Pastel Crinkle Cookies (Printable Version)
Soft, chewy cookies with pastel colors and a crackled powdered sugar coating. Perfect for spring celebrations.
# What You 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 - Gel food coloring in pink, yellow, green, and blue or colors of choice
→ For Rolling
10 - ¾ cup powdered sugar
# Directions:
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, depending on desired number of colors. 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.
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 -
- The crackled exterior gives way to the most tender, melt in your mouth center that feels like eating a cloud
- These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat, especially with little helpers who love the rolling process
02 -
- Over mixing the dough once the flour is added will make these tough, so stop as soon as everything combines
- Do not skip the powdered sugar coating, it is what creates those gorgeous crackles as the cookies spread
03 -
- Scoop all your dough balls before rolling in sugar to ensure uniform sizing
- Wash your hands between colors or wear gloves to keep your pastels pure