of the oven. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your lovely soft pink sugar cookies with a sweet, crunchy sugar coating on the outside and a tender, chewy inside!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Pink Sugar Cookies?
Yes! Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake frozen dough balls an extra 2-3 minutes—no need to thaw.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft longer, add a slice of bread inside the container to maintain moisture.
Can I Substitute Sour Cream in the Dough?
Absolutely! You can swap sour cream with an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk. These will keep the cookies tender and moist with a similar tangy flavor.
How Do I Get a Vibrant Pink Color?
Gel food coloring works best for a bright pink without adding too much liquid. Add a few drops gradually until you reach your favorite shade. Natural options like beet juice can be used but may yield a softer color.
