Pastel Crinkle Cookies (Printable)
Soft, chewy cookies with pastel colors and a crackled powdered sugar coating, ready in 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon salt
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 - ¼ cup whole milk
→ For Coloring
09 - Pink, yellow, green, and blue gel food coloring
→ For Rolling
10 - ¾ cup powdered sugar
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix well.
05 - Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two parts, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
06 - Divide the dough evenly into 3 or 4 bowls. Tint each portion with a few drops of gel food coloring, mixing gently to achieve pastel shades.
07 - Chill dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
08 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in powdered sugar until well coated, and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and tops are crackled but still soft in the center.
10 - Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They look like tiny edible clouds, the crackled sugar coating making each one feel like a little surprise
- The dough is incredibly forgiving and the colors turn out perfectly soft every single time
02 -
- Dont skip the chilling step if your dough feels warm or sticky, it prevents spreading too thin
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to keep the dough consistency perfect
03 -
- Roll the dough balls twice in powdered sugar for extra dramatic cracking
- Lemon or almond extract can completely transform the flavor profile