Description
These Pink Lemonade Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, infused with the tangy, refreshing flavor of pink lemonade concentrate. Soft, chewy, and lightly sweetened, they make the perfect summer treat or a fun dessert to brighten any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup frozen pink lemonade concentrate (thawed)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a creamy base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in the thawed pink lemonade concentrate and optional food coloring to achieve the desired pink hue.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures they are evenly distributed for consistent texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and making the cookies tough.
- Form and Coat Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll them into balls, then roll each ball in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar to create a lightly crunchy exterior.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the bottoms turn a light golden color.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their chewy texture.
Notes
- For an extra tangy flavor boost, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
- Optional: Drizzle cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of pink lemonade concentrate for added sweetness and decoration.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to avoid sticking and aid in clean-up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
